C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Optispark to Coilpacks

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 12, 2013 | 06:16 PM
  #1  
RWC112's Avatar
RWC112
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 2
Default Optispark to Coilpacks

I am looking into replacing the Opti spark dis. with a Coil pack setup I have found the delteq conversion and the LTCC conversion that uses the optispark for the optical pickup my question is can I get a LS1,2,3,6 ECM wiring harness and coil pack or am I better off with the LTCC setup or is the MSD or Accel opti II dis with new 10.4 mm wire set just good enough the 1993 corvette I have has 41000 miles and would like to upgrade the optispark so there isn't an issue down the road I am installing the 1.6 roller rocker arms and a new roller timing set and water pump drive shaft may get a new CAM AND lifters and up grade the throttle body to 54mm
Reply
Old Nov 12, 2013 | 08:06 PM
  #2  
dizwiz24's Avatar
dizwiz24
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by RWC112
I am looking into replacing the Opti spark dis. with a Coil pack setup I have found the delteq conversion and the LTCC conversion that uses the optispark for the optical pickup my question is can I get a LS1,2,3,6 ECM wiring harness and coil pack or am I better off with the LTCC setup or is the MSD or Accel opti II dis with new 10.4 mm wire set just good enough the 1993 corvette I have has 41000 miles and would like to upgrade the optispark so there isn't an issue down the road I am installing the 1.6 roller rocker arms and a new roller timing set and water pump drive shaft may get a new CAM AND lifters and up grade the throttle body to 54mm
Why not just do an lsx swap instead?

the optispark is fine as long as you are using an oem unit with mitsubishi optical sensor. if yours is unvented you simply add a vent to make it bulletproof reliable.

The funny thing about the coilpack conversions is they still rely on the optispark. They dont eliminate it.

Its the optical sensor that goes bad (though a vented setup with mitsubishi optical sensor will last a very long time)

last i checked you could still buy a gen i ac delco new old stock dist. Though that may have changed.

Spend the $750 for one, add a vented harness.

Theres guys spinning them beyond 8k and they work fine.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2013 | 08:10 PM
  #3  
RWC112's Avatar
RWC112
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 2
Default

I have found OEM and other replacement Optispark dist for 65.00 to 175.00 the Accel is 229.00 and the MSD is 400.00+ was thinking about the MSD as I have heard it is a really good distributor wit a very good optical pickup
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2013 | 09:27 PM
  #4  
dizwiz24's Avatar
dizwiz24
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Default

ac delco is the only manufacturer of the optispark for your 1993.

The msd optispark is garbage-grade. Plenty of people here have been screwed by them.
Actually, almost all current msd products are garbage grade after an investment company bought them just for the name.


Pay the money for an ac delco new old stock optispark or be sorry.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2013 | 09:31 PM
  #5  
kimmer's Avatar
kimmer
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Liked
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 6,381
Likes: 66
From: SF bay area C.A.
C4 of the Year Finalist
Default

A guy at the track has the conversion but he still blew his opti while running.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2013 | 09:04 AM
  #6  
RWC112's Avatar
RWC112
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 2
Default

where can I get the Mitsubishi optical pickup
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2013 | 09:06 AM
  #7  
RWC112's Avatar
RWC112
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 2
Default

http://www.saccitycorvette.com/LT1-SBC-IGNITION.html
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2013 | 12:23 PM
  #8  
BBNJKen's Avatar
BBNJKen
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 137
Likes: 5
From: Clifton NJ
Default Coil Pack ignitions conversations for LT1/LT4

I'm doing some early investigation on this as well, and found:

www.eficonnection.com

It appears it uses a separate cam rotor ( does not appear to be Opti), along with the crank wheel and sensor, etc.

below is a link to CarCraft article on it, along with some alleged "real world" HP & TQ improvements:

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ine_coils.html
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-8

10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
Old Nov 14, 2013 | 03:16 PM
  #9  
dizwiz24's Avatar
dizwiz24
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by BBNJKen
I'm doing some early investigation on this as well, and found:

www.eficonnection.com

It appears it uses a separate cam rotor ( does not appear to be Opti), along with the crank wheel and sensor, etc.

below is a link to CarCraft article on it, along with some alleged "real world" HP & TQ improvements:

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ine_coils.html
**I edited this post**

:

+30rwTQ

Did you note that the baseline car had an MSD optispark?
Even if those results were real, I bet that the MSD optispark was malfunctioning, like most of the ones our forum members have bought.

