Ignition system safe on a LT4 Optispark?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,141
Likes: 1
From: McKinney Texas
Ignition system safe on a LT4 Optispark?
Just curious. I know that increased spark is good for the engine because it makes it run smoother and more efficiently, but does this hold true for a Corvette with an optispark? Basically, would it be safe to put an ignition system on a LT4 vette, or would that decrease the life of the engine instead of increase it?
Thanks,
Andy
Thanks,
Andy
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 1
From: PA
Re: Ignition system safe on a LT4 Optispark? (Andy1983)
The stock Optispark has plenty spark for normally aspirated applications, so you surely don't need more energy. If you add a Jacobs or similar ignition booster, you will subject the marginal cap and rotor assembly to excessive voltage. Insulation breakdown due to dampness and close clearances is the Optispark's shortcoming, so this will surely decrease ignition reliability and could strand you on a humid day. I would not do it. If you want a better ignition, modify/seal it to prevent moisture and carbon tracking using C4 Tech Tips. On a '96 car, it would be very beneficial to remove and thoroughly clean the cap and rotor assembly. After reattaching it, you should externally coat and seal all seams with top quality black Permatex using a small paint brush. The second thing you could do to improve spark is get rid of the lame AC platinum plugs that drop rock hard platinum pucks in the cylinders of LT1's and LT4's and suddenly increase their gap by 0.020" in the process. This can cause misfire and lead to high voltage breakdown inside the Optispark. Install AC Rapidfires or reliable NGK's and if you are re-doing the Optispark, install new plug wires at the same time.
