Coil pack conversion?
Racer
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 257
Likes: 7
From: Haslet texas
I just got done doing mine on my lt1. Such a easy system to setup, looks great, very reliable. First you have to find the coils you want. Recommend the 5.3l ls coils from a gmc sierra or like vehicle or the ls7 coils. The reason for this, there is a guy on ebay who custom makes brackets for the coils on lt1 valve covers. Those coils are the easiest for him to deal with, also ls2/3 just not ls1. Do a search for ltcc brackets on ebay and you will find him. Then you want to contact bob bailey to make the ltcc kit for you. Ensure when you get coils that you get the wiring harness with it. Cost. Coils, got from craigslist with wiring harness were 100 for me, brackets 150, ltcc kit 400. Let me know if you need more specifics
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 243
+1 for the LTCC - left the inherent LT1 igntion problems in the mirror for me. I use LS1 coils but have aftermarket valve covers anyway. I made my own mounting brackets. PS - it still uses the Opti but only the low voltage side - so you need a functioning optical sensor in your opti (supposedly the factory mistubishi sensor is an excellent piece) and the bearing should be good as well.
No more dancing tach needle, misfires, cutting out. Eliminates the ICM as well.
No more dancing tach needle, misfires, cutting out. Eliminates the ICM as well.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Jumping tach needle also comes from failing optical sensor. I thought that these kits eliminated the OEM primary side ignition system. If they don't....what improvement are they?
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 10,641
Likes: 13
From: Slidell Louisiana
The optical sensor and bearing are what causes most problems w/the Opti in the first place! The stock LT1 coil is not a problem point.
Jumping tach needle also comes from failing optical sensor. I thought that these kits eliminated the OEM primary side ignition system. If they don't....what improvement are they?
Jumping tach needle also comes from failing optical sensor. I thought that these kits eliminated the OEM primary side ignition system. If they don't....what improvement are they?
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 1,971
Likes: 243
I disagree - I believe the consensus is that the optical sensor in OEM optisparks is known to be reliable unit.
I chased down my jumping tach/misfires to what I believe was a failing ICM, after going through a couple aftermarket replacements which would work for a while before showing the same symptoms I said to hell with it and went to the LTCC. The LTCC brain box takes the Opti signal, eliminates the ICM and fires the 8 LS1 coils. It also has provisions for spark retard if you choose to use that option.
I continue to use my factory original 113k mile Optispark for the low voltage signals. I have no idea if the bearing is a weak spot but given that mine has over 100k on it I can't say that it is since it still works.
I agree that the stock coil isn't the problem, neither is the ICM or Opti - when they work. But nothing lasts forever and then aftermarket parts go in that aren't up to the task and it all goes to hell.
The LTCC eliminates the high voltage through the Opti. It solved my ignition probs which were ICM and possible the high voltage part of the opti failing. Sensor still works fine.
I chased down my jumping tach/misfires to what I believe was a failing ICM, after going through a couple aftermarket replacements which would work for a while before showing the same symptoms I said to hell with it and went to the LTCC. The LTCC brain box takes the Opti signal, eliminates the ICM and fires the 8 LS1 coils. It also has provisions for spark retard if you choose to use that option.
I continue to use my factory original 113k mile Optispark for the low voltage signals. I have no idea if the bearing is a weak spot but given that mine has over 100k on it I can't say that it is since it still works.
I agree that the stock coil isn't the problem, neither is the ICM or Opti - when they work. But nothing lasts forever and then aftermarket parts go in that aren't up to the task and it all goes to hell.
The LTCC eliminates the high voltage through the Opti. It solved my ignition probs which were ICM and possible the high voltage part of the opti failing. Sensor still works fine.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 274
Likes: 12
From: Louisburg NC
High voltage in the distributor cap causes ozone to be generated from the arcing. Ozone build up causes corrosion in some of the parts. This is exacerbated by the small air volume in the Opti's cap. The '95 and '96 Optis have an active venting system to help keep the ozone levels down. Venting systems are available for the older Optis. Removing the high voltage from the inside of the Opti solves the ozone problem completely.
Another failure mode of the Opti is the rotor coming apart. Coil packs allow you to remove the rotor button from the Opti.
Another failure mode of the Opti is the rotor coming apart. Coil packs allow you to remove the rotor button from the Opti.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
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Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 12
I just got done doing mine on my lt1. Such a easy system to setup, looks great, very reliable. First you have to find the coils you want. Recommend the 5.3l ls coils from a gmc sierra or like vehicle or the ls7 coils. The reason for this, there is a guy on ebay who custom makes brackets for the coils on lt1 valve covers. Those coils are the easiest for him to deal with, also ls2/3 just not ls1. Do a search for ltcc brackets on ebay and you will find him. Then you want to contact bob bailey to make the ltcc kit for you. Ensure when you get coils that you get the wiring harness with it. Cost. Coils, got from craigslist with wiring harness were 100 for me, brackets 150, ltcc kit 400. Let me know if you need more specifics
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 12
I just ordered everything. I bought some LS2/LS7 coils with the wiring harness off ebay. (part # 12573190). Then I bought some custom made coil mounting brackets off from ebay from a gentleman that makes them. Then I contacted bob Bailey (http://www.bailey-eng.com/LTCC.html) and purchased his Ignition control module set up for the LTCC conversion. It seems like a really straight forward set up and extremely simple to hook up. I am using it because My engine is a new supercharged 383 and this system has a built in 2 step rev limiter and retard system. Plus I dont want to have to deal with anymore opti issues in the future.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 12
It may not eliminate all the problems but it will eliminate some and it will be easier to change the plug wires, easier to tune, plus it adds the rev limiter and retard that I definitely need for my new engine.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 119
Likes: 1
Thank you for posting this information! I am about to replace the opti due to a possible failure. Hopefully it's just the rotor that took a dump. Then I can salvage the opti and do this conversion.
Another 700 bucks
Another 700 bucks
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 12
Just a update on an OLD thread!
I have got the engine in the car and running!
The Ltcc conversion was really straight forward and seems to work really well. The best part about it is the 2 step rev limiter, and the timing retard for the supercharged/turbo cars! Hopefully she will be on the road early next week and I can post some Dyno sheets!
I have got the engine in the car and running!
The Ltcc conversion was really straight forward and seems to work really well. The best part about it is the 2 step rev limiter, and the timing retard for the supercharged/turbo cars! Hopefully she will be on the road early next week and I can post some Dyno sheets!
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 16
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach, Va
Hello; I have the entire Bob Bailey LTCC kit with 0 miles for sale.
It even has the second generation computer chip. including coils and brackets.
Anyone interested?
808.271.4725 I am located in Virginia Beach
CJ
It even has the second generation computer chip. including coils and brackets.
Anyone interested?
808.271.4725 I am located in Virginia Beach
CJ