C4 optispark system
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,355
Likes: 2,280
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
Live well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 5,214
Likes: 65
From: Queensland, AUSTRALIA
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
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.
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 21,543
Likes: 3,216
From: Park City Utah
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 1,925
Likes: 610
From: Orange, CA
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
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.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski