1996 Corvette LT1 Misfire
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3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2024
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1996 Corvette LT1 Misfire
I have a 1996 corvette LT1 and I’ve been chasing a misfire for a while. I have changed plugs, wires, opti (helped it a little), fuel filter, ignition control module, ignition coil and O2 sensor bank 2 sensor 1 which had a code. It seems to lose power (lights dim for a few seconds and go back to normal) when idling with AC on, off it runs a little better. It seems to run smooth after going above 15-20 mph but anything less it starts to stumble. Any ideas on what I could be missing? Also when idle, oil pressure seems to be low and a little unstable
Last edited by MSosa; Sep 4, 2024 at 10:48 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
The opti spark is known for creating some interesting problems. If you decide to replace it you might consider the one from Petris. As I have replaced four different opti's in the past I have found the manner in which Petris does their procedure on the opti's the best of the bunch. Of course, replace your water pump too while replacing opti. As a matter of fact thorough researching of opti's and installation procedures will lend to a much better outcome. Not complicated but paying attention to details assures a good outcome. GL.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 845
Likes: 212
From: Florida
I have a 1996 corvette LT1 and I’ve been chasing a misfire for a while. I have changed plugs, wires, opti (helped it a little), fuel filter, ignition control module, ignition coil and O2 sensor bank 2 sensor 1 which had a code. It seems to lose power (lights dim for a few seconds and go back to normal) when idling with AC on, off it runs a little better. It seems to run smooth after going above 15-20 mph but anything less it starts to stumble. Any ideas on what I could be missing? Also when idle, oil pressure seems to be low and a little unstable
- First and foremost, I hope you did not get rid of your original Opti. You have a 96, which means you have the best Opti iteration of them all. They are very durable and only require a tune up (cap/rotors). You may come to regret swapping in an Opti....from where?
- The misfire...is it stumbling, sputtering, backfiring? At idle or under heavy throttle?
- O2 sensors are changed in pairs. Either the 2 upstream (most important), the 2 downstream, or all of them. You should not change one side, but not the other. I would correct that right away...same brand sensor.
- Put the car in a dark place, open the hood and start the engine. If you see sparking/arching ANYWHERE, then your ignition wires are bad, or a plug may be acting up.
- From your description, it seems you have a big power surge somewhere, maybe when the cooling fans come on. Perhaps your battery or alternator are weak. You may also have a loose ground wire. Low voltage and/or bad grounds have been proven to cause all sorts of problems.
- As for oil pressure...how low is it? Fully warmed up, oil pressure would be about 20-25PSI at idle.
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 14,064
Likes: 1,166
From: N. Alabama
You might share the other answer or solution if resolved so that it may help others. 
ooops, my bad. I got mixed up with the OP. Maybe MSosa will get back to us.
ooops, my bad. I got mixed up with the OP. Maybe MSosa will get back to us.
Last edited by SouthernSon; Sep 13, 2024 at 11:33 AM.
