biglite351

I seem to see conflicting reports on here... so I just wanted verification. Was the opti issue resolved for the 95 and 96 C4's or was it still a get-wet problem? It seems like everyone agrees in the 94 back... but there seems some conflict for 95 and 96.

Thanks,
Jim

sothpaw2

'95 up is supposed to be an improvement but I still wouldn't wash the engine. I never had trouble with the '93 design.

94z07fx3

The issue never was simply getting them wet. It is a combination of failed seals and wet particularly any liquid that leaves a residue on the lens of the optical sensor.

The 95+ Corvette opti vacuum vent did not solve the problem but greatly reduced it.

The problem is over inflated anyway. One guy, recently, was worked up over the hype to the point he asked about driving in the rain.

It boils down to this no matter the year: If you pressure wash the engine bay do not spray the opti and do not let coolant leaks go unrepaired.

biglite351

Thanks for the super quick replies and for not blasting me for yet another Opti thread.

SAY WHEN

95 & 6s were vented and used engine vacuum to pull moisture out of them so yes-- it was a big improvement --but they still don't like water/coolant/moisture----i replaced mine at around 71K a very slight water pump leak killed it --so slight it had gone unnoticed by the previous owner who was actually pretty **** about maintaining the Vette---some forum members go well over 100K w/no problems---basically none of the optis like getting wet--5 & 6s are the best years BUT not perfect

MikeC4

Take a look at this disassembled Opti from my '94 with 59K miles. You can see the massive oxidation effect from moisture ingress :

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...ight=optispark

PLRX

Enough is enough with the Opti threads. The only solution to fix an Opti is to replace it. I hope you read this because the Opti is not like a distributor which you can just replace the rotor or the cap or the HID or the plastic gear.

If your Optic is bad, buy a new one and likely, the water pump is next so do yourself a favor and get a new H2O pump with a new thermostat. Use your choice of coolant with distilled water.

MK 82

Going the route of the first 99,999.

STEVEN13

My 1992 opti had 90,000 before it was changed.

Good unit in a bad location.

Steven

89er

Replace it with another Opti? What would be the challenge to replace it with a magnetic device?

89er

I just took a look at one and it looks challenging, though not impossible. Maybe a laser could cut slots where the lines are and the sensor could be a hall effect device.

donivan3

I'm still running the stock Opti at 40,000 miles on my 95 coupe so I should be good to go for awhile but let me ask you guys that have gone to the MSD Opti, does the MSD Opti, with it's better construction make the "getting wet" problem of the orginal Opti a thing of the past?

skybolt31

That is an excellent question, but unfortunately one without an answer as of yet. I have searched, as have others, and the reality is that they have not been out long enough to answer that question. Many have pointed to all of the superior construction features and while that is great, none of that necessarily translates to longer life. It seems that MSD suffered from some initial QC problems and now have that under control and there just needs to be the passage of time to see if they truly have the longevity that the price would dictate. There have been some people on this list with recent problems though. It would be nice if the unit proves to be the virtual end all of opti problems.