Opti-spark
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 1,009
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Opti-spark
Hi, I am new to the C4 forum as I have a C3 but I wanted to post this for a buddy of mine with a 92. He has noticed a random misfire or loss of power and has replaced the plug wires and plugs to no avail. I know the opti-sparks have a habit of giving out. What are the symptoms of an impending failure. Could this be a fuel problem. Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,659
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Re: Opti-spark (69ttop502)
This is exactly what happened to me on my 1993 6speed with 32000 miles.
Idled fine, but occasionally misfired (car felt like it stumbled under hard acceleration) around 4000 RPM, once even I hit it off idle in first gear, and it stuttered.
Replacing my plugs and wires solved this problem (for the week I drove it before taking it apart for a hot cam install)
When it was apart, we took apart the opti and the inside rotor was rusted, and the shaft bushing was worn out. Had to replace that too.
Wasn't cheap $627 for the part alone, some people can get it much cheaper though
Idled fine, but occasionally misfired (car felt like it stumbled under hard acceleration) around 4000 RPM, once even I hit it off idle in first gear, and it stuttered.
Replacing my plugs and wires solved this problem (for the week I drove it before taking it apart for a hot cam install)
When it was apart, we took apart the opti and the inside rotor was rusted, and the shaft bushing was worn out. Had to replace that too.
Wasn't cheap $627 for the part alone, some people can get it much cheaper though
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,181
Likes: 0
From: Puyallup Washington
Re: Opti-spark (69ttop502)
When mine failed it woud miss and skip at idle, sometimes almost die, the tach would also jump. As it got worse it would cut out at speed. Same old story, rusty bearing with rust dust everywhere. What a POS, on the 94 and earlier cars I would buy a vent kit, vent the cap and seal the hell out of it with black RTV.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 4,178
Likes: 2
From: Windermere FL
Re: Opti-spark (dizwiz24)
Here it is for under $400. You can even get it cheaper maybe from 18carfan. http://www.moreperformanceinc.com/
92TripleBlack
:cheers:
92TripleBlack
:cheers:
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 19,812
Likes: 0
From: Weirsdale (outside of Ocala) Florida
Re: Opti-spark (69ttop502)
Ditto on all of the above. I had mine replaced about two months ago. Mine skipped, stalled, put out black smoke, very hard to start, would not idle. Did all the things to really make you sick.
And yes..... Lots of $$$
And yes..... Lots of $$$
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,231
Likes: 1,009
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Re: Opti-spark (OcalaGuy)
Thanks a million for the replies everyone. Can somebody give me the number for Jeff Kopp. Also what kind of labor is involved in replacing this thing. Under that hood looks intimidating compared to my 69. Thanks again.
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