The Dreaded LT1 Optispark

[eric_cspan]

Which brand do you guys prefer if you had to replace your distributor?

I replaced mine TWICE with a GM one. I know MSD is popular too.

Has anyone gotten away with the Chevy Performance one not dumping out after 1 year?

[JD311]

still have the original one, got water in it from pressure washing the engine. Replaced cap and rotor with MSD.

[Txbobcat]

I still have the original in my 92 corvette. I was going to use ac delco when it went out.

[quicksilver97ta]

Do you have any idea what failed? Mine have been the rotor screws, everytime.
Best luck so far is a genuine GM with an MSD cap and rotor installed, with locktite on the rotor screws.

[eric_cspan]

Yea. The guy that repaired it the first time probably didn't know to do that.

I want to hear how guys have been with the cheaper $100 versions. See how long they last because it's not the easiest job to install these!

[quicksilver97ta]

I've read many, many threads about bad opti's, MSD billets and ebay specials. You always read about the bad ones but for the job it is to replace and the money spent if I had to do it again for some odd reason I still just couldn't bring myself to do other than what I have ended up with.

[eric_cspan]

That's what I keep saying. Some people may think the $400 savings is worth the risk.

[JD311]

I initially thought mine was bad, bought a reman from napa. That thing was a pos, sounded like someone shooting ducks! Glad I didnt put the waterpump on yet before test firing! Ended up putting the old one on with the new bearing from the napa one, only thing really wrong with mine.

[77 Canamman]

I have a customer with a '93 T/A that had several Optispark issues. I replaced it with a $350 Delphi unit, and it has been fine since.

[mike nixon]

I've had two of the Cardone [all the remans are the same company] in my Roadmaster. they last about 10k miles. I need a better alternative also.

[77 Canamman]

Delphi is the only one I would trust since AC Delco units are hard to find. They are essentially the same. They are a good chunk of change. Delphi is a GM spin off of Delco. Delco Phillips combined.

[Drag Star Le Mans]

I bought a Summit unit for $250, lasted about a year and half. Went to Auto Zone because they had a unlimited life time warrenty. When I questioned the parts person about it they said "Life time no BS" don't remember the price? Its been in for over two years no problems? I did spent a week on the salt at Speedweek and washed the hell off the car afterwards. What the hell were they thinking putting it down there? Stupid bastards!

[Sirrotica]

The best way to fix the optispark problem and what I was going to do with my 97 T/A before it caught fire. This system is what GM should have done in the first place.

http://www.delteq.com/

[chief455]

Originally Posted by Sirrotica

The best way to fix the optispark problem and what I was going to do with my 97 T/A before it caught fire. This system is what GM should have done in the first place.

http://www.delteq.com/

No. Delteq is out of business and for good reason. He could never resolve his conversion box issues = some worked, some did not. I know first hand.
Difficult to install as well.

http://www.bailey-eng.com/LTCC.html

This conversion kit is still supported and uses superior, common LSX coils per cylinder.
Very simple and complete install, all that's left to your opti is a loctite screwed on rotor to hold things in place. The optic sensor triggers the spark. The conversion box comes with an adjustable rev limiter and spark retard option.
Best, and last money spent on LT-1 ignition.

[Alvin]

Well thanks to this "opti-spark" thread, and the others on PY, I've decided against purchasing a 20k mile mint condition 94 LT1 FBrd here locally. Now I know "the rest of the story" on these late model LT1s.

Glad to know "known issues" ahead of time. And really not interested in converting (taking away originality) systems of an all original Pontiac.

Greatly appreciate the information shared here.

[chief455]

Originally Posted by Alvin

Well thanks to this "opti-spark" thread, and the others on PY, I've decided against purchasing a 20k mile mint condition 94 LT1 FBrd here locally. Now I know "the rest of the story" on these late model LT1s.

Glad to know "known issues" ahead of time. And really not interested in converting (taking away originality) systems of an all original Pontiac.

Greatly appreciate the information shared here.

oh, I wouldn't let an opti spark scare you away from a deal on a nice car.
If it fails, like any distributor, you must replace it.
I won't buy another LT-1 f-body just because I pay for labor, and can't leave anything stock.
If I had an original car, any decent mechanic could work on it - and they are great value for what you get in driving pleasure.

[mgarblik]

Originally Posted by eric_cspan

Yea. The guy that repaired it the first time probably didn't know to do that.

I want to hear how guys have been with the cheaper $100 versions. See how long they last because it's not the easiest job to install these!

I am 0 for 1 with the cheap crap from Jegs. Bought their cheap opti-spark kit for a friends Caprice and it left him stranded out of town after about 300 miles. Bought a used junk yard replacement unit and he drove it another 100K + miles no issues. I won't make that mistake again.

[1965gp]

I’ve had lots of luck with the MSD units. I have 4 LT-1 cars and they all run MSD units.