opti-spark by Wellcharter
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12
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From: Northbrook IL
opti-spark by Wellcharter
The water pump on my 1994 LT-1 is dead. Going to replace it. And while I am in there also going to replace the opti-spark. Thinking about buying a Wellcharter opti-spark. Has anyone heard anything about this company and their products.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 1,363
Likes: 7
From: 1994 LT1 Coupe 6-speed with FX3 & 2000 LS1 Vert 6-Speed with F45 Hunterdon County, NJ
never heard about that brand, just checked out their website -- seems like they are a very new company, which doesn't mean the product is not good -- I'm interested to see if anyone responds too.
However, one question is will their Opti-Spark distributor include the upgraded (i.e. 95/96) ventilation (i.e. two connectors for attaching to two vacume hoses which are attached to the post-filter intake and mainifold to create a constant air flow through the Opti-Spark to practically eliminate the pre 95 issues of water/anti-freeze intrusion and resultant damage).
If not, given some of the issues members are having with other after-market Opti-sparks, I for one, will (when needed) choose a GM 94 OPTI and upgrade it to the 95/96 venting/sealant (see the tech tips, for the how-to).
BTW, how did your water pump "die"? also how many miles on it and what was the condition of the vanes (i.e. corroded or ok). Reason for the question is our 94 has 100k and I have wondered if the water pump vanes are worn and contribute to what appears to be slow water movement under 2k rpms.
However, one question is will their Opti-Spark distributor include the upgraded (i.e. 95/96) ventilation (i.e. two connectors for attaching to two vacume hoses which are attached to the post-filter intake and mainifold to create a constant air flow through the Opti-Spark to practically eliminate the pre 95 issues of water/anti-freeze intrusion and resultant damage).
If not, given some of the issues members are having with other after-market Opti-sparks, I for one, will (when needed) choose a GM 94 OPTI and upgrade it to the 95/96 venting/sealant (see the tech tips, for the how-to).
BTW, how did your water pump "die"? also how many miles on it and what was the condition of the vanes (i.e. corroded or ok). Reason for the question is our 94 has 100k and I have wondered if the water pump vanes are worn and contribute to what appears to be slow water movement under 2k rpms.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Northbrook IL
I also went to Wellcharter's web page. Even sent tham an e-mail,asking about thier unit. From their response I do not think it is the later model unit, ie 95-96.
Not sure how my water pump died, all I know is that it is leaking right now. Perhaps when I get the pump off the Corvette I can see why it failed. 48 k on the Corvette right now.
Not sure how my water pump died, all I know is that it is leaking right now. Perhaps when I get the pump off the Corvette I can see why it failed. 48 k on the Corvette right now.
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
From: Round Rock, TX
Looks like just another OEM ignition manufacturer out of China similar to OEM parts you would get at your local auto parts store. They're probably OK but, if your going to go through the hassle of changing it out why now upgrade to a performance unit.
I would go with an Accel or MSD unit. The nice thing about the MSD 93-94 unit is that it is already plumbed for vacuum lines without having to go through the 95+ conversion. The Accel unit only appears to be for 95+.
Accel Optispark 95+ http://www.accel-ignition.com/Produc...txtSearch=opti
MSD Optispark 95-97 http://www.msdignition.com/product.a...erms=optispark
MSD Optispark 93-94 http://www.msdignition.com/product.a...erms=optispark
I would go with an Accel or MSD unit. The nice thing about the MSD 93-94 unit is that it is already plumbed for vacuum lines without having to go through the 95+ conversion. The Accel unit only appears to be for 95+.
Accel Optispark 95+ http://www.accel-ignition.com/Produc...txtSearch=opti
MSD Optispark 95-97 http://www.msdignition.com/product.a...erms=optispark
MSD Optispark 93-94 http://www.msdignition.com/product.a...erms=optispark
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Be sure and swap out the plugs, wires and looms, too, while you're under there.
There'll be no better time to do such labor-intensive tasks since you'll have the drive belt, alternator and intake bellows out of the way during the procedure.
There'll be no better time to do such labor-intensive tasks since you'll have the drive belt, alternator and intake bellows out of the way during the procedure.
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