Lt1 optispark fix I currently have an advance auto parts opti in it now but I use the stock Mitsubishi cam sensor that originally came with the factory GM opti. I would GREATLY appreciate it if someone could help me out Aug 25, 2010 · Excellent post. Got a new cap and rotor and rebuilding Oct 1, 2003 · The LTCC (LT1 Coil Conversion) grew from the need for a high-energy ignition system for the LT1 that did not use the distributor section of the Opti-Spark. Jan 19, 2018 · Any serious doubts seemed to be quickly dispelled by members who’d either owned, or still own an “Opti” equipped Corvette. My current 94 Z28 A4 only has 53K original on the car. 3L) V8 engines made between 1992 and 1997 were equipped with the Opti-Spark distributor. I have a MS3X 3. I used the DIY harnesses to wire everything up to my sensors and signals are coming in with reasonable values. Any higher than 7000 ohms means you should replace it. (think ltcc does that). The front-mounted distributor was driven off the timing chain using an optical trigger instead of the more common magnetic trigger used like on the GM HEI distributor. They all work on the stock 1995 LT1 PCM. Jul 23, 2014 · The Optispark is a unique ignition system found primarily on GM's venerated LT1, LT4 and L99 V8's from 1992 to 1997. What I In this video I explain and demonstrate how to replace the optical distrubutor in a 1993 Chevrolet Corvette with the LT1 engine. It started right up and I drove it for a few miles. please!!! i spent enough money on my crap box to buy everyone on this forum 5 optisparks. Feb 6, 2010 · It's designed for the LT1 computer. The original small-block Chevy (SBC) V8 was built for decades, spanning from the mid-1950s through the 1990s. This was the second generation of the GM small block V8 motor and the first major design change since 1955. Jan 29, 2024 · The Opti-Spark system first appeared in 1994 Corvette and Camaro LT1 EFI engines. 825, JE forged pistons and pins, TPIS/AFR heads, CCam 224/230 extreme cam, 1. just reading all of these horror stories about the stock optispark made me want to change it as preventive maintenance. And i got a Delphi complete assy waiting to install. There are some nice options out there to eliminate the opti all together now, including just taking the high voltage side offline and continuing to use the cam sensor part. All i can buy are aftermarket units. This can also cause the opti to malfunction. Aug 8, 2011 · Hello, I have three optisparks, 1 is OEM, 2 are MSD. If you wanted to swap the optical sensor from a delco opti to the chandler opti you have, they would both have to be the type 1 . With the voltage removed from the opti the cam sensor section can live a very long life. Has been running great since. Jun 6, 2018 · This engine featured a new distributor design called Optispark that was plagued with issues. 07 rear Nov 4, 2009 · C4 Tech/Performance - Replacement Optispark and Water pump install - Part 1 (includes pictures) - A little background story: A few month's back, my '92 developed a very strange hesitation problem which would show up a few seconds after the car started running - only to last a few seconds - then disappear all together. I'm not 100% sure what is wrong with it but I highly suspect the optispark is ailing. Conversely, if you had a type 2 chandler opti in your car, the delco optical sensor would have to be a type 2. Aug 2, 2010 · Also guys over there are very knowlegable. The factory Opti-Spark sensors are used, providing > > they are in good shape. Ran like a charm before, really no issues. The final product came to be a 28 page double sided document with close up detail shots, and detailed text on testing each sensor, and it appropriate reading. No problem. My problems with the opti have been corrosion and not the cam sensor dying. gm recommends changing them every 60,000mi. The "roll your own" Taylors are about $75. Many problem MSD optis during this period. 3. dry inside like the 95/96's. Oct 8, 2017 · I'm assuming the p0300 was caused by the aftermarket optispark failing. 7L) and L99 (4. Jul 19, 2011 · C4 Tech/Performance - 94 LT1 Missfire-How did you fix it? - OK guys, 94 Vette, 6 spd, missfiring under load. Buy a $4 clear plastic fuel filter. If yes, then it is likely that you did not index the opti correctly when you installed it. The pulses are sent to the PCM via the optispark electrical harness. May 11, 2023 · Had a bad oil leak and it leaked into the Optispark distributor and into one of the plug wire connectors on the cap. Post #2, above, shows the type 1. I figured this would be a temp fix until I could afford to get the MSD. It ran good for a week then now it won't start. Good luck Derek May 11, 2008 · In order to understand the problems with the Opti-Spark Ignition, a brief description of the system is necessary. Sep 8, 2013 · Your fears are grossly over-exaggerated. May 30, 2024 · I finished installing the Petris Opti yesterday. That will be the deciding factor for choosing between cap & rotor replacement or whole opti replacement. But some people have said the MSD 6AL burns the opti up. Any ideas? Jun 30, 2019 · This video is a How-To for you to DIY replacing your optispark if you have a 90's era LT1 F-body Firebird Trans Am, Camaro, or Corvette. There is an oil seal on the timing cover behind the opti that can leak oil into the opti when it goes bad. I've seen a few pictures of it, but couldnt ever find a description on what parts were needed and how they did it. Aug 25, 2007 · 97 Comp T/A #161 383 Callies dragon slayer crank, 4 bolt billet mains, Howards billet rods 5. 