Like millions of Corvette owners across America, I’m planing on replacing my Opti Spark due to engine stutter. I don’t know how old it is, but I suspect water an oil intrusion into the rear where the shaft enters the Opti. I don’t think I’ll have issues on the install as I’ve done the intake gaskets, and I don’t see this as more of a challenge. It’s about taking your time and not loosing any screws!

But which Opti do I get? I don’t want to do it twice. I’ve heard a few good things about this company. Anyone else use them?

https://www.saccitycorvette.com/AIPOptiSpark.html

 

look up the Optidoctor on ebay (he's on here as well). He rebuilds and test stock optis (the oem mitsubishi sensor is key)

 

Will do! Thanks!

 

I agree Optidoctor is the only way to go.

 

Can’t locate the Opti doctor on eBay. Anyone got a link?
also I’ve noticed while researching, it seems every LT1 is different from year to year. Different computers, and sensor locations. I honestly spent over an hour trying to find my crank position sensor in my 94. Then found out I don’t have one.....

 

https://www.ebay.com/itm/LT-1-Optisp...53.m1438.l2649

 

Eh. I've run a $60 ebay chinese opti without issues.

-- Joe

 

Gunho,
If you have a 94, your Optispark is not vented like the 95 & 96. This is a major issue with the older Optis. You can convert your lower housing to a vented style, and get a vented cap The drive mechanism is different, so you can't just buy a Gen II Optispark - it won't fit.. Then you need to get the hose harness with the check valve and orifice. There are lots of threads on here concerning this modification. I strongly recommend you do it...

Regards,
John

 

Since I'm rebuilding my '94 I decided to use a '96 cover and pin driven opti. Every single pre-96 LT1 I've taken apart has leaked oil out of the optispark drive, yet the examples of '96-97 (fbody) have all been dry. I think the pin style where the seal is larger is a better design to the splined shaft and small seal.

-- Joe

 

I agree Joe. Switching to the newer cover and drive is the best solution, but quite a bit more cost/work compared to modifying the Opti. Either way, the OP needs to consider adding the vent feature...

Regards,
John

 

Chinese optisparks are proof that China is not a military threat that should be taken seriously.

if they cant make a reliable replacement auto part, could you imagine them trying to make something more complicated like a missile or jet fighter ??

 

😀 lmao

 

I put in a sac city replacement last year. Working fine 1500 mi later. I’m having my original rebuilt by optidoc

 

I have not had a problem.. Based on just ebay sales numbers alone it appears thousands and thousands of units are sold, yet how many people on here have actually used one and had a failure?

-- Joe

 

As I stated on another thread, I have been using the Petris Enterprises Optispark for 6-months now. You get brand new vent hoses with a metal filter that they recommend you check every 3-years. This business works with GM and Chevrolet Performance and they specialize in Corvettes. The optispark sensor is said to be of Mitsubishi grade and it is hand built for quality. Just don't open up the case and look at it as this will void the warranty and I am not sure if they used any adhesive on the seal to help make it fluid proofed as much as possible.

This optispark solved the P1371 and P0336 codes I was getting with store brand optisparks and it runs A LOT BETTER than those other optisparks. You can buy a 5-year warranty with this optispark and afterwards, if this optispark does crap out I will see if the "Opti-Doctor" would be interested in fixing it. For now it is quite reliable. I do recommend you liberally glop dielectric grease all over the exterior seams where the seals are between the cap and secondary housing with the metal backing of the distributor. This will further make your optispark as fluid proof as you can possibly make it!

ALSO, check your timing cover seals for any indication if they are leaking and worn out. The seals are cheap enough to buy and there are videos on how to properly install them, ESPECIALLY the seal for the water pump which is the main culprit for optispark oil contamination and which contributed to the serious crap out of my last optispark!