Getting a DynaSpark to replace the Opti. What else do I need?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,805
Likes: 0
From: If you read this, you'll go blind
Getting a DynaSpark to replace the Opti. What else do I need?
Gonna go with the DynaSpark for my 92. http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dynaspark.htm
I don't trust the Delteq because it still relies on the Opti
So what else do I need and should I change?
The givens:
Needs
New water pump gaskets
While I'm at it:
Plugs, wires.
My water pump is only a couple years old. I do need a new temp sensor since mine broke when the belt came loose. My belt is fairly new too.
Anything else? Any special tools?
I've got the tech tips, I just know some people did theirs recently. I'm I gonna be able to get that pesky pulley off myself?
-cp-
I don't trust the Delteq because it still relies on the Opti
So what else do I need and should I change?
The givens:
Needs
New water pump gaskets
While I'm at it:
Plugs, wires.
My water pump is only a couple years old. I do need a new temp sensor since mine broke when the belt came loose. My belt is fairly new too.
Anything else? Any special tools?
I've got the tech tips, I just know some people did theirs recently. I'm I gonna be able to get that pesky pulley off myself?
-cp-
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
I am curious... you don't trust the DelTeq because it still relies on the Opti? And what is the DynaSpark? The best OptiSpark ever made? I don't get it. The logic defies me.
The guts of the DynaSpark are the same as the guts of the OptiSpark. It's the case and sealing processes that are better.
And in all honesty, the real failure with the Opti is not the optical side, but the high voltage side.
I use the LTCC... just my preference.
I would replace the temp sensor... makes sense, so to speak.
the pump should be ok... how many miles? if it's under 50k, reuse it. Otherwise, eh... it ain't worth cheaping out at this point.
You will need a 2x4 and a big honk'n hammer to remove the balancer.
The guts of the DynaSpark are the same as the guts of the OptiSpark. It's the case and sealing processes that are better.
And in all honesty, the real failure with the Opti is not the optical side, but the high voltage side.
I use the LTCC... just my preference.
I would replace the temp sensor... makes sense, so to speak.
the pump should be ok... how many miles? if it's under 50k, reuse it. Otherwise, eh... it ain't worth cheaping out at this point.
You will need a 2x4 and a big honk'n hammer to remove the balancer.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,805
Likes: 0
From: If you read this, you'll go blind
Originally Posted by bogus
I am curious... you don't trust the DelTeq because it still relies on the Opti? And what is the DynaSpark? The best OptiSpark ever made? I don't get it. The logic defies me.
The guts of the DynaSpark are the same as the guts of the OptiSpark. It's the case and sealing processes that are better.
And in all honesty, the real failure with the Opti is not the optical side, but the high voltage side.
I use the LTCC... just my preference.
The guts of the DynaSpark are the same as the guts of the OptiSpark. It's the case and sealing processes that are better.
And in all honesty, the real failure with the Opti is not the optical side, but the high voltage side.
I use the LTCC... just my preference.
I'd hate to go with the delteq and turn around and still have to buy another opti. While that is unlikely, it's possible. I'm sure I could get away with cleaning it if that were the case.
I would replace the temp sensor... makes sense, so to speak.
the pump should be ok... how many miles? if it's under 50k, reuse it. Otherwise, eh... it ain't worth cheaping out at this point.
You will need a 2x4 and a big honk'n hammer to remove the balancer.
Any special technique?
I'm gonna have to check the mileage on the pump. It's not too old, but I put a lot of miles on the car.
She's got 130k her.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by NeedSpeed
You do have a point. Naturally the internals are just improved. They fixed many of the problems. I'm not saying the Delteq is bad. I realize the optics aren't the weak point, but they can have problems.
And it only needs to be replaced if you start throwing codes, in regards to installing an LTCC or DelTeq system.
Originally Posted by NeedSpeed
I'd hate to go with the delteq and turn around and still have to buy another opti. While that is unlikely, it's possible. I'm sure I could get away with cleaning it if that were the case.
Originally Posted by NeedSpeed
The balancer sucks that bad huh?
Any special technique?
Originally Posted by NeedSpeed
I'm gonna have to check the mileage on the pump. It's not too old, but I put a lot of miles on the car.
She's got 130k her.
Doing all of that will clear up a ton of oil leaks!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 11,672
Likes: 20
From: Lake Wylie SC
I, too, have a 92 and last year I replaced everything up front. Something you might want to consider is upgrading to an electric coolant pump (Meziere HD). Take a look at my article "Meziere Pump install" in the Tech Tips. When I did this the Dyna-spark wasn't really ready for use yet so I replaced my opti with a NEW OEM opti, but I vented it like the 95-96s. Yes, I replaced the oil pan gasket, timing cover gasket and all it's seals and even replaced the rear main seal which was a snap. Later I did the intake gaskets and now she stays dry as a bone.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,805
Likes: 0
From: If you read this, you'll go blind
Originally Posted by bogus
Actually, the internals are stock. The case is what was improved - that and the bearings.
And it only needs to be replaced if you start throwing codes, in regards to installing an LTCC or DelTeq system.
And it only needs to be replaced if you start throwing codes, in regards to installing an LTCC or DelTeq system.
Yea, get under the car and proceed to wack the balancer... at 4 and 8 o'clock. alternating side to side. it will work off. oh, there are 3 bolts that hold it to the yolk.
Another thought. More than likely, the front main seal is leaking. You may want to go all the way in and do something about that. Also, the timing gear is getting old. Consider doing the oil pan gasket, too. you have it all apart, might as well go to town! Oh, and the intake gasket.