6 rolller rockers, msd coil, and now a new msd billlet optispark. The only worth while opti is a reman GM, Delco, or Delphi. If you are not a member join up and do a search. I give a basic overview, show troubleshooting techniques, and tear down the system Oct 24, 2010 · It is probably the opti I had one go out and to test it first to check the coil unplug from the opti and I put a spark plug in it and put close to something metal if you get a spark then it is good then plug opti back up and pull a plug out and do the same thing no spark opti is bad but it might be good for use with delteq. Apr 21, 2010 · You can make the LT1 \’92-\’94 Optispark setup more reliable than a 95- 96, even with the early distributor configuration. Mar 5, 2021 · Have you removed the opti to check the condition of the internals? The rotor may not have been secured properly and fallen off the shaft. so my question is. There is an alternitive to the opti. However, it also ch i read some forums on camaroz28. I install a Petris Enterpris Jan 29, 2023 · C4 Tech/Performance - 1993 Corvette Optispark - Good afternoon everyone, I've decided to replace the optispark distributor. Oct 31, 2008 · The opti has two functions in the spark process. I have researched this problem and not really found a solution. It still won't start. Mar 6, 2017 · Went to change that seal (and all the timing cover seals) and while i had everything apart i said to myself why not change everything out while i have it apart bought a new water pump and took my optispark to oriellys and swapped it out for a new one even though it worked fine its a rich and porter optispark with a lifetime warranty (Spectra How do you know the Optispark is failing? Let’s envision you are out in city traffic. The stock Opti works fine on a Megasquirt 3 in fully sequential mode using the high and low res signals, but both of the MSD versions do not work when the high res system is installed (works in batch fire using low res signal, not sequential using high res). The "opti" has two parts, a low-voltage optical section and a high-voltage cap and rotor section. Feb 23, 2010 · 1996 Lt1 Corvette Auto. type 2 put in 95-97 f-body Feb 12, 2014 · You need to do oscilloscope tests for the high and low resolution circuit. don't remember the codes but I ended up replacing the optispark ( complete distributor ) and the EGR. Get a digital volt meter and test the Purple & White wire on your opti harness and see what volts its reading, with the ignition in the run position. Also, simply replacing an opti will not fix an oil leak. What is an Optispark and why do they fail? The GM Optispark is an optically-triggered ignition distributor used on the LT1, LT4 and L99 engines. Eventually the engin "The Delteq Opti-Direct system solves most of the LT1's Opti-Spark problems by converting to a distributorless system similar to that used on the Cadillac Northstar engines. They feature a precision-machined billet aluminum housing that fits in place of the factory piece, a new pickup assembly, a trick timing adjustment mechanism, and a new MSD distributor cap and rotor. And I'm really beginning to wonder if the p0336 code isn't also caused by an aftermarket optispark as other posters have said. The problem was not so much water as the buildup of ozone generated by the high voltage discharge of the cap/rotor. 2nd one my current one has about 120k on it. if you wind the gear out it will keep climbing but it feels like it Jan 4, 2007 · The Opti-Spark is a distributor with a two track optical position sensor, a keyed drive shaft, an ECM, a single ignition coil and driver and conventional secondary wires and park plugs. Jan 7, 2011 · OK, I know this has been brought up before and I have read all the posts This is a '95 rebuilt (never ran) LT1 with new injectors, opti, coil, wires, sparkplugs, etc. From reading the posts, the higher mileage LT1's have less opti issues. I'm now getting a P1371 code. Reserve a long day to fiddle around. the module inside the cheap opti is a no-name peice of junk. Mar 23, 2009 · I was running on my previous 94 Z28 A4, with a a1cardone reman opti and it worked great. All LT1 (5. The most common failure Jul 14, 2005 · Hi everyone, I've got a 94 Trans Am with the LT1, and I've been trying to replace my Optispark unit for the past month. The MSD opti has had a bad few years. iv had the rotor fall off,explode, loosen up and destroy a new cap and rotor,ive jb welded the screws from backing out and had them snap right in the new opti housing,bought the 500 dollar msd distributor and had the rotor Jan 13, 2003 · early optispark vacuum source My 93 optispark dist. Thanks. com has a good pic of how the 95-97 type 2 opti should be installed. The optical portion is reliable and is May 2, 2010 · Learn about the cost to replace the optispark on your 1994 Chevrolet Corvette, including estimated repair times and maintenance tips for optimal performance. If you did get into the optical section and removed the timing disc, there is a good chance you could have damaged it. Feb 27, 2014 · C4 Tech/Performance - 1996 LT1 - P1371 on new optispark - Hello All, I have just replaced the optispark. thanks for the Jun 13, 2007 · C4 Tech/Performance - Optispark issues - Time to fix it! - OK, Corvette sitting too long now in the garage waiting on me to act. I've got the distributor replacement already, but I am having a LOT of trouble finding a cap and rotor kit. As optispark is widely believed to die from natural causes every 75,000 miles or so I'd like to avoid it if possible. Finally, all-out performance distributors to replace the OEM GM LT1 Optisparks--MSD's Pro-Billet LT1 distributors. Look at the engine at night for arcing, check the injectors, change the plugs, and finally replace the optispark. And if missing or intermittent low and high res signals, don't forget the opti wiring harness as a cause of this. The engine has the lt1 hot cam kit, 1. 23 gears, Lakewood traction bars, Spohn chromemoly driveshaft. Everything went well and it runs great. Buy a $12 \’96 GM Vette distributor vacuum harness assy. you will get a code P1371 no low resolution signal. 1994 Chevrolet Corvette Optispark Replacement Cost Aug 28, 2024 · C4 Tech/Performance - 1993 opti spark replacement - Does the water pump have to come off when replacing an opti spark on 93 LT 1? I'm having my opti replaced and if the water pump has to come off I'll probably have that replaced. Here are the symptoms: Car always starts right up. Quite simply, the Opti-Spark was a new distributor design that debuted on the 1992 Chevrolet Corvette LT1 V8. someone could say why not convert to the eficonnection setup. The cool factor. 95 should be a "vented opti" unlike the 93-94 the 95 and up were vented to prevent moisture from building up, but still were suseptible if wet with alot of water. Measure the resistance of your coil. As heat builds under the hood you first notice a minor misfire, then stalling occurs. If i Aug 21, 2009 · i have a 1994 z28 camaro with a LT1 and about a couple of weeks ago i started having problems it would start up just fine in the morning times but run a little ruff at first then it would run fine as it warmed up but when it got to operating temp at idle it would only idle at 500 rpm's and run HORRIBLE!!!!! and i would shut it off and it would Jan 13, 2012 · Type 1 and 2 opti have different components inside. Ease off and cruises OK. Dec 7, 2006 · sell your car if your car has on optispark in it fix it and sell it immediately. roller rockers, 58mm TB, ported intake, ProCharger 600B 15psi for now, MSD Opti spark,coil, 6AL, Boost controller, Pace headers not on yet, 3000 stall, 3. Jan 25, 2020 · Today I'm going over the optispark ignition system of the GM LT-1 engine. May 4, 2020 · Forget the Opti Spark, contact Paul at TorqHead,com they have a complete 24X system that will plug and play the LT1 with a coil over plug system that does away with Opti Spark. Contrary to what many people believe, most spark errors actually occur at low speeds, especially starting, not at high rpm. The opti was causing a miss and the A/C pump was out so I had the change the water pump while I was at it. Beefed up 4l60E, 2200 stall coverter. went out and in researching the problem I found a vacuum circulation fix to keep the dist. The conversion process is simple! Buy a older style Optispark (the one you’re supposed to buy), and simply change the cap! Of course you will need to do a few additional things. Apr 21, 2010 · 2. Nov 19, 2008 · I have a 94 Formula that has had this work recently done: replaced optispark, plugs, wires, intake gaskets, coil and module. Oct 17, 2023 · C4 Tech/Performance - Narrowing Down No Spark - Optispark Diagnosis + Repair - After a stormy night and being caught without it's cover for a few minutes, my 94 LT1 Vette suddenly blew. I had the starter tested Dec 6, 2015 · I did an LT1 swap from a corvette to my 95 camaro. Apr 10, 2015 · we are planning on changing the water pump when we fix the oil leak and do the camshaft install and are looking at an optispark replacement in hopes of fixing the miss. Buy a $3 tube of premium black Permatex RTV, because it withstands the highest temps. if your car was running and wasnt producing any codes and if you had a real delco or delphi opti i personally would recommend keeping the original unit and installing a Nov 3, 2007 · Looking at the cost of a new Optispark, and the trouble they seem to cause, maybe the MS would be attractive to the LT1 owner who has the skills to do it. With high voltage removed from the Opti-Spark, the problems of cap & rotor wear, internal arc-over and cross-firing vanish. com has pics of the 2 different drive types for the opti. 383 stroker all forged Compstar rods and crank. By modifying the cap and base with tubes and hose, and running one hose to a vacuum source and the other hose to an intake source you create a loop of dry air. Aug 11, 2002 · My question is whether anyone has any information about dumping the optispark and converting to the rear cam drive distributer and using fi. The type 2 opti has a pin drive off the camshaft pin. shbox. The vented Optispark units used 1995-97 are much less of a problem than the earlier unvented units. But when it warms up, it will run as Jan 15, 2004 · > > opti-spark. type 1 put in 93-94 f-body. Alot of info on the opti there. Sep 18, 2011 · If you don't see the proper ac voltage the problem could be the optispark, the harness to the optispark, the PCM or any of the wiring in between. Sep 25, 2024 · I took my 96 TA 350 to a “Stealership” to get the A/C pump, Opti, waterpump and tensioner replaced. All great suggestions to keep the Opti working. It's a conversion to ls1 type coil pack ignition. 