They also mention making some MINOR air/fuel ratio tweaks between the optispark and the coil packs.

If those results are really true, Id be converting my optispark over also.

Id love to find out more, but in the meantime, I am not a believer....(that coilpack conversion makes more power over a properly working OEM grade optispark) !

Last edited by dizwiz24; Nov 14, 2013 at 08:02 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2013 | 10:15 PM
  #10  
DVNCI's Avatar
DVNCI
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 23
From: Bowling Green KY
Default

Originally Posted by BBNJKen
I'm doing some early investigation on this as well, and found:

www.eficonnection.com

It appears it uses a separate cam rotor ( does not appear to be Opti), along with the crank wheel and sensor, etc.

below is a link to CarCraft article on it, along with some alleged "real world" HP & TQ improvements:

http://www.carcraft.com/techarticles...ine_coils.html

I'm doing this kit right now.

But I have removed all the factory electronics from my car and I run all Autometer gages. I don't think the eficonnection kit will play well with the CCM in a C4.

Their kit IS plug and play with Fbodies, but they don't have CCM's.

Easiest way to think about it is you are pretty much running LS electronics entirely. Really the only thing in their kit that is proprietary is the crank reluctor and the cam sensor housing. But I also bought my wire harness from them and it's very, very well made.

Once I get everything put back together I will definitely post results.

Last edited by DVNCI; Nov 14, 2013 at 10:18 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2013 | 10:30 PM
  #11  
ZO7 JOSH's Avatar
ZO7 JOSH
Advanced
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 77
Likes: 1
Default

Can't wait to see the results definitely in the market!
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2013 | 09:50 PM
  #12  
dizwiz24's Avatar
dizwiz24
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by DVNCI
I'm doing this kit right now.

But I have removed all the factory electronics from my car and I run all Autometer gages. I don't think the eficonnection kit will play well with the CCM in a C4.

Their kit IS plug and play with Fbodies, but they don't have CCM's.

Easiest way to think about it is you are pretty much running LS electronics entirely. Really the only thing in their kit that is proprietary is the crank reluctor and the cam sensor housing. But I also bought my wire harness from them and it's very, very well made.

Once I get everything put back together I will definitely post results.
Do you have any comments regarding whether coil pack swaps are a power increase?

Ive always been under the belief that the only people doing coil pack conversions were those people who didnt understand how to make the optispark reliable (ie. Only using oe acdelco parts, adding a vented harness if you dont have one, etc.)

its been my understanding that a properly working optispark accurately locates the crankshaft and adjusts timing, accurately per rpm and load (kpa) as commanded.

you can add a spark amplifier (msd, etc.) to an optispark, like i have done. Yes, i read the article expla, ining about how capacitive discharge is a short duration spark and that a long, strong spark is preferred.

that article talking about a substantial power increase is really confusing. Im not sure i believe it
Reply
Old Nov 17, 2013 | 03:22 PM
  #13  
smooth1990's Avatar
smooth1990
Drifting
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 12
Default

Originally Posted by dizwiz24
Do you have any comments regarding whether coil pack swaps are a power increase?

Ive always been under the belief that the only people doing coil pack conversions were those people who didnt understand how to make the optispark reliable (ie. Only using oe acdelco parts, adding a vented harness if you dont have one, etc.)

its been my understanding that a properly working optispark accurately locates the crankshaft and adjusts timing, accurately per rpm and load (kpa) as commanded.

you can add a spark amplifier (msd, etc.) to an optispark, like i have done. Yes, i read the article expla, ining about how capacitive discharge is a short duration spark and that a long, strong spark is preferred.

that article talking about a substantial power increase is really confusing. Im not sure i believe it
I have done a LTCC and msd billet upgrade on my car and I have to say it has made life alot easier for me. There are several aspects of the LTCC that i like including the boost retard system, the rev limiter and the 2 step. It also make changing plug wires a hell of alot easier!

The LTCC conversion only runs off the low side of the opti so there are no worries of your cap and rotor going bad either. Granted it doesnt delete the opti, there are alot of positive things. It all depends on what you are doing with your car. My car is procharged with tons of modifications.

