Opti cap question.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 603
Likes: 0
From: Atlanta
Opti cap question.
When completeing a tune-up parts replacement including plugs, wires , coil, etc., will simply replacing the Opti's cap aid in performance and longevity, as in traditional rotor cap replacement?
I see the caps for sale in a catalog for around $140. That's sure a lot cheaper than a complete Opti.
Will it help?
Thanks guys.
:cheers:
I see the caps for sale in a catalog for around $140. That's sure a lot cheaper than a complete Opti.
Will it help?
Thanks guys.
:cheers:
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Chaska MN
Re: Opti cap question. (BlackBeast2)
Yes, this will help the same as a traditional cap and rotor replacement will. The opti portion of the distributor does not typically go bad, from what I have seen.
The terminals get corroded, and this is what causes the trouble. Same as your traditional cap and rotor.
People are always blaming the opti-spark design, but they are expecting it to out live a trditional cap and rotor. And it is not much different in design, except for the shape of it, it is very similar to the traditional cap/rotor.
The terminals get corroded, and this is what causes the trouble. Same as your traditional cap and rotor.
People are always blaming the opti-spark design, but they are expecting it to out live a trditional cap and rotor. And it is not much different in design, except for the shape of it, it is very similar to the traditional cap/rotor.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,268
Likes: 14
From: Honolulu, HI
Re: Opti cap question. (Terry@TPiS)
Yes, this will help the same as a traditional cap and rotor replacement will. The opti portion of the distributor does not typically go bad, from what I have seen.
People are always blaming the opti-spark design, but they are expecting it to out live a trditional cap and rotor. And it is not much different in design, except for the shape of it, it is very similar to the traditional cap/rotor.
If you replace your cap make sure you check for rust and coolant inside which is a good indicator that your optical pickup is or will be affected. Since you have a stock vented unit you might have good luck. Don't forget to seal the cap and electrical connection with black RTV.
Like I said, depending on the mileage, if you're going to do all that work, just replace the darn thing. ~$330 from Superior Chevy.
[Modified by vvv90, 11:52 AM 7/15/2003]
[Modified by vvv90, 11:53 AM 7/15/2003]
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,143
Likes: 7
From: San Diego CA
Re: Opti cap question. (vvv90)
...Don't forget to seal the cap and electrical connection with black RTV.
Like I said, depending on the mileage, if you're going to do all that work, just replace the darn thing. ~$330 from Superior Chevy.
Like I said, depending on the mileage, if you're going to do all that work, just replace the darn thing. ~$330 from Superior Chevy.
The other thing wrong with the engineering (besides the location and the seals) is the bearings. GM appearently used the cheapest ones they could find. The first Opti I replaced, the bearings were so bad I couldn't imagine how the car ran at all. Coolant doesn't make a very good lubricant!
Regardless whether you replace just the cap or the whole thing, besure to RTV the seams.
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Chaska MN
Re: Opti cap question. (vvv90)
It is not the "Functional" design that people blame, it's the reliability and durability that people blame. It's location also doesn't help.
:iagree:
The location does suck, but how can anyone expect a cap and rotor to last more than 80,000 miles?
Definately pull the water pump and check the bearings, I think mine had 3 or 4 bearings left in it.
:iagree:
The location does suck, but how can anyone expect a cap and rotor to last more than 80,000 miles?
Definately pull the water pump and check the bearings, I think mine had 3 or 4 bearings left in it.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,671
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: Opti cap question. (vvv90)
Here's my waterpump.
:eek: :eek: :eek:
Mine was only packed with half the bearings. I cannot believe I didn't see more coolant than I did!
:eek: :eek: :eek:
Mine was only packed with half the bearings. I cannot believe I didn't see more coolant than I did!
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Race Director
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 11,268
Likes: 14
From: Honolulu, HI
Re: Opti cap question. (Strick)
:iagree:
I'm getting the Mez too. The only reason I couldn't before was because I was required to relocate the accumulator tank in front of the waterpump so I was unsure of whether it would fit or not. Now that I know it will I'm doing that.
:cheers:
I'm getting the Mez too. The only reason I couldn't before was because I was required to relocate the accumulator tank in front of the waterpump so I was unsure of whether it would fit or not. Now that I know it will I'm doing that.
:cheers: