C4 optispark system

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Mar 7, 2021 | 10:23 AM

#21

SJW

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 7,334

Likes: 2,260

From: Central Maryland

I recall more than one thread on this forum about quality problems with the Dynaspark product after DTE sold that business off to a different party. Seems the buyer of the business was unable to keep the business afloat, which is really sad. It was a quality product while DTE was still building and selling them. Billet aluminum housing, active venting, etc. Timing is everything in life (no pun intended) and I got lucky by needing one while it was still a product of DTE.

Live well,

SJW

Mar 10, 2021 | 03:58 AM

#22

Casethecorvetteman

Le Mans Master

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 5,214

Likes: 65

From: Queensland, AUSTRALIA

Quote:

Originally Posted by tblu92

The early Optispark ignition systems were all prone to failure-That is why GM discontinued them soon after--They all get water intrusion into the cap from either rain or coolant leaks-Your best bet is to install an aftermarket MSD ignition system that is far better sealed--and not that pricey No problems ever again

No, it isn't. The MSD has a habit of failing due to a cheaper sensor used.

The unit may well be sealed, but that was never the issue in the first place.

Replacing the cap and rotor is ALL that is needed on a working distributor, you can use a Petris or an MSD cap and rotor kit, results will be the same.

I am quite impressed with the Petris. It is cheaper than the MSD, and i reckon it is better too.

The best distributor is the original GM unit, mine is still fine at 28 years old.

Apr 9, 2021 | 01:44 AM

#23

ME93

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2021

Posts: 170

Likes: 26

From: guam

new guy here, does a new optispark need to be disassembled to install or just throw it on from the box ? how do you seal the new optispark? thanks.

Last edited by ME93; Apr 9, 2021 at 01:44 AM.

Apr 9, 2021 | 12:15 PM

#24

Kevova

Le Mans Master

Joined: Sep 2013

Posts: 6,192

Likes: 750

From: near the thumb in the mitten

No disassembly required. Make sure seals on timing cover or in good condition or replace. Properly orientate drive on either cam (95-96) ir on splines, (92-94) one tooth is missing. Don't force it on spline type. It should just slide on flush.

Apr 9, 2021 | 02:32 PM

#25

Tom400CFI

Team Owner

Joined: Aug 2004

Posts: 21,543

Likes: 3,216

From: Park City Utah

Quote:

Originally Posted by ME93

new guy here, does a new optispark need to be disassembled to install or just throw it on from the box ? how do you seal the new optispark? thanks.

Yes. You should take the cap off, remove the rotor's screws, apply Loc-Tite to them, and re-assemble.

Apr 9, 2021 | 04:41 PM

#26

ME93

Instructor

Joined: Mar 2021

Posts: 170

Likes: 26

From: guam

Do we need to seal optispark? Or just put a weephole spout hose redirect on waterpump ?

Apr 9, 2021 | 06:30 PM

#27

Nomake Wan

Drifting

Joined: Apr 2020

Posts: 1,925

Likes: 610

From: Orange, CA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom400CFI

Yes. You should take the cap off, remove the rotor's screws, apply Loc-Tite to them, and re-assemble.

No need to do that if you buy one from Petris or optisparksolutions. Dunno about Sac City.

Apr 9, 2021 | 06:45 PM

#28

SouthernSon

Race Director

Joined: Oct 2000

Posts: 14,060

Likes: 1,165

From: N. Alabama

If anyone hears anything negative about Petris Opti's I would like to hear it. I have been quite satisfied with mine for quite awhile. The previous 3 from other makers not so much. Petris solved my opti problems.