I just got my 2 step conected properly today. Here is a video. I should also say that BOB BAILEY is awesome and his customer service is spot on. He has helped with any and every issue I have had for my ignition system.

Reply
Old Nov 17, 2013 | 06:11 PM
  #14  
RWC112's Avatar
RWC112
Thread Starter
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 54
Likes: 2
Default

I have sent this post to the engine builder I use he will advise me on what he thinks about the upgrade I do want to lose the optispark to make a tune up simpler and eliminating the distributor all together is a good thing for this engine you can't change the cap and rotor without removing the water pump.... and the distributor hidden under the water pump that has a drive shaft that can also leak is a bad thing I found a new aftermarket distributor for 75.00 I plan to sell this to a guy I sold my spare lt1 ENGINE TO AS HE NEEDS ONE I think this setup is best I found new LS coil packs for 210.00 and can get the ECM controller... for 100.00 at a junk yard near me I will need the basic kit I guess and wiring harness
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2013 | 07:23 AM
  #15  
DVNCI's Avatar
DVNCI
Melting Slicks
25 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,949
Likes: 23
From: Bowling Green KY
Default

Originally Posted by dizwiz24
Do you have any comments regarding whether coil pack swaps are a power increase?

Ive always been under the belief that the only people doing coil pack conversions were those people who didnt understand how to make the optispark reliable (ie. Only using oe acdelco parts, adding a vented harness if you dont have one, etc.)

its been my understanding that a properly working optispark accurately locates the crankshaft and adjusts timing, accurately per rpm and load (kpa) as commanded.

you can add a spark amplifier (msd, etc.) to an optispark, like i have done. Yes, i read the article expla, ining about how capacitive discharge is a short duration spark and that a long, strong spark is preferred.

that article talking about a substantial power increase is really confusing. Im not sure i believe it

I would expect a slight power increase but that's not why I'm doing it. I'm actually a fan of the Optispark (at least the original Dynaspark that actually I have for sale now). I have never seen a car start up faster than mine - it's almost instant.

I'm primarily doing it to get the LS computer - more specifically for boost. I will be adding a Vortech YSI soon and the LS computer has provisions for boost - LT does not.
Reply
Old Nov 18, 2013 | 09:15 PM
  #16  
JMelton's Avatar
JMelton
Instructor
 
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 104
Likes: 2
From: Greenville SC
Default

Originally Posted by dizwiz24

Id love to find out more, but in the meantime, I am not a believer....(that coilpack conversion makes more power over a properly working OEM grade optispark) !
For some, it may be more of a reliability issue. I for one plan on swapping my OPTI out for the coil packs when I can afford to do so.

My 96 LT1 "appears" to have the original OPTI with 168,000 miles on it. The car runs ok, but it isn't optimal. Just don't hit a water puddle going down the road because you will be sitting on the side of the road hoping that you can get it started again,

Caps and rotors wear out, it's a known fact. Even with venting, the OPTI cap and rotor appear to be less robust than a standard cap and rotor. GM had a good idea, it was just poorly executed. With the traces in the cap running close together, that high voltage has a tendency to jump tracks causing misfiring once the cap gets some age and heat stress.

By converting to coil packs, you do away with the high voltage in the cap and rotor, and thus remove the hassle of having to replace the cap and rotor all together, and remove the hassle of trying to reach the plug wires on the left side of the OPTI. Once converted, you no longer have to worry about having a rotor blow apart at high RPM's leaving you on the side of the road stranded.

If you are happy with a standard OPTI, keep using them. I on the other hand would prefer to spend more time driving my Corvette, and less time fixing it.

Last edited by JMelton; Nov 18, 2013 at 09:37 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2013 | 10:49 AM
  #17  
dizwiz24's Avatar
dizwiz24
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by smooth1990
I have done a LTCC and msd billet upgrade on my car and I have to say it has made life alot easier for me. There are several aspects of the LTCC that i like including the boost retard system, the rev limiter and the 2 step. It also make changing plug wires a hell of alot easier!

]
You can boost retard using tunerpro (if you do your own tuning, as I do).

