Want to see what's inside your Opti-spark? - Forums - Official C4 Vette Registry

SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors! | Advertise Here

Topic: Want to see what's inside your Opti-spark?

in Forum: C4 Engines

Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

Want to see what's inside your Opti-spark? (1/5)
12/28/11 1:56pm

396c4
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 12/7/2011
Posts: 219

This one would work for a little while then quit. Obvious what happened but there was only a small temporary leak from the air vent and the two events were far enough apart that it wasn't obvious what happened until I opened it up. With all the ongoing OEM reports, I switched to MSD and had no more problems.

______________

Quote

Our Sponsors help support C4VR

Re: Want to see what's inside your Opti-spark? (2/5)
12/28/11 11:57pm

Adams' Apple
Standard Member
Moderator
Send Private Message

Duncanville, TX - USA

Vette(s):
1985 Coupe-L98/Auto,Bright Red/Carmine. 1974 Coupe-L48/4speed, Medium Red Metallic/Black Deluxe.

Joined: 3/18/2009
Posts: 2230

Amazing what a little moisture will do, eh? One of the stupidest designs I think I've ever seen....
So you like the MSD set-up?

______________

Joel Adams
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Quote

Re: Want to see what's inside your Opti-spark? (3/5)
12/29/11 8:02pm

396c4
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Joined: 12/7/2011
Posts: 219

Yes I like it. MSD is better constructed and sealed. Seems to work great and supposed to be better at higher RPM. Hard to see on the lower quality pics but there's a black knob right next to the cable connection to the housing which allows for hardware advance changes instead of a re-program (which is also easier on 96 OBD II than previous years.)

It's not a difficult job but it took 10 hours to complete by the time I took it all apart, cleaned everything ( including the lower reluctor sensor seal), did the plug wires and got it all back together. Also found by undoing one of the motor mounts and lifting one side of the engine, I got better access to the damper. I also upgraded the vent lines to silicone since I'm finding all the original vacuum lines are degrading badly to where your hands are full of carbon just handling them. Check your cruise control vacuum lines. I found the same thing with them. (Changing the section that runs inside and under the dash was a challenge.)

The cable connection was a little confusing at first. I expected to plug the OEM cable into the MSD cable. However, the MSD cable joins directly to a connector under the injector cover on the passenger side next to the valve cover and you remove the OEM cable down to the original Optispark distributor. The connector on the other end (to MSD Opti) is also different than the OEM Opti so you can't use the original cable anyway.

______________

Quote

Re: Want to see what's inside your Opti-spark? (4/5)
12/29/11 11:43pm

Kewl. I think someone here posted a short tutorial on changing the Opti, with a ton of pics. At least, I seem to remember one like that, because it had a lot of really LARGE images....
I may have to look and see can I find it.
Found it! https://www.c4vetteregistry.com/vrforums/new-opti-and-water-pump-install-dialup-beware_message402709.html

I know all aboot old dried up vacuum lines....I hate handlin them, too. Censored

|UPDATED|12/29/2011 8:43:02 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

______________

Joel Adams
My Link

(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS

"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Quote

Re: Want to see what's inside your Opti-spark? (5/5)
1/9/12 9:16pm

Judge Roy Bean
Standard Member
Send Private Message

Bandera, TX - USA

Vette(s):
one ea. 1996 LT1, red on gray interior, stroker 383 Dart heads w/ 2.02"int,1.60exeh 11.8:1, Comp Cam 230/236@50 .570/.576 113LSA , Crane 1.6:1`rocker arms, GM Delphi roller lifters HiFlo Cats, Xpipe and low restriction muffles, it sounds lumpy at idle!!!

Joined: 1/4/2012
Posts: 28

That is a good looking install. When I upgraded my own LT1 the MSD Opti Spark was high on my list of upgrades along with the MSD box. You must have constructed a perch for the MSD multi fire box. I squeezed mine under the passenger seat. The wire took a while to run. under the threshold and past the door hinge.
I wanted to ask you if you have figured out the circuits to the converter lockup. I would like to add a switch to engage the clutch when I want it and a momentary switch to disingage. You may remember that I would like to change out the valve body in the transmission for a manual shift style. To complete the job, B&M has a ratchet shift for a Camero that looks as if it might fit a C4 and look like it belongs there.

I see you have also run AN hose to the throttle body cooling system. I want some of that just for the looks. There is a hot rod shop in San Antonio I have to check out for parts.

Quote

Our Sponsors help support C4VR