MSD Optispark Problems?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
MSD Optispark Problems?
I have a 93 corvette LT1 that I am cleaning up for a jeep project. I am looking at the MSD optispark with included vent hoses, which seems to save a few steps over converting a ventless delco/delphi. I have read both positive and negative reviews for the MSD, but nothing too recent. Are you guys still having problems with the MSD opti? Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 34,988
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From: Riverside County Southern California
Co-winner 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
2018 Corvette of Year Finalist
2017 C4 of Year
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St. Jude Donor '09 thru '20
I have a 93 corvette LT1 that I am cleaning up for a jeep project. I am looking at the MSD optispark with included vent hoses, which seems to save a few steps over converting a ventless delco/delphi. I have read both positive and negative reviews for the MSD, but nothing too recent. Are you guys still having problems with the MSD opti? Thanks.
Jeep, water, mud, river crossing.....
Opti, located above the hub....river crossing.....total failure
The MSD is a great piece of gear but, is not waterproof.
Unless, your jeep project is a street Jeep. One jeep that would never see off roading.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
From: Casa Grande Az
an Opti for a jeep project....hmm....hmmmm
Jeep, water, mud, river crossing.....
Opti, located above the hub....river crossing.....total failure
The MSD is a great piece of gear but, is not waterproof.
Unless, your jeep project is a street Jeep. One jeep that would never see off roading.
Jeep, water, mud, river crossing.....
Opti, located above the hub....river crossing.....total failure
The MSD is a great piece of gear but, is not waterproof.
Unless, your jeep project is a street Jeep. One jeep that would never see off roading.
Pretty much sums it up. The MSD Unit is pretty good however it is not a submarine.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,385
Likes: 4
From: King George VA
an Opti for a jeep project....hmm....hmmmm
Jeep, water, mud, river crossing.....
Opti, located above the hub....river crossing.....total failure
The MSD is a great piece of gear but, is not waterproof.
Unless, your jeep project is a street Jeep. One jeep that would never see off roading.
Jeep, water, mud, river crossing.....
Opti, located above the hub....river crossing.....total failure
The MSD is a great piece of gear but, is not waterproof.
Unless, your jeep project is a street Jeep. One jeep that would never see off roading.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Who said we were crossing rivers? Just like every corvette is not destined for the track, water crossings are not in my Jeep future. A little rock crawling and trail riding though. Anyway - back to the question. Can you even drive this engine in the rain or what?
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 3,793
Likes: 9
From: VA
I have a 93 corvette LT1 that I am cleaning up for a jeep project. I am looking at the MSD optispark with included vent hoses, which seems to save a few steps over converting a ventless delco/delphi. I have read both positive and negative reviews for the MSD, but nothing too recent. Are you guys still having problems with the MSD opti? Thanks.
Since then it seems to be solid.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,771
Likes: 177
From: Rolla Missouri
2021 C4 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist
St. Jude Donor '10 thru '25
Yes you can drive an Opti equipped engine in the rain.
I even do full engine bay washes on mine (although I'll admit, I have the later generation Opti).
It has over 109,000 miles on the factory Opti without any issues.
Of course the river crossing comments are true. It probably wouldn't survive that. But no distributor would (if you submerged it in water).
What really does the most damage is when/if the water pump fails, and you get "coolant" running all over the Opti.
That coolant is not the same as regular water, and will cause corrosion to the Opti internals.
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 497
Likes: 1
From: Casa Grande Az
Yup , if your not going snorkeling in your jeep you should be good to go with a MSD opti.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
From: Maryland
Thanks guys for the feedback! The opti problems took a little shine off of the excitement that I had for installing this 300 hp engine. I'll get the MSD and will steer clear of water crossings (that just leads to problems for the whole vehicle anyway). Also putting on a new water pump (of course).
