Optispark recommendation?

**96ta** · 11-20-2006, 03:01 PM

Looking at replacing the optispark when I do the waterpump.

I'm thinking of just going with the stock AC Delco unit since I've got about 70,000 mi on it with no problems. But, before I make the choice, I wanted to see if there are significant benefits if I went with the Accel unit (the MSD, to me, does not seem worth the extra $ as I'm not turning high RPM and don't need the timing adjustment capability).

Any advice (especially with those that have actually used any of the optis) is appreicated.

**94z28l** · 11-20-2006, 10:19 PM

dunno man but my stocker is still tickin

**BlackLT1Z28** · 11-22-2006, 09:03 AM

I think the OE AC Delco part should do just fine. AC Delco is a good company with quality parts.

**AKIRA** · 11-22-2006, 09:40 AM

Originally Posted by BlackLT1Z28

I think the OE AC Delco part should do just fine. AC Delco is a good company with quality parts.

But its destined to go bad at some point.

I dont own an LT1, but I am still interested to see some feedback on the new OptiSparks seen in magazines now..

Shit, I think even Summit made one, which is more expensive than the AC Delcos?!

**BlackLT1Z28** · 11-22-2006, 10:17 AM

Yeah, but all will go bad at some point. Everything wears down. None of them out there have a lifetime warrenty. If they did, one company could charge $150 more than their competitors and sell a lot more. Can't beat a lifetime warrenty.

**440 rwhp trans am** · 11-22-2006, 11:18 AM

Change it!! it is a smart idea!!

**Chad97z** · 11-25-2006, 09:47 AM

mine has 90k on it and runs very smooth. Even replaced a leaking water pump and all.

**BlackLT1Z28** · 11-25-2006, 06:58 PM

That's the advantage of a vented vs non-vented opti.

**96ta** · 11-25-2006, 11:43 PM

Thanks, looks like I'll stick with the AC Delco part.

FWIW, with almost 70,000 mi on the car, I have never had a problem w/ the opti. I look at changing it with the water pump more as a preventitive maintenance item.

Thanks again.

**9t8z28** · 11-28-2006, 08:44 AM

I replaced mine at 125,000 miles and it was in perfect shape! Be very causious with the rotor! Make sure that the metal conductor is secured fast to the plastic rotor. Some aftermarker Opti-Spark distributors also have the problem of not having the correct tollerances. Also dont force the distributor wire connector into the distributor, it should slide in with minimal resistance.

**SS MPSTR** · 11-29-2006, 08:33 PM

I know it's expensive (and not sure if it is even available anymore), but my Dynaspark has proven itself.

**douglassr** · 12-02-2006, 01:45 AM

Optispark is the weak link, get the Del-Tec and never look back. Best thing I ever did.

**9t8z28** · 12-02-2006, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by douglassr

Optispark is the weak link, get the Del-Tec and never look back. Best thing I ever did.

Dynaspark and DEL-TEK are not necessary unless you have problems with your OPTI. Dont waste your money!!

**douglassr** · 12-02-2006, 09:59 AM

That's true, don't fix it if it ain't broke. But my Opti went out and I was left with a choice of having to pay the dealership over 1K or get a Del-Tec for the same money plus got new wires and spark plugs, it was a no brainer. If you're doing the work yourself maybe a different story, but I'm too old to be crawling around on my garage floor. Thanks, Douglas

Hark_Z · 12-02-2006, 03:54 PM

MY car just sputtered and died the other day now it wont start. Before this I had just put in the brand new MSD opti..Idk if its even the opti at this point(brand new walbro 255 too!!) but Im already looking for another one..Im just clueless what to buy seems like you cant win with the damn opti..My car is heavily modified too FWIW.

**5.0THIS** · 12-02-2006, 04:18 PM

Check fuel pressure. I doubt your new MSD opti just broke on it's own. My guess, either fuel pressure or something happened to the opti when it was installed.

**94z28l** · 12-04-2006, 09:39 PM

Originally Posted by BlackLT1Z28

That's the advantage of a vented vs non-vented opti.

my waterpump went and leaked all over the opti for probably 2 months or so just a matter of luck because its still goin

**douglassr** · 12-05-2006, 01:24 AM

Here's a tip - drill and tap a 1/8" NPT hole in the bottom of the pump and put a brass adapter 1/8" male X 1/4" barb for a little length of tygon tubing so when the water pump goes, it won't hurt the opti. Or.....get a Del-Tec. ....thanks, Douglas

**jasonisdn** · 12-05-2006, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Hark_Z

MY car just sputtered and died the other day now it wont start. Before this I had just put in the brand new MSD opti..Idk if its even the opti at this point(brand new walbro 255 too!!) but Im already looking for another one..Im just clueless what to buy seems like you cant win with the damn opti..My car is heavily modified too FWIW.

take a quick read. good info in this post for folks looking at the msd opti,
http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...light=msd+opti

doug i like that idea. could just be a good reason to go to a EWP lol (be quite but thats what i told my wife hehehe)