Yep another Opti thread
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Yep another Opti thread
Can you guys clear up a bit of confusion I have.
I want to replace the Opti on the 94 vette.
I went to summits site to order one up but now I'm a bit confused.
They offer Optispark 1 or 2 styles...
will either fit?
I'm looking for vented I believe and can someone confirm?
I'm also seeing listings for a Ignition module? is this something similiar to the earlier distributers thats located within the Opti?
I want to replace the Opti on the 94 vette.
I went to summits site to order one up but now I'm a bit confused.
They offer Optispark 1 or 2 styles...
will either fit?
I'm looking for vented I believe and can someone confirm?
I'm also seeing listings for a Ignition module? is this something similiar to the earlier distributers thats located within the Opti?
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,659
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Yours is a 94 which is the gen I (non vented) style.
You must buy that type (gen I) because the drive method is different.
However, you can mod yours into a vented style by buying a gen II cap and drilling out onne of the three weep holes for an 1/8" air inlet fitting. Epoxy the other 2 weep holes shut. Attach vac tubing to both holes and you have a vented setup. Id put a check valve and flow reducer onto the vaccuum side tubing to keep airflow in the right direction (ex. If you ever have boost) and keep suction to a minimum.
You must buy that type (gen I) because the drive method is different.
However, you can mod yours into a vented style by buying a gen II cap and drilling out onne of the three weep holes for an 1/8" air inlet fitting. Epoxy the other 2 weep holes shut. Attach vac tubing to both holes and you have a vented setup. Id put a check valve and flow reducer onto the vaccuum side tubing to keep airflow in the right direction (ex. If you ever have boost) and keep suction to a minimum.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
Your origional opti is not vented. MSD makes the first generation (92-94) that is vented and will bolt on to your car. It is supposed to be improved over the orig. but I cannot speak personally to that. Do a search on this forum to get opinions. Alot like them, others dont. To convert to the newer gen opti. you need to change cam, timing cover, and opti, and harness. Again, the msd is supposed to have all the advantages plus some and be a bolt on. At least look at his link. and then download the install instructions. It will give you an idea what it takes to replace an opti.
http://www.msdignition.com/product.aspx?id=5377
Good luck
http://www.msdignition.com/product.aspx?id=5377
Good luck
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Check out the unit which Chris Petris builds.
I hear nothing but great things.
http://petrisenterprises.com/index.p...d=20&Itemid=26
I hear nothing but great things.
http://petrisenterprises.com/index.p...d=20&Itemid=26
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Thanks for the responses. Now I understand the differance. I like the MSD but not the price.
The 3 votes here for the Petris Enterprise Opti... I assume your using them? If so how long ago did you replace it?
The cheaper ones I'll stay away from. It will either be the AC Delco or this one from Petris I think...once I get some feedback then I'll decide.
I have read up on replacing the Opti...and am extremely comfortable with doing it. After doing everything I've done to my 84 this 94 should be a breeze.
The 3 votes here for the Petris Enterprise Opti... I assume your using them? If so how long ago did you replace it?
The cheaper ones I'll stay away from. It will either be the AC Delco or this one from Petris I think...once I get some feedback then I'll decide.
I have read up on replacing the Opti...and am extremely comfortable with doing it. After doing everything I've done to my 84 this 94 should be a breeze.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I do not have Chris's Optispark because my 96 CE LT4 has the original GM distributor. No, my Vette is not a garage queen. Has over 128,000 miles, of which I personally drove each and every one!
I have known Chris for over 5 years. He is a real stand-up guy. Start another thread asking for opinions of Chris Petris and you will see what I mean.
If I ever need an Opti, Chris will be my man.
I have known Chris for over 5 years. He is a real stand-up guy. Start another thread asking for opinions of Chris Petris and you will see what I mean.
If I ever need an Opti, Chris will be my man.
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Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Interesting read of some of Chris's Corvette work:
http://www.amosauto.com/Articles/Cor...-1968-corvette
http://www.amosauto.com/Articles/Cor...-1968-corvette
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
This is the Corvette Fever article which gives a step-by-step tutorial of how Chris modifies an Optispark Distributor:
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
Enjoy!
http://www.corvettefever.com/howto/16758/index.html
Enjoy!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 5,713
Likes: 105
From: Manassas VA
I know nothing about petris enterprises. I wonder where he is getting the new opti sparks? I thought no one was manufacturing them anymore other then MSD. I did see one mistake in his article, below in bold I did a copy and paste.