This is easy to do, even if you are using stock 1 bar MAP sensor, because supercharger boost is linear vs. rpm. I can command timing to come on / or come off vs. engine rpm.

I am not worried about my cap/rotor going bad. Never any issues with that and the parts I use.

I will agree with you about making wire changes easier ! I am sure it does!
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Optispark to Coilpacks

Old Nov 19, 2013 | 10:50 AM
  #18  
dizwiz24's Avatar
dizwiz24
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by DVNCI
I would expect a slight power increase but that's not why I'm doing it. I'm actually a fan of the Optispark (at least the original Dynaspark that actually I have for sale now). I have never seen a car start up faster than mine - it's almost instant.

I'm primarily doing it to get the LS computer - more specifically for boost. I will be adding a Vortech YSI soon and the LS computer has provisions for boost - LT does not.
So you're the guy with the vortech YSI...
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2013 | 11:15 AM
  #19  
smooth1990's Avatar
smooth1990
Drifting
 
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,465
Likes: 12
Default

Originally Posted by dizwiz24
You can boost retard using tunerpro (if you do your own tuning, as I do).

This is easy to do, even if you are using stock 1 bar MAP sensor, because supercharger boost is linear vs. rpm. I can command timing to come on / or come off vs. engine rpm.

I am not worried about my cap/rotor going bad. Never any issues with that and the parts I use.

I will agree with you about making wire changes easier ! I am sure it does!
Its a lot easier for more than wire but everyone has their own opinion. My rev limiter, timing and 2 step are adjustable within seconds vs hooking up the laptop and burning new chips.

Honestly I dont see any downfall at all to the ltcc besides the fact that its expensive. It has a lot of positives that work well for me. Some people like it, some dont. To each his own. I will continue to use it until I find something that is negative about it.
Reply
Old Nov 19, 2013 | 01:10 PM
  #20  
dizwiz24's Avatar
dizwiz24
Race Director
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 14,668
Likes: 749
From: NEwhere Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by smooth1990
Its a lot easier for more than wire but everyone has their own opinion. My rev limiter, timing and 2 step are adjustable within seconds vs hooking up the laptop and burning new chips.

Honestly I dont see any downfall at all to the ltcc besides the fact that its expensive. It has a lot of positives that work well for me. Some people like it, some dont. To each his own. I will continue to use it until I find something that is negative about it.

Its cool you got it to work. I dont see any downsides either (to coil pack conversion) other than cost.

In fact, DVCNI pointed out that if you do go to an LSx computer swap, that you will need to convert to coil pack anyways.

However, I suspect the OP doesnt plan on going that route and simply believes the optispark to be 'not reliable' and the only thing that is going to make his car reliable is if he goes to a coil pack conversion.

This is so not true...

Okay.....why my attitude?

Ive been so strong-winded on these posts because:

Ive gotten tired of hearing about people swapping out the optispark for a $69 made-in-china optispark, or (worse) a $500 MSD still-piece-of-garbage-optispark, and then complaining that the optispark is an unreliable piece of junk.

this is not about some 17 yr old and his lt1 camaro, or 24" rim b-body. Any of those optisparks have no place in these machines.

Why did your stock one fail? Simple. if its a 92-94, its because it wasnt vented and/or the seals cracked allowing water intrusion (just as mine did with only 26000 miles on it). If its a 95-96, then something broke down in your vent harness and/or the seals broke. I coat my optispark seal edges in RTV silicone as an extra fail-safe.

Ive said it a million times. You must use an OEM new old stock optispark with mitsubishi optical sensor and add a vented harness if you have a 92-94.

Also, coat the edges of the optispark with rtv.
Reply



All times are GMT -4. The time now is 01:57 PM.

story-0
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-2
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)

Slideshow: Ranking the top 10 Corvette engines by torque output.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-05 11:58:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!

Slideshow: A Corvette pace car nearly matching IndyCar speeds sounds exaggerated, until you look at the numbers.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-04 20:03:36


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!

Among a rather large group of them.

By Brett Foote | 2026-05-04 13:56:44


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!

Slideshow: the top 10 things Corvette owners want in the C9 Corvette

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-30 12:41:15


VIEW MORE
story-8
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know

Slideshow: 10 Important Corvette 'firsts' that every fan should know.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-29 17:02:16


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE