Good afternoon everyone,
I've decided to replace the optispark distributor. I see a lot brands and prices on different sites.
What is the best optispark (besides the MSD @ $700) out there?
Thank you!!

 

Best option is OEM

you need one with the mitsubishi optical sensor. Its the only one that seems to hold up in the heat of the engine compt.

Id rather use a 100k working fine OEM one, than a new chinese (or MSD) optispark

i believe the replacement cap/rotors (including the MSD one are fine)

but the base to the unit includes the optical sensor.

i would also add a custom vent to the cap with a filter air inlet line and vacuum line (be sure to use flow reducers so you dont put a ridic amount of vacuum in the cap)

 

A number of people on here have been happy with the results they get from units put together by Petris.
https://petrisenterprises.com/

 

Thank you very much. I see the Complete Optispark Kit comes with a lot of parts that should be replaced when replacing the optispark. I may go with the complete kit since I was planning on buying some of these additional items.

 

DO NOT, I repeat DO NOT throw away a working OEM Optispark. As stated above, they can be cleaned up, rehabbed and then use MSD rotor and cap, and convert to being vented.

You will want to have a vented unit, go through the conversion. Its worth it.

 

Petris opti for sale here on the forum....https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-part-out.html

 

If the original unit is not misbehaving, I would not replace it.

Live well,

SJW

 

I don't understand why anyone would replace a good-working OE optispark. That makes no sense at all.

 

I dont think the OP said it was working good

I know you could dump a pile of rust out of mine on my 1993) at 26k miles) in 2001

was causing a stumble under load.

seals had shrunk/cracked on mine

i hope the OP isnt one of the ‘heard the optispark has issues so i better proactively replace my working fine OEM unit’

 

More importantly, at no point does the OP indicate that it wasn't working correctly. No questions about misfires, lack of power, codes etc. He simply said he has decided to replace it. If something is not working correctly and has been properly diagnosed, what is there to decide? Whether or not you want to ever drive it again?

 

Good morning everyone and thank you for your responses. I should have a been a little clearer and started with "after having a lot of trouble with the engine stalling and misfires, I have decided to replace the optispark myself instead of paying someone to do it". The stalling started gradually. At first it would misfire while driving without the engine stalling. It got to the point where I can count on the engine stalling after being on for about 5 minutes. The only code I see is H62. There is about a 60 degree difference between the digital and analog oil temperature. I've replaced the ignition coil, ICM, cleaned out the throttle body and IAC, replaced the alternator, replaced the fuel filter and pump. The fuel pressure holds when i turn of the engine. I have a new fuel pressure regulator but have not put it on. The engine turns on but after a few minutes it shuts off. I'm able to restart the engine usually about 15-20 minutes later. Two weeks ago i turned on the engine and waited for engine to turn off. I then plugged in a spark plug tester and did not see a light when trying to turn it on again. The engine turned on about 15 minutes later. Does this not point to the optispark?
I found service records in glove box and the optispark was replaced 2 years ago (i bought the corvette in June 2022). It does not say what brand or whether it is refurbished or new.

 

It could be your opti failing with heat, especially since it's probably a crappy aftermarket unit. The only way to know for sure is to diagnose when it's in the failed condition, which is difficult.

 

Yeah, I bought that super duper timing adjustable MSD years ago. It failed after 4K miles. The petris has been humming right along with no problem at all.

 

i'm planning on the Petris. Since I'll be down there I'm planning on replacing the belt tensioner, water coolant temp sensor, and radiator hoses.

 

There will be no better time to also replace the belt and the plug wires. If you're doing the wires, you might want to keep going and replace the plugs, too. While the cooling system is partially drained, I'd also pull the knock sensors and finish draining the remainder of the old coolant.

Live well,

SJW

 

I'm replacing the wires and spark plugs too. Any experience with the spark plug wire heat shields? are they worth it? I'll look at knock sensors. I'm building a list of all items needed and i'll start buying next week. My plan is to have everything in April.

 

Not sure what you're asking about with respect to spark plug wire heat shields, but you shouldn't need anything more than what came on the car from the factory.

AC Delco wires work just fine as replacements. They'll be the right lengths, have the correct boots at each end, and will be the correct diameter to fit within the factory wire looms. Don't fall for the hype of "high performance" wires. It's BS.

Live well,

SJW

 

I forget the torque value at this time but don't overtighten them when installing. Otherwise they don't work correctly and give the computer bad info.

 

I put a Summit Racing branded opti in my 92. It's been great for a thousand miles now. Came with brass terminals in the cap and seemed like a quality unit. The price is pretty good too.