Opticspark distributor help.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 211
Likes: 0
From: miami fl
Opticspark distributor help.
Im looking to buy a new opticspark distributor for my 94, but I don't know which one to pick. So many of them outthere ranging from $80.00 to 500.00. I don't want to spend too much money and sametime don't want to go cheap on them. Please see link below. thank you.
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/_Car-Tru...fxdZ1QQ_ptasZ1
http://motors.shop.ebay.com/_Car-Tru...fxdZ1QQ_ptasZ1
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,756
Likes: 0
From: Wichita KS
Be carefull. If you are wanting to replace the whole unit. Some of those low prices are just the cap & rotor.
you also have to consider upgrading to the '95 - '96 version which has a vacuum port for drawing out moisture. If you intend on keeping the car, it might be wise to invest in the MSD Opti. Which costs around $500
you also have to consider upgrading to the '95 - '96 version which has a vacuum port for drawing out moisture. If you intend on keeping the car, it might be wise to invest in the MSD Opti. Which costs around $500
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 1,492
Likes: 94
From: Westfield MA
My view on the opti is this; if you have a 94 or older spring for the MSD as now you are vented, if you are 95 or newer, OEM is good. I would stay away from any of the non-MSD clones, on Ebay, thepartsladi sells Delphi as OEM and people have had good luck with them, any of the others have had mixed reviews. I think it is too big of a job to cheap out on parts.
just my view, your mileage may vary..................
just my view, your mileage may vary..................
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
if you have the money: MSD. I didn't have the money and went with a slightly used AC Delco from a camaro guy who decided to go redo his car with a alternative setup shortly after replacing it.
Many auctions on ebay claiming theirs are OEM while other people say they are not. Hard to judge from ebay feedback because most people leave feedback when they receive, and unless parts are total crap they will look like they work for a while...
RE Venting - There are actually 3 vent holes on the bottom of the early optis... just not vacuum vented. AFAICT it is not so straighforward to install one of the later vacuum-vented units, but the early ones can be modded for a vacuum vent:
Fixing An Opti-Spark Distributor Without Reaching For A Hammer
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
Complete vented Optispark replacement guide
http://www.fierolt1.com/lt1_95_up_OptiReplace.htm
This is something I want to look in to further. Good links to this process and alternatives, with photos, would be appreciated. I hate how Corvettefever presents articles, and always slow to load between the picture pages.
I now have my old opti out... new one not installed yet
Many auctions on ebay claiming theirs are OEM while other people say they are not. Hard to judge from ebay feedback because most people leave feedback when they receive, and unless parts are total crap they will look like they work for a while...
RE Venting - There are actually 3 vent holes on the bottom of the early optis... just not vacuum vented. AFAICT it is not so straighforward to install one of the later vacuum-vented units, but the early ones can be modded for a vacuum vent:
Fixing An Opti-Spark Distributor Without Reaching For A Hammer
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
Complete vented Optispark replacement guide
http://www.fierolt1.com/lt1_95_up_OptiReplace.htm
This is something I want to look in to further. Good links to this process and alternatives, with photos, would be appreciated. I hate how Corvettefever presents articles, and always slow to load between the picture pages.
I now have my old opti out... new one not installed yet
Last edited by geist; May 11, 2008 at 01:06 PM.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 747
Likes: 93
From: Marietta, GA
I have a 94 and I went with an MSD about a year a go. So far, so good. It is vented and seemed like high quality to me.
I guess it kind of depends on how long you plan to keep your car, but as others have said, I would at least go with an OEM AC/Delco or up to a MSD if you can afford it. If you are going to sell your car soon, then a cheaper option might be OK.
I guess it kind of depends on how long you plan to keep your car, but as others have said, I would at least go with an OEM AC/Delco or up to a MSD if you can afford it. If you are going to sell your car soon, then a cheaper option might be OK.
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