Reason for the Opti Spark/Crap?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 62,146
Likes: 1,730
From: Athens AL
C7 of the Year - Unmodified Finalist 2021
C4 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
Re: Reason for the Opti Spark/Crap? (Kdrhpe)
I dont think it has a dropoff in high rpm like the HEI did. It was just a new technology that GM decided to use, I just think they couldve designed it better in the first place and not put a water sensitive device underneath the water pump.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Reason for the Opti Spark/Crap? (Kdrhpe)
As a coincidence it was about that time that Ford put the crank position indicator in their T-bird Super Coupe.
For sure it was a cost savings device; and, at least on paper, a simple reliable way of getting crank position data to the ECM.
Don't they still use an improved version on the C5's LS1 & LS6 engines?
For sure it was a cost savings device; and, at least on paper, a simple reliable way of getting crank position data to the ECM.
Don't they still use an improved version on the C5's LS1 & LS6 engines?
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 1,803
Likes: 1
From: PA
Re: Reason for the Opti Spark/Crap? (Kdrhpe)
ALL Optispark reliability issues can be addressed for $17 with a tube of Permatex and a '96 GM vacuum purge hose assembly. A modified Optispark has no disadvantages other than "servicing access". This is no big deal because a properly sealed and purged Opti will last 100K+ miles. That's how long unmodified Opti's last in dry climates, if owners don't wash their motor or get a leak.
Lots of folks attack the problem in other ways like repeatedly throwing expensive water pumps and new Opti's at the car and keeping a AAA tow card handy. Some even sell the vehicle or leave it sit in the garage when they see a cloud. Some just talk about it and worry. The water pump is not the "problem", as witnessed by plenty folks that rinsed their motor with a garden hose or experience a minor rad hose or intake gasket seepage. I wish more C4 owners would experience this kiss solution.
[Modified by Rick93Z07, 1:00 PM 7/31/2002]
Lots of folks attack the problem in other ways like repeatedly throwing expensive water pumps and new Opti's at the car and keeping a AAA tow card handy. Some even sell the vehicle or leave it sit in the garage when they see a cloud. Some just talk about it and worry. The water pump is not the "problem", as witnessed by plenty folks that rinsed their motor with a garden hose or experience a minor rad hose or intake gasket seepage. I wish more C4 owners would experience this kiss solution.
[Modified by Rick93Z07, 1:00 PM 7/31/2002]
