92 Optispark
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Intermediate
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 41
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From: Ft Wayne IN
92 Optispark
I'm going to change my optispark before having any problems. Has anyone used either the MSD or the Dynaspark for a 92? I have also thought about using the GM and doing the venting my self. Any thoughts?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
To be honest, GM has had some QC issues of late. I don't think they are using the OEM Mitsubishi optics any longer.
Why are you replacing it? Codes? Talk to me!
The MSD might be ok, I have heard some issues regarding internal fitment of the dust shield. The DynaSpark seems to be the best by far. It is well made and rebuildable. A bit pricy, but if you plan on keeping the car, go for it.
Another option are any of the Spark bypass kits. As long as you are not getting any codes, the Opti part is fine. www.bailey-eng.com and www.del-tech.com both have kits that use either LS1 coils or Northstar coil packs, respectively. I have the LS1 system (LTCC from Bailey) and it is REAL nice. Been in there for nearly 4 years and 40k miles. It's just a bit annoying to install... making brackets and such.
Venting the GM cap is easy, a high speed dremel tool with a good carbide bit will cut it open fast.
Why are you replacing it? Codes? Talk to me!
The MSD might be ok, I have heard some issues regarding internal fitment of the dust shield. The DynaSpark seems to be the best by far. It is well made and rebuildable. A bit pricy, but if you plan on keeping the car, go for it.
Another option are any of the Spark bypass kits. As long as you are not getting any codes, the Opti part is fine. www.bailey-eng.com and www.del-tech.com both have kits that use either LS1 coils or Northstar coil packs, respectively. I have the LS1 system (LTCC from Bailey) and it is REAL nice. Been in there for nearly 4 years and 40k miles. It's just a bit annoying to install... making brackets and such.
Venting the GM cap is easy, a high speed dremel tool with a good carbide bit will cut it open fast.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
then don't mess with it. It ain't broke, don't fix it.
The Opti RARELY fails in such a way that the car just quits. It will throw codes long before that happens. And 52k is about 15k before it usually starts to fail. Wait a year. Or more.
The Opti RARELY fails in such a way that the car just quits. It will throw codes long before that happens. And 52k is about 15k before it usually starts to fail. Wait a year. Or more.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
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Instructor
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 139
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From: Graniteville SC
Opti
I have 90K on my 1992 conv. Corvette with the original opti. I just changed the plugs at 80K because of a sluggish starting condition. I have changed out the water pump two years ago because of bearing noise.
So I would keep going just like already said.
So I would keep going just like already said.
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 125
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From: Kemah Texas
My opti went 132000 before failure and it might still be going today if not for the water pump... This 92 conv was garage kept and only went out when the top could go down, which is 10 months here on the Gulf coast. I just did a throttle body cleaning and "WOW"... Found out where all my power had gone!!!! Will now start cleaning this more often!!!
Last edited by easy2no; Apr 8, 2007 at 09:12 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,140
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From: Cincinnati Ohio
Ive been running the MSD unit for almost a year now with no issues.
Bolted right in, and the car started right up after the install. Runs fine all the way to 6000.... Ive smacked it off the limiter once or twice
Dyna is a good product too from what Ive read/heard..
But I gots to agree with whats been said above regarding the opti
If it aint broke dont fix it
Bolted right in, and the car started right up after the install. Runs fine all the way to 6000.... Ive smacked it off the limiter once or twice
Dyna is a good product too from what Ive read/heard..
But I gots to agree with whats been said above regarding the opti
If it aint broke dont fix it
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Intermediate
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 37
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From: Trumbull CT
my experience
When mine went bad, it did so on the optical part, likely due to leaking water pump. It would intermittantly buck and hesitate, especially after it was warmed up. I think it will give you a warning. Better to keep an eye on the water pump. I used the Dynaspark, and it has been fine. Although I have put less than 1000 miles on since it, but I did try to make it fail, and could not 
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by bogus
Venting the GM cap is easy, a high speed dremel tool with a good carbide bit will cut it open fast.
Originally Posted by Rsmi51
No car is running fine. Just didn't want it to stop on road. I have about 52000 miles on the car. No leaks on water pump at this time.
it finally poops out, then consider your high dollar alternatives.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
I'd simply replace the cap and rotor then and seriously consider doing the vent thing by whatever means. I think this would be good PM. And then if (okay, when) it finally poops out, then consider your high dollar alternatives.
it finally poops out, then consider your high dollar alternatives.
With all of this being said, the early optisparks are not worth JUST swapping the cap on. The engineering failures of the early units makes that a real waste of time and energy. Once the cap fails, the opti itself isn't too far behind.
Last edited by bogus; Apr 8, 2007 at 04:40 PM.
Le Mans Master
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
Replaced mine with a Dynaspark unit a couple months ago when I did the waterpump.
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TB Cleaning
My opti went 132000 before failure and it might still be going today if not for the water pump... This 92 conv was garage kept and only went out when the top could go down, which is 10 months here on the Gulf coast. I just did a throttle body cleaning and "WOW"... Found out where all my power had gone!!!! Will now start cleaning this more often!!!
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: San Pedro CA
that's easy. take it off and clean it with Valvoline EFI and Carb cleaner. It gets REAL nasty inside behind the butterflies.
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From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
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St. Jude Donor '12
NAPA sells a good rebuild gasket set for the TB, does not include the "gasket" for the TPS, but has everything else including o rings for the injectors if you pull them.
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From: Maryville Tn
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With all the labor involved, this is something you don't want to screw with unless you have to. 
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: San Diego California
Is the opti spark something that could fail mid drive? I was in second gear low rpm when my engine conked out. I thought it must be fuel pump but when I turn the ignition on I hear the pump firing up.. When I crank the engine turns over but does not start... either spark or fuel just wondering if the opti is known to fail like that.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
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From: San Pedro CA
Is the opti spark something that could fail mid drive? I was in second gear low rpm when my engine conked out. I thought it must be fuel pump but when I turn the ignition on I hear the pump firing up.. When I crank the engine turns over but does not start... either spark or fuel just wondering if the opti is known to fail like that.