Looking for Optispark advice
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 277
Likes: 4
From: Oro Valley AZ
Looking for Optispark advice
Hi to all,
I have read about the problems with the OEM Optispark units and am currently having some issues with what I think is the stock Optispark unit on my 96 coupe.
When the car gets hot it seems to surge at times, when I put it into a lower gear and it has load it stops surging. I have checked all the other things it could be and it all comes back to the Optispark.
So here is my question I have looked at the MSD, Accell and OEM versions and did some reading only to find that MSD has it's own set of issues Accell I have not heard anything bad about and then the obvious OEM version.
The MSD is almost 500.00 and the Accell is under 300.00 and the OEM about the same price.
Is there any reason not to get the Accell version or should I stay with either the OEM or MSD unit?
I have read about the problems with the OEM Optispark units and am currently having some issues with what I think is the stock Optispark unit on my 96 coupe.
When the car gets hot it seems to surge at times, when I put it into a lower gear and it has load it stops surging. I have checked all the other things it could be and it all comes back to the Optispark.
So here is my question I have looked at the MSD, Accell and OEM versions and did some reading only to find that MSD has it's own set of issues Accell I have not heard anything bad about and then the obvious OEM version.
The MSD is almost 500.00 and the Accell is under 300.00 and the OEM about the same price.
Is there any reason not to get the Accell version or should I stay with either the OEM or MSD unit?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 3,616
Likes: 5
From: Sandhills of North Carolina
They all have had issues if you ask me at one time or the other. I believe a lot of times it is installation and the piece gets the blame. I bought the MSD a few months ago and haven't had any problems yet.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 71
Likes: 0
From: Highland Park IL
Used the MSD opti on my '94. Installed a year ago, 6,000 miles. Works great. Replaced a Delco unit that lasted 5,000 miles. All of the brand name opti's are probably good in my opinion. The water pump is the weak link. If your car sits in the garage and you do not drive it very much the seal on the water pump shaft can fail causing a leak which wipes out the opti.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
I used the Accel Optispark in my 1995 LT-1 when I replaced the waterpump. It has been very satisfactory. I did replace all the air intake and vaccuum lines and check valves. This is the clue for vented Optispark. I will also tell you to replace the seal in the timinchain cover while the optispark is out. It comes in a $10 Felro gasket kit for the timing chain cover. I would also replace the Water Pump at this time as well as plugs, wires and all coolant hoses. It is easier when the front is exposed on the engine. Contrary to most advice here remove the Alternator,AC Compressor, the Power Steering pump (you can lay these devices on their hoses back out of the way), the Belt Tensioner and the Accessory Frame. This allows inspection and cleaning and repair of any anomilies on the front of the engine Don't forget the Damper must be unbolted from the crank adapter. A piece of 2x2 lumber and a hammer will facilitate the damper removal from the adapter.
Good Luck
Good Luck
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 164
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
Another thing about the ACCEL Optispark is to disassemble it and Locktite the screws that hold the rotor on the shaft. This advice from Summit Racing Applications/Tech help. These screws seemed to be a problem with both MSD and ACCEL Opti's at one time. It will take an E-4 inside Torx from Lisle Tools, Amazon $10 shipping included.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 7,999
Likes: 14
From: Life is just one big track event. Everything before and after is prep and warm-up and cool-down laps
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
St. Jude Donor '12
96? I'd replace it with a stock replacement (delphi/acdelco). If you re-tighten every thing in the new opti it should last at least as long as your old one.
