msd opti prob help please

**dirttrax** · 03-03-2012, 10:53 AM

I just installed a msd opti on my 93 lt1. I set the timing two turns out as recommended by msd. It will turn over and will not crank. It sometimes trys to. Now if i run the timing screw all the way in it will crank rough and run but back fires thru the tb. I have run it all the way in and out 1/4 turn at a time and it will not run right. This is a brand new unit. Does anyone have any ideas?

**krese** · 03-03-2012, 02:10 PM

yeah, get an OE opti

did you make sure to check all your wires?

**dirttrax** · 03-03-2012, 02:22 PM

Yep, pulled the msd off and put the stock one back on and it run fine. Removed it put msd back on and same problem. Im puzzled.

**5.0THIS** · 03-03-2012, 04:08 PM

I didnt think people usually had problems with the MSD unit. Return it and try another MSD, but if you have the same issue again it likely isnt the MSD opti causing the problem.

**krese** · 03-03-2012, 04:19 PM

there have been countless instances of people having issues with MSD units. most LT1 forums say to just get the OE opti and be done with it.

**dirttrax** · 03-03-2012, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by 5.0THIS

I didnt think people usually had problems with the MSD unit. Return it and try another MSD, but if you have the same issue again it likely isnt the MSD opti causing the problem.

I wouldnt think it was the msd either, but it runs fine with the stock unit. Tried it again bout an hour ago.

**dirttrax** · 03-03-2012, 04:30 PM

Originally Posted by krese

there have been countless instances of people having issues with MSD units. most LT1 forums say to just get the OE opti and be done with it.

The more I read seems there are several problems mentioned. None of them match my findings though.

**5.0THIS** · 03-04-2012, 12:14 AM

Originally Posted by krese

there have been countless instances of people having issues with MSD units. most LT1 forums say to just get the OE opti and be done with it.

Well there ya go then.

To the OP, why are you replacing the OEM unit if it's working fine?

**dirttrax** · 03-04-2012, 04:59 PM

Originally Posted by 5.0THIS

Well there ya go then.

To the OP, why are you replacing the OEM unit if it's working fine?

Sorry should have been more clear. I bought the car with seller saying it was the opti that was bad. I didnt want to spend a bunch of money to find out it was something else so i bought one of the 99 dollar remans off e-bay. After seeing that was the problem I bought the msd. I dont trust the ebay opti. It may last forever but dont want to chance it.

**capone** · 06-30-2012, 05:44 PM

Hi. I will tell you about my msd opti spark issues. My car had a cheap ebay opti. I restored my car and engine was rebuilt also with every sensor, etc replaced. Everything worked fine for about a year. Opti went out. No water issues, just junk opti i thought. Bought msd and installed. lasted 2 yrs 2 months. Not a everyday car. opti had about 3000 miles on it. then out blue it started with typical opti issues. Removed it and sent it back to msd. I asked if they were able to test it before they did any work on it. they said yes. They said they tested it and said it was bad. They rebuilt it and sent it back. Still no crank. Called them back and talked with different people each time. Finally was told that they lied and they cannot test the opti. they just put all new parts in it if it comes back and good luck.. Well the problem come to find out was there MSD coil. it developed a crack in it for no reason. Talked with another lt1 guy and he had problems with msd coil also just like mine. SO all this trouble of swapping opti sparks numerous times was due to there junk 1 yr old coil. I was told by couple guys to only run stock coil. as far as msd opti.. I will never buy anything with msd name on it.I also have a brand new liftime opti spark sitting in a box i bouht due to running out of options with msd tech line. The msd coil was still providing spark to plugs.. just would not run... Not long after i said screw it and sold car and bought a ls ta.

**5.0THIS** · 06-30-2012, 10:17 PM

I ran an MSD coil for years with no issues. Alot of times there are other issues that can cause component failures. But that's not to suggest that an MSD couldnt be bad.