For optimal Opti-Spark and engine life, Petris Enterprises Inc. recommends cooling system service and coolant fan control modifications. We replace the factory equipped 195 degree thermostat with a 180 degree unit. Next, we modify the PROM (chip) to turn the primary fan on at 205 degrees and off at 195 degrees to help keep the engine cool during extended idle periods. The secondary fan is programmed to come on at 215 degrees. 1994 LT engine control computers receive the same fan turn on-off temp treatment but they require programming for reduced temperature fan operation. To ensure optimal coolant system operation the coolant system is fully flushed and the radiator frontal areas are checked for debris clogs.
I underlined the mistake. The factory t-stat is 180 degrees. GM never used a 195 in the LT1 and that is because of design with the reverse cooling.
For optimal Opti-Spark and engine life, Petris Enterprises Inc. recommends cooling system service and coolant fan control modifications. We replace the factory equipped 195 degree thermostat with a 180 degree unit. Next, we modify the PROM (chip) to turn the primary fan on at 205 degrees and off at 195 degrees to help keep the engine cool during extended idle periods. The secondary fan is programmed to come on at 215 degrees. 1994 LT engine control computers receive the same fan turn on-off temp treatment but they require programming for reduced temperature fan operation. To ensure optimal coolant system operation the coolant system is fully flushed and the radiator frontal areas are checked for debris clogs.
I underlined the mistake. The factory t-stat is 180 degrees. GM never used a 195 in the LT1 and that is because of design with the reverse cooling.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
I used his opti and its been working for about a year now..and it comes with a real GM vent harness and not just some hoses slapped together..don't know where he got his optis but he may have just bought a bunch and modified them when you could get real ones..he's been doing this a while.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,659
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
I know nothing about petris enterprises. I wonder where he is getting the new opti sparks? I thought no one was manufacturing them anymore other then MSD. I did see one mistake in his article, below in bold I did a copy and paste.
For optimal Opti-Spark and engine life, Petris Enterprises Inc. recommends cooling system service and coolant fan control modifications. We replace the factory equipped 195 degree thermostat with a 180 degree unit. Next, we modify the PROM (chip) to turn the primary fan on at 205 degrees and off at 195 degrees to help keep the engine cool during extended idle periods. The secondary fan is programmed to come on at 215 degrees. 1994 LT engine control computers receive the same fan turn on-off temp treatment but they require programming for reduced temperature fan operation. To ensure optimal coolant system operation the coolant system is fully flushed and the radiator frontal areas are checked for debris clogs.
I underlined the mistake. The factory t-stat is 180 degrees. GM never used a 195 in the LT1 and that is because of design with the reverse cooling.
For optimal Opti-Spark and engine life, Petris Enterprises Inc. recommends cooling system service and coolant fan control modifications. We replace the factory equipped 195 degree thermostat with a 180 degree unit. Next, we modify the PROM (chip) to turn the primary fan on at 205 degrees and off at 195 degrees to help keep the engine cool during extended idle periods. The secondary fan is programmed to come on at 215 degrees. 1994 LT engine control computers receive the same fan turn on-off temp treatment but they require programming for reduced temperature fan operation. To ensure optimal coolant system operation the coolant system is fully flushed and the radiator frontal areas are checked for debris clogs.
I underlined the mistake. The factory t-stat is 180 degrees. GM never used a 195 in the LT1 and that is because of design with the reverse cooling.
Petris enterprises only does this for 92 thru 94 optisparks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 816
Likes: 40
From: Sacto Calif
Hey guys he just might have a 94 1/2 vette which has the 95 opti setup
If he has a late model 94 Then he would have the 95 opti setup.
Can you guys clear up a bit of confusion I have.
I want to replace the Opti on the 94 vette.
I went to summits site to order one up but now I'm a bit confused.
They offer Optispark 1 or 2 styles...
will either fit?
I'm looking for vented I believe and can someone confirm?
I'm also seeing listings for a Ignition module? is this something similiar to the earlier distributers thats located within the Opti?
