This missive will be in two parts:
1) I have a 92 with 102K on the clock. The opti, waterpump, wires, and plugs have NEVER been changed. I know this because I have all service records back to day one and every detail regarding maintenance and repair of been documented to the "t".

It runs real well, except under hard acceleration in ist (auto). It craps out at about 4800 rpm. I can't figure out if it has to do with spark (opti-plugs-wires) or if it's starving for fuel. As you all know, it will build rpms VERY rapidly in 1st.
This I know....it's not hitting the rev limiter before it begins to do this.

Now part two...
Optispark. I've read all the threads and how to's and I think I can do the job. I'm an ol hot rodder from way back (57yo). But I have a couple of questions.
a.) if you pull the old opti off as one unit, how do you know where the rotor is pointing so that you can put the new unit in the approximate position BEFORE you try to line it up...and if you put the new unit on as a complete unit...how do you know where the rotor is pointing?

Is this important?...does anyone give a damn? Or do you just keep rotating the opti until you reach the fabled sweet spot?

I know I'm going to replace the wires and plugs. They're on their way from SpeedDemon, but I have to admit...I'm a little intimidated by the opti...

One more thingy...is it difficult to get the harmonic balancer off. On mine, there is a cross brace for the frame that runs no more than 8-9" right smack in front of the balancer.

Thanks for any help and encouragement.

Dave

 

Sorry, put it on C5 rather than C4. Anybody know how I can put it on C4 by copying.

 

Check continuity from the coil wire to the opti. My vote is that it's open. Replace it and drive it another 100K.

 

Don't know how to move to the right topic BUT.. I can tell you that the distributor will only index (properly fit) one way. Thats not to say it can't be assembled wrong (been there,done that). It has a locator pin that fits into the end of the cam and is matched to a hole (hehe said "a hole") in the back of the opticrap. As to wether you can get it to hit the hole without being able to rotate the rotor (still assembled) or simply being able to access the mounting bolts with the cap on.. I don't think so.
All of this will become painfully obvious once you get it apart and look at it.