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

Any new Optispark Solutions ???

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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 07:43 PM
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Default Any new Optispark Solutions ???

I currently have two dead optisparks, one lasted about 2 years with limited use and the replacement about 15 minutes. I have spent many hours researching this on several forums.
I have read all the bad (most of which are older postings) and wondered if there is anything new in the recent years that might be more of a permanent solution. Any experiences/ comments/ suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

TJP440
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 08:00 PM
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Year?
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 08:34 PM
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1995, vent system was fine both times
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 10:59 PM
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A C5 model would help......
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Old Jun 15, 2019 | 11:40 PM
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With the optidoctor why do you need any other optispark solution?
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 12:32 AM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
With the optidoctor why do you need any other optispark solution?
What he said......
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 06:03 AM
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Originally Posted by don hall
A C5 model would help......
C5's have there own electrical issues, just had the EBCM rebuilt in my 2001.
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 08:42 AM
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Torqhead is available for your 95. Eliminate the opti and go with that.
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 09:20 AM
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Originally Posted by TJP440
I currently have two dead optisparks, one lasted about 2 years with limited use and the replacement about 15 minutes. I have spent many hours researching this on several forums.
I have read all the bad (most of which are older postings) and wondered if there is anything new in the recent years that might be more of a permanent solution. Any experiences/ comments/ suggestions would be appreciated

Thanks in advance

TJP440
If you arent buying NOS OEM optisparks (with mitsubishi optical sensors) - then you can expect this cycle to repeat itself . Yes, you can find nos optisparks on ebay, or forums like this if you know what to look for.
You arent going to pay $50 for it like people want to. But IMHO id rather pay $400 for an oem one vs $50 for 3. You arent going to find these at the dealer anymore. They sell remanufactured in china ac delco optisparks. They replace bearigs, seals, but re use the donor’s optical sensor. Though id rather have one of those with a used mitsubishi sensor vs. a new chinese sensor.

So if oem is so good why did It fail then? The 92-94 had a design flaw that is easily corrected by adding a custom vent.

the 95-96 fail if vent gets clogged / seals shrink allowing moisture intrusion

i was told optidoctor installs mitsubishi sensors into msd optisparks and is a quality non oem replacement. Good luck

Last edited by dizwiz24; Jun 16, 2019 at 12:20 PM.
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 09:48 AM
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I'm going for my 1st optispark swap out.

I bought a new Gates water pump, plugs, wires. Going to tear it down and send to opti-doc for rebuild.

I have a '93 LT1 with 64k on it. I don't want to have to do this more than once.
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 11:19 AM
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Originally Posted by dizwiz24
If you arent buying NOS OEM optisparks (with mitsubishi optical sensors) - then you can expect this cycle to repeat itself . Yes, you can find nos optisparks on ebay, or forums like this if you know what to look for.
You arent going to pay $50 for it like people want to. But IMHO id rather pay $400 for an oem one vs $50 for 3.

So if oem is so good why did It fail then? The 92-94 had a design flaw that is easily corrected by adding a custom vent.

the 95-96 fail if vent gets clogged / seals shrink allowing moisture intrusion

i was told optidoctor installs mitsubishi sensors into msd optisparks and is a quality non oem replacement. Good luck
I just tested my vent system (1996) yesterday by pulling the tube to the intake (engine running) and making sure it holds a small piece of paper tight.
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 11:34 AM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
I just tested my vent system (1996) yesterday by pulling the tube to the intake (engine running) and making sure it holds a small piece of paper tight.
Make sure you do this test after the filter and check valve rather than right at the manifold vacuum port.

Warren
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 01:33 PM
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Originally Posted by Warren Seale
Make sure you do this test after the filter and check valve rather than right at the manifold vacuum port.

Warren
I do the test on the line that sticks into the rubber intake boot. I thought this told me vacuum was good all through the system. Is this wrong? Thanks, Dan
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 07:37 PM
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Well I took the plunge and went with Optidoctor based on the suggestions here, other forums and what appears to be an impeccable reputation. I really didn't want to jump on the Torquehead unit due to the wiring, programming etc. Thanks to all that responded and I'll report back if there are any issues

Thanks again
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Old Jun 16, 2019 | 07:38 PM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
I do the test on the line that sticks into the rubber intake boot. I thought this told me vacuum was good all through the system. Is this wrong? Thanks, Dan
I believe you are correct in checking it at the intake boot between the air cleaner and throttle blades

Last edited by TJP440; Jun 16, 2019 at 07:40 PM.
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 08:13 AM
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Originally Posted by TJP440
Well I took the plunge and went with Optidoctor based on the suggestions here, other forums and what appears to be an impeccable reputation. I really didn't want to jump on the Torquehead unit due to the wiring, programming etc. Thanks to all that responded and I'll report back if there are any issues

Thanks again
Good decision. Probably not a bad idea to order a new Opti harness while you are at it.
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Old Jun 17, 2019 | 08:24 AM
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Gates water pump NO! Find a GM one do you want to do this twice?
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To Any new Optispark Solutions ???

Old Jun 18, 2019 | 01:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Whaleman
I do the test on the line that sticks into the rubber intake boot. I thought this told me vacuum was good all through the system. Is this wrong? Thanks, Dan
Some Optispark housings are not perfectly sealed so not getting a vacuum at the intake boot doesn't necessarily mean there isn't vacuum provided to the Optispark. In your case all is well. But if others that don't see a vacuum at the intake boot then they should check to see if there is vaccum at the hose going to the Optispark from the engine.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Warren Seale
Some Optispark housings are not perfectly sealed so not getting a vacuum at the intake boot doesn't necessarily mean there isn't vacuum provided to the Optispark. In your case all is well. But if others that don't see a vacuum at the intake boot then they should check to see if there is vaccum at the hose going to the Optispark from the engine.
I agree with everything you said Warren. If you have good vacuum going to the opti and a leaky case you have a disaster driving in the rain.
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Old Jun 18, 2019 | 08:55 PM
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Originally Posted by STL94LT1
C5's have there own electrical issues, just had the EBCM rebuilt in my 2001.
I heard the 2002 and later C5s are less trouble, when it comes to finding a rebuilt or new replacement on-board-computer module.
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