Lacks some power - distributor cap and rotor button?
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: LELAND NC
Lacks some power - distributor cap and rotor button?
My 1995 coupe just does not have the power it used to. I have recently done a tune up and my mechanic said he installed new plugs and wires, changed all fluids except the brake fluid. We even put in a new transmission filter. I asked him about the distributor cap and rotor button and he said it would not need to be changed. My car has 90,000 miles on it and I wonder if he knows what he is talking about. How often do any of you with late C4s change out the dist. cap and rotor button? I would think this would adversely affect my power. Is this very hard to do on this model vette? Any input will be appreciated. Thanks in advance, Paul :(
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 5,362
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From: Delray Beach FL
Re: Lacks some power - distributor cap and rotor button? (PROTOLT4)
The LT1 engine does not have a conventional cap and rotor. It is servicable, but most people recommend changing the optispark unit instead of just replacing the cap and rotor on it. The cost is a little more to do the whole unit, but the amount of labor is the same. If you decide to do this, I would also replace the water pump, since it needs to come off to replace the optispark. One thing a lot of people overlook are the oxygen sensors. I had a friend with a 93 replace his O2 sensors and picked up some power that was lost due to mileage on the car. I just ordered my replacement O2 sensors. My 93 doesn't have the pep it used to. I have around 151,000 miles on mine. O2 sensors are something that you should replace on a regular basis.
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Joined: Mar 2003
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From: LELAND NC
Re: Lacks some power - distributor cap and rotor button? (Whitvette)
Thanks for the info. My water pump was replaced 2.5 years ago and I hope I will not need to replace it any time soon. $$$ is a little tight right now. My optispark seems to be working well enough that the car is idling just fine and doesn't stutter when I accerlerate. It just lacks the power it used to have. I will order my O2 sensors today. Do I need to remove the water pump to service the distributor? I had hoped to put off spending any more money than I had to at this time, but if I need to, I will. This was my reasoning fo just replacing the cap and rotor. :)
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
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From: San Pedro CA
Re: Lacks some power - distributor cap and rotor button? (Whitvette)
At 90k miles, even the 2nd gen opti's are getting kinda wore out.
I would do plugs and wires, first, tho. You will need them anyhow.
The first gen optis are noted for going as early as 50k miles... infact, mine is going... at 50k!!!! Then again, it got FLOODED last year in a heavy rain storm/gully washer... ick.
Opti's are not cheep... The factory GM units, which are not bad, are 275.00 or so for your version, discount prices.
Dynotech Engineering has come up with their own part, called the DynaSpark, that is a reengineered Opti. We are awaiting delivery! But they sure do sound GREAT... more expensive, tho, dammit. about 600.00!!! However, they are rebuildable, and promise to last a lot longer than a GM opti.
And yes, replace the waterpump. I am surprised your's is still working... they are not a long lived part... sad enough.
Also, replace the serp belt while your in there... and hoses... might as well!
I would do plugs and wires, first, tho. You will need them anyhow.
The first gen optis are noted for going as early as 50k miles... infact, mine is going... at 50k!!!! Then again, it got FLOODED last year in a heavy rain storm/gully washer... ick.
Opti's are not cheep... The factory GM units, which are not bad, are 275.00 or so for your version, discount prices.
Dynotech Engineering has come up with their own part, called the DynaSpark, that is a reengineered Opti. We are awaiting delivery! But they sure do sound GREAT... more expensive, tho, dammit. about 600.00!!! However, they are rebuildable, and promise to last a lot longer than a GM opti.
And yes, replace the waterpump. I am surprised your's is still working... they are not a long lived part... sad enough.
Also, replace the serp belt while your in there... and hoses... might as well!
