Which Opti to go with?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Mustang Oklahoma
Which Opti to go with?
Again, I've been away for far too long.
Dealing with a '94 LT1. My water pump has started leaving it's mark on the ground under the car. Some days, it's a trail all the way out the back of the car. Others, not so much as a drop.
It's driving me crazy to say the least.
I tore my '86 apart to replace the water pump, so I'm somewhat familiar with the procedure.
I have the factory manual for the '94, and I'll be tearing it apart soon to begin R&R of the pieces.
Any suggestions on who to go with for a water pump replacement? Also, who do you guys like for the Opti? I'm assuming that since I've got the car tore down to the water pump, I should probably go ahead and replace it, considering the car has 107k on it now. I've read the FAQ and seen DelTeq, LTCC, and Dynatech mentioned. Any preferences on who's better or worse? Where can I purchase them?
Thanks guys and gals!
Dealing with a '94 LT1. My water pump has started leaving it's mark on the ground under the car. Some days, it's a trail all the way out the back of the car. Others, not so much as a drop.
It's driving me crazy to say the least.I tore my '86 apart to replace the water pump, so I'm somewhat familiar with the procedure.
I have the factory manual for the '94, and I'll be tearing it apart soon to begin R&R of the pieces.
Any suggestions on who to go with for a water pump replacement? Also, who do you guys like for the Opti? I'm assuming that since I've got the car tore down to the water pump, I should probably go ahead and replace it, considering the car has 107k on it now. I've read the FAQ and seen DelTeq, LTCC, and Dynatech mentioned. Any preferences on who's better or worse? Where can I purchase them?
Thanks guys and gals!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
DelTeq and LTCC both still utilize the signal from the opti, so you would need a new opti PLUS the Delteq or LTCC kit IF your current opti is indeed dying from the bath. So given that situation, if it were me I'd just go with a new Dynaspark opti unless you need the ultra high rpm capability of the Delteq or LTCC. If you even need a new opti. But I see your logic since you're going to have it apart for the water pump change-out anyhow.
Team Owner
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 32,782
Likes: 11
From: Former NCM Drag Racing coordinator, National director Corvette Challenge Spring Hill, Tennessee: Whiting, New Jersey
Cruise-In VI Veteran
Cruise-In VII Veteran
I'm still using the OEM OPTI, with the coil the car came with new. I don't see a need to go spend all that money if the car doesn't need it.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,935
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
The OEM is just fine. It seems once higher RPMs and modified cars come into play that OEM gets to be a weak link. But, if I were to go back to a Opti I would go MSD, then Dynaspark then GM.
Not enough data on Accels replacement.
I use DELTEQ right now. I bought a 20-30 dollar broke Opti, cut the rotor down so there is just a cap to hold the round thing in there that has 360 holes in it that lets the Opti signal sensor send data to the Delteq for timing. I sealed the crap out of the cap with right stuff.
When putting an aftermarket Opti in a modified engine, fitment is of upmost importance, from the camshaft dowel pin etc on down.
Heres what they look like when improperly installed and too many rpms come into play
Not enough data on Accels replacement.
I use DELTEQ right now. I bought a 20-30 dollar broke Opti, cut the rotor down so there is just a cap to hold the round thing in there that has 360 holes in it that lets the Opti signal sensor send data to the Delteq for timing. I sealed the crap out of the cap with right stuff.
When putting an aftermarket Opti in a modified engine, fitment is of upmost importance, from the camshaft dowel pin etc on down.
Heres what they look like when improperly installed and too many rpms come into play
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 531
Likes: 0
From: Manama Bahrain
Originally Posted by steve40th
The OEM is just fine. It seems once higher RPMs and modified cars come into play that OEM gets to be a weak link. But, if I were to go back to a Opti I would go MSD, then Dynaspark then GM.
Not enough data on Accels replacement.
I use DELTEQ right now. I bought a 20-30 dollar broke Opti, cut the rotor down so there is just a cap to hold the round thing in there that has 360 holes in it that lets the Opti signal sensor send data to the Delteq for timing. I sealed the crap out of the cap with right stuff.
When putting an aftermarket Opti in a modified engine, fitment is of upmost importance, from the camshaft dowel pin etc on down.
Heres what they look like when improperly installed and too many rpms come into play
Not enough data on Accels replacement.
I use DELTEQ right now. I bought a 20-30 dollar broke Opti, cut the rotor down so there is just a cap to hold the round thing in there that has 360 holes in it that lets the Opti signal sensor send data to the Delteq for timing. I sealed the crap out of the cap with right stuff.
When putting an aftermarket Opti in a modified engine, fitment is of upmost importance, from the camshaft dowel pin etc on down.
Heres what they look like when improperly installed and too many rpms come into play
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,935
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Originally Posted by honda hunter
Any reason you have the MSD over the Dynaspark? MSD had some issues in the begining but I think that was like a first batch thing. Ive also heard that the MSD is rated at a higher rpm than the MSD. What are your thoughts?
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 0
From: Largo Florida
Originally Posted by honda hunter
Any reason you have the MSD over the Dynaspark? MSD had some issues in the begining but I think that was like a first batch thing. Ive also heard that the MSD is rated at a higher rpm than the MSD. What are your thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 2,270
Likes: 118
From: N. Babylon NY
Originally Posted by ericcer
I bought the MSD because it was rated at a higher RPM than the Dynaspark. The Dynaspark max RPM was not much better than a stock LT4 redline. Plus MSD makes great products.
Hi,
You may not remember me-you tried to help me with a Delteq problem I was having 2 years ago. Anyway-are you still using the Delteq? The Delteq never worked right on my 1992. Both JC and Pete came to my house to try to fix and even considered buying my car. Those guys are great I would never say anything bad-just curious if you still ran the Delteq.