Doing all of that will clear up a ton of oil leaks!!
Doing all of that will clear up a ton of oil leaks!!
The farthest I've been in the motor is the pump, so I'm a bit of a newbie.
I figure I can screw it up as easy as anyone else!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 10
From: Nashville TN
Dang Bogus, you really had that much trouble with the balancer? It's not that bad, it's the stupid hub that is a pain in the old rear to take off. Theoretically you should be able to pull the balancer off by hand, but it is stuck, just tap it a couple of times with a mallet, it will come off. It shouldn't be too bad unless it has rusted to the hub.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,805
Likes: 0
From: If you read this, you'll go blind
Originally Posted by Strick
I, too, have a 92 and last year I replaced everything up front. Something you might want to consider is upgrading to an electric coolant pump (Meziere HD). Take a look at my article "Meziere Pump install" in the Tech Tips. When I did this the Dyna-spark wasn't really ready for use yet so I replaced my opti with a NEW OEM opti, but I vented it like the 95-96s. Yes, I replaced the oil pan gasket, timing cover gasket and all it's seals and even replaced the rear main seal which was a snap. Later I did the intake gaskets and now she stays dry as a bone.
I may just have to wait 'till this one dies. In theory, when it does go the DynaSpark should survive.
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Advanced
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 86
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From: Overland Park Ks
Delteq Rules
I am crazy about my Delteq. The product support is great. The part of the Opti that fails the majority of the time is not the trigger. I would not have done this any other way. Go Delteq
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by kman0066
Dang Bogus, you really had that much trouble with the balancer? It's not that bad, it's the stupid hub that is a pain in the old rear to take off. Theoretically you should be able to pull the balancer off by hand, but it is stuck, just tap it a couple of times with a mallet, it will come off. It shouldn't be too bad unless it has rusted to the hub.
you are right. It should just come off by hand. but it didn't...
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
Originally Posted by NeedSpeed
She is throwing codes. intermittent, but there.
Originally Posted by NeedSpeed
All good thoughts. She is leaky at her age. I can't go beserk with money since the cash is tight. I imagine the oil pan gasket is easy, is it much trouble to do the front main or intake?
The farthest I've been in the motor is the pump, so I'm a bit of a newbie.
I figure I can screw it up as easy as anyone else!!!
The farthest I've been in the motor is the pump, so I'm a bit of a newbie.
I figure I can screw it up as easy as anyone else!!!
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 108
Likes: 0
When I replaced my opti (converted a '96 to a '94), a Chevy mechanic told me that to get the balancer off, just pry it side to side. Sure 'nuff it came off just like he said 
. I couldn't believe how he was sooo correct. The car had about 22K on it at the time. 
. I couldn't believe how he was sooo correct. The car had about 22K on it at the time.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 7,805
Likes: 0
From: If you read this, you'll go blind
Originally Posted by bogus
ah... that's a problem. The bearings are more then likely doa.
it's not that bad. You should be able to rent a puller or borrow one for next to nothing. A full set of gaskets is only $60 or so. The seals up front are cheapo. There is one that is touchy to install, you need a tool. Let me check my manual. What you might want to do with that one is to run the timing cover down to a chevy dealer and have them tap it in for a nominal fee. Hell, the shop might just say, here's the tool, go to town! never know...
it's not that bad. You should be able to rent a puller or borrow one for next to nothing. A full set of gaskets is only $60 or so. The seals up front are cheapo. There is one that is touchy to install, you need a tool. Let me check my manual. What you might want to do with that one is to run the timing cover down to a chevy dealer and have them tap it in for a nominal fee. Hell, the shop might just say, here's the tool, go to town! never know...
Glad you warned me about that.
My DynaSpark should be here by the weekend. I'll let y'all know how it goes. Thanks for the feedback!!
-cp-
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: new orleans La
Originally Posted by NeedSpeed
Gonna go with the DynaSpark for my 92. http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dynaspark.htm
I don't trust the Delteq because it still relies on the Opti
So what else do I need and should I change?
The givens:
Needs
New water pump gaskets
While I'm at it:
Plugs, wires.
My water pump is only a couple years old. I do need a new temp sensor since mine broke when the belt came loose. My belt is fairly new too.
Anything else? Any special tools?
I've got the tech tips, I just know some people did theirs recently. I'm I gonna be able to get that pesky pulley off myself?
-cp-
I don't trust the Delteq because it still relies on the Opti
So what else do I need and should I change?
The givens:
Needs
New water pump gaskets
While I'm at it:
Plugs, wires.
My water pump is only a couple years old. I do need a new temp sensor since mine broke when the belt came loose. My belt is fairly new too.
Anything else? Any special tools?
I've got the tech tips, I just know some people did theirs recently. I'm I gonna be able to get that pesky pulley off myself?
-cp-
I went with the Dynaspark on my 96 LT4. I also just received my LTCC LT1 to LS1 coil conversion that I hope to install in the next week or so, It should give me the best of both worlds.
Good luck with the install.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: new orleans La
Originally Posted by 99svrcpe
I went with the Dynaspark on my 96 LT4. I also just received my LTCC LT1 to LS1 coil conversion that I hope to install in the next week or so, It should give me the best of both worlds.
Good luck with the install.
Good luck with the install.
ALso I have:
A new set of AC Delco red LT4 spark plug wires & coil. They only been installed on the car for about a month. I'm looking to sell if your interested. I won't need them after I do the LTCC conversion.