I want to replace the Opti on the 94 vette.
I went to summits site to order one up but now I'm a bit confused.
They offer Optispark 1 or 2 styles...
will either fit?
I'm looking for vented I believe and can someone confirm?
I'm also seeing listings for a Ignition module? is this something similiar to the earlier distributers thats located within the Opti?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
I will look into that. There's no listing though for a 94 1/2 or later. I suppose I will look to see if the one in there is vented or not.
So far I'm thinking I will give petris enterprises a call this week and get as much info as possible.
So far I'm thinking I will give petris enterprises a call this week and get as much info as possible.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
Just to update. i was taking the advice here and contacting Petris.... for the past 4 days I've left messages and tried several times throughout the day. Not one return phone... all you get is a message saying there in the shop. I'll give this till Monday before I move on and just go with the AC Delco Opti.
He may be a stand up guy... but all's it takes is a 30 second return phone call to make a possible customer happy. At this point even if I did buy one from him and I had a warrantee issue is this what would happen?... just sayin.
Anyways we'll see.
He may be a stand up guy... but all's it takes is a 30 second return phone call to make a possible customer happy. At this point even if I did buy one from him and I had a warrantee issue is this what would happen?... just sayin.
Anyways we'll see.
Drifting
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 1,336
Likes: 12
From: Chicago Executive Airport, formerly known as Palwaukee
No-IL Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
I believe Chris is at Bloomington Gold in St. Charles IL all this week.
In that case, I would think he would not be returning any emails or phone messages until he returns.
Hope this helps!
In that case, I would think he would not be returning any emails or phone messages until he returns.
Hope this helps!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,193
Likes: 16
I spoke to him when I bought mine..he said that he is extremely busy doing shows and writing publications so he has little time to get back to people..he sells these optis but it is a small part of what he does..
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Nashville TN
Opti-Spark Replacement
Go with the Delco parts. You have to remove the water pump so if you still have the original I would replace the water pump also. The timing chain cover is exposed at this point so it would be a good idea to remove the cover, inspect the timing chain, replace the gasket and put your toy back together. I did this last year and regret not exposing the timing chain. This invovles some pretty hard labor and be sure you have it on jackstands before you start. You will have to get under the car to complete repair. It can be done in a weekend by someone that has been there before. I love the C-4, I think it may have been the best effort yet, classic lines, it will eventually replace replace theC-3 of the car folks picture when you say Corvette.
Don't let anyone tell you the A/C must be evacuated. Run quick ,Run fast from anyone that tells you this because they have little knowledge or they are trying to pad their pockets.
Not Flirting, married 37 years but you don't see many Vette owners that are nore attractive than their Vette.
EnjoyYourFreedom-Pray for Our Troops,
DogMan
Don't let anyone tell you the A/C must be evacuated. Run quick ,Run fast from anyone that tells you this because they have little knowledge or they are trying to pad their pockets.
Not Flirting, married 37 years but you don't see many Vette owners that are nore attractive than their Vette.
EnjoyYourFreedom-Pray for Our Troops,
DogMan
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,658
Likes: 4
From: Clifton Park NY
go with the delco parts. You have to remove the water pump so if you still have the original i would replace the water pump also. The timing chain cover is exposed at this point so it would be a good idea to remove the cover, inspect the timing chain, replace the gasket and put your toy back together. I did this last year and regret not exposing the timing chain. This invovles some pretty hard labor and be sure you have it on jackstands before you start. You will have to get under the car to complete repair. It can be done in a weekend by someone that has been there before. I love the c-4, i think it may have been the best effort yet, classic lines, it will eventually replace replace thec-3 of the car folks picture when you say corvette.
Don't let anyone tell you the a/c must be evacuated. Run quick ,run fast from anyone that tells you this because they have little knowledge or they are trying to pad their pockets.
not flirting, married 37 years but you don't see many vette owners that are nore attractive than their vette.
enjoyyourfreedom-pray for our troops,
dogman
Don't let anyone tell you the a/c must be evacuated. Run quick ,run fast from anyone that tells you this because they have little knowledge or they are trying to pad their pockets.
not flirting, married 37 years but you don't see many vette owners that are nore attractive than their vette.
enjoyyourfreedom-pray for our troops,
dogman
wtf?!?!?!?!