Thanks,
Steven
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Mustang Oklahoma
Well let me ask this then.
The *only* reason I've been considering the Opti replacement is because I've got to strip the motor down almost that far anyway to do the water pump.
The Opti isn't giving me any problems yet, but from what I've read, when you're there, you should do it, especially on an 80k plus motor.
What's the concensus? Should I go ahead and replace it, or is it not worth the trouble if mine's still working at 107k?
The *only* reason I've been considering the Opti replacement is because I've got to strip the motor down almost that far anyway to do the water pump.
The Opti isn't giving me any problems yet, but from what I've read, when you're there, you should do it, especially on an 80k plus motor.
What's the concensus? Should I go ahead and replace it, or is it not worth the trouble if mine's still working at 107k?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 847
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
Originally Posted by Gixster
Well let me ask this then.
The *only* reason I've been considering the Opti replacement is because I've got to strip the motor down almost that far anyway to do the water pump.
The Opti isn't giving me any problems yet, but from what I've read, when you're there, you should do it, especially on an 80k plus motor.
What's the concensus? Should I go ahead and replace it, or is it not worth the trouble if mine's still working at 107k?
The *only* reason I've been considering the Opti replacement is because I've got to strip the motor down almost that far anyway to do the water pump.
The Opti isn't giving me any problems yet, but from what I've read, when you're there, you should do it, especially on an 80k plus motor.
What's the concensus? Should I go ahead and replace it, or is it not worth the trouble if mine's still working at 107k?
. Just my opinion 
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,296
Likes: 0
From: Largo Florida
Originally Posted by STEVEN13
Hi,
You may not remember me-you tried to help me with a Delteq problem I was having 2 years ago. Anyway-are you still using the Delteq? The Delteq never worked right on my 1992. Both JC and Pete came to my house to try to fix and even considered buying my car. Those guys are great I would never say anything bad-just curious if you still ran the Delteq.
Thanks,
Steven
You may not remember me-you tried to help me with a Delteq problem I was having 2 years ago. Anyway-are you still using the Delteq? The Delteq never worked right on my 1992. Both JC and Pete came to my house to try to fix and even considered buying my car. Those guys are great I would never say anything bad-just curious if you still ran the Delteq.
Thanks,
Steven
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 173
Likes: 0
From: Mustang Oklahoma
Well guys the water pump is still leaking sporadically. I've driven the car for 2 weeks now, and it hasn't hiccupped or quit on me yet, but I am going to start tearing it down this weekend I hope.
From what I'm reading, it seems the concensus is to go ahead and replace the Opti? Mine's working, and I'll pop the cap off to check it when I'm in there, but if everything looks fine, should I really bother?
If I do anything distributor related, I'll replace it. I thought about just replacing the cap/rotor assembly, but GM wants $442 for that.
Little on the ridiculous side when an MSD Opti isn't much more.
This should be a fun project, along with my steering rack that started getting a little stiff every day or so. Guess I'll get some Valvoline Syntech ps fluid for it and see if that will fix that problem for a while.
From what I'm reading, it seems the concensus is to go ahead and replace the Opti? Mine's working, and I'll pop the cap off to check it when I'm in there, but if everything looks fine, should I really bother?
If I do anything distributor related, I'll replace it. I thought about just replacing the cap/rotor assembly, but GM wants $442 for that.
Little on the ridiculous side when an MSD Opti isn't much more. This should be a fun project, along with my steering rack that started getting a little stiff every day or so. Guess I'll get some Valvoline Syntech ps fluid for it and see if that will fix that problem for a while.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Guntersville Alabama
Check to see if your waterpump drive shaft seal is leaking oil. If it is, I suggest swapping to an electric water pump. If you stay with the conventional water pump, go ahead and buy a new shaft coupler. The reason you need one is the bad bearing in the water pump can ruin the splines in the coupler. If you do not notice the oil leak then your lucky. This leak if very hard to stop. I have been into my 93 twice trying to correct the leak.
Just a little bit of advice.
93cruiser
Just a little bit of advice.
93cruiser
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 399
Likes: 2
From: Newtown PA
If your waterpump has been leaking and your engine has 107,000 miles on it, odds are that your Opti will need replacing soon. I cant imagine how the rotor and cap are not worn with that kind of mileage. However, I wouldn't spend any more money than I have to (e.g., for multicoil units) unless you are seriously building the motor.
If it was my car, I'd buy a new GM Opti. I've purchased two "high performance" aftermarket distributors in the past (looong time ago). The first one was made by Accel, and it was total junk (my experience with their spark plug wires and coils has not been much better). It lasted less than one year. I replaced it with a Mallory distributor and didn't care for it either, although at least it didnt self destruct. I eventually put the OEM distributor back in the motor because it worked the best and was the most reliable.
If it was my car, I'd buy a new GM Opti. I've purchased two "high performance" aftermarket distributors in the past (looong time ago). The first one was made by Accel, and it was total junk (my experience with their spark plug wires and coils has not been much better). It lasted less than one year. I replaced it with a Mallory distributor and didn't care for it either, although at least it didnt self destruct. I eventually put the OEM distributor back in the motor because it worked the best and was the most reliable.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
Likes: 1
From: NY
Have nothing positive to say about the OEM Opti's. 
Replaced mine along with the waterpump, plugs and wires 3k miles ago and it just recently crapped out on me....again. 
I've done some research and will be going with the DynaSpark this time.
Replaced mine along with the waterpump, plugs and wires 3k miles ago and it just recently crapped out on me....again. I've done some research and will be going with the DynaSpark this time.