Optispark (what to look for when rebuilding)
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 7
From: Ft Wayne IN
Optispark (what to look for when rebuilding)
I am rebuilding my 140,000 mi. 92 motor and was wondering what to look for other than the cap and rotor. How do I tell if the unit needs replaced? Can the bearings be replaced? what is to sloppy of a endplay on the bearing? Thanks in advance and wish all a good Holiday!
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,267
Likes: 9
From: Camarillo CA
I would replace the unit with the MSD kit...it is not much more than factory and way better. If you are going to do performance applications you should add the coil too. I had my Opti go bad twice in 50K miles. Do the upgrade as well to vent it. 96-97 unit.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 9,946
Likes: 38
From: South Carolina
St. Jude Donor '03 & '05
Just spin the opti and listen for the bearing, It should be quiet. Also, if you can wiggle the shaft in the back at all its bearing is on the way out. The bearing is replaceable, but like I am doing now, it is not easy to get bearings. I am going to take the NTN bearing, SXO3A13LUAC525 (best I could read even with a magnifying glass and light) to a bearing wholesaler Monday. The optical sensor was used in Chrysler 3.0 litre V6, for example, in 1990. I have yet to compare the two, but good luck trying to just find one from Mitsubishi as they are the makers of the J520 Optical sensor.
Now, unless you plan on racing, or modifying heavily and going over 6000 rpm, an OEM GM Opti is fine, not partslady off of ebay.
MSD is overkill imho as well as a Dynaspark, yet both are very nice, just spensive.
Now, unless you plan on racing, or modifying heavily and going over 6000 rpm, an OEM GM Opti is fine, not partslady off of ebay.
MSD is overkill imho as well as a Dynaspark, yet both are very nice, just spensive.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,014
Likes: 7
From: Ft Wayne IN
MSD? I haven't herd one good thing about them for what they cost. OEM has lasted 140,000 without a problem so I can't see why to upgrade. I thought the parts lady had the best prices are her parts none OEM? Has anyone used the Summitt brand? I have no idea who makes them though.
I have a 92 gen I opti. I have to change the whole gear case to run the newer don't I?
I have a 92 gen I opti. I have to change the whole gear case to run the newer don't I?
Last edited by C4vettrn; Nov 28, 2009 at 03:48 PM. Reason: add
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
MSD? I haven't herd one good thing about them for what they cost. OEM has lasted 140,000 without a problem so I can't see why to upgrade. I thought the parts lady had the best prices are her parts none OEM? Has anyone used the Summitt brand? I have no idea who makes them though.
I have a 92 gen I opti. I have to change the whole gear case to run the newer don't I?
I have a 92 gen I opti. I have to change the whole gear case to run the newer don't I?
OPTI swap is pretty simple Scranage and I converted his to a vented a few years back basically you need:
95 Y or F timing cover or 94=95 B body timing cover,
gen II opti harness,
some vacuum lines
change/set the cam dowel to the proper length to drive the vented opti
and a vented opti
Most of the parts are cheap...I've seen the timing covers on ebay for 50 bones or so...the harness is for around 20
Mike