57 from DYI. com and quite a few people are having some troubles with the msd. You'll need to make a set of plug wires. I have tested the injector signals with a noid light, tested the fuel pressure (45psi), tested spark at all plugs- all were good. May 14, 2005 · MSDs have been responsible for lots of opti failures, particularly on boosted cars. You are most likely able to start the engine back up, but as time goes by the wait time increases before the engine will start. I had to go into it within the first week of getting the car running clean it, sand down the contacts, etc. 00. Jul 30, 2007 · The opti worked fine to distribute the spark after that. Jan 23, 2021 · Route tubing away from opti. It is costly. Optispark Replaced HEI. :usa: Feb 25, 2007 · Low resolution signal means you have a 1 & 3 chance that its your opti goin bad. Oct 21, 2012 · shbox. Do a google search for optispark conversion kits. i think i will go ahead and get the ac delco. my ac delco has 80,000 with no symtoms and hasnt been changed yet. I brought the system last year and it works great. As a > > result, we have not seen many failures of the second design opti > > sensors that were caused by a bad seal. What is the best optispark (besides the MSD @ $700) out there? Thank you!! I had some what similar problem with my 95 lt1, Went to start it after being stored over the winter, started missing like the timing was off and would just die. If so, that really sucks because the ac delco optispark is discontinued now. buy one and you'll be lucky if the car even starts. Here's what you do. Perhaps running LT1 fi hardware and re-wiring tpi ecu or after market. One line is connected to an engine vacuum source and the other to the air intake after the filter. It seems that the water pump is the weak link however. Sep 5, 2010 · this setup would eliminate the opti,and fix the oilpump drive issue, thinking it would eliminate the coil and icm. Apr 20, 2012 · I'll be checking on that next. I see a lot brands and prices on different sites. But I think i am going to install the MSD 6AL on my Z soon with the factory opti. Many have original opti and water pump up to 100K miles. The car starts and runs fine. If you own an LT1 car, here's what to watch for and what to do when that Opti fails. No more opti water torture trials, wash your engine with a high pressure hose if you want and it's extremely reliable. Change the Optispark out with a modified unit. I'm running full sequential fuel and ignition using the Optispark as the crank and cam trigger source. well, we have the ability to tune for free, and you have to pay out the rear for ls1 computer tuning capabilities. Here is a listing of parts you will need before you begin : GM Parts : Optispark for 1992-1994 LT1’s PN – 10457702 Jan 13, 2019 · I would appreciate some help troubleshooting my sync loss issue. SRP forged pistons 12cc dish, XFI 280 hydraulic roller cam, stock home ported and matched intake, home ported heads, flow 250 cfm. the problem we are trying to fix is this: if i gradually accelerate it does fine, but if you get to 1/4 throttle it pops back thru the intake manifold. As noted by many members, the LT1 and Optispark weren’t just used in Corvettes, the same system was also used in Caprice taxis, which regularly saw several hundred thousand miles. will any model of optispark work on my 1996 z28 or do I need to find one specifically mentions that works on a 1995 or higher. Mar 24, 2010 · I have an LT1 optispark that I'm wanting to replace with an older style distributor (sits on the back of the engine on top). It was used on 92-94 corvettes, 93-94 f-body. PRICELESS. The vent kit entails a converted Opti with a vacuum line and a fresh air line to keep moisture and contaminants out of the Opti. I have used a stock advance auto parts opti cam sensor before and the car ran like crap. My 94 Z28 now has a 2002 OB2 PCM. Jan 30, 2011 · I have taken several days & hours culling down the pertinent information that was listed in the YouTube video titled: LT1 Optispark (ABITS) Distributor Operation and Diagnostics. Incidentally, the second design Opti-> > Spark sensor is sealed much better than the first design. May 7, 2013 · Did you remove the opti from the car when you did your work. There is definitely a learning curve for the first-timer, however, and competent tuning ability is a must. Source | Rich Niewiroski Jr. But stay away from car wash. Jul 6, 2015 · the real difference in them is in the optical section. The first thing that happens is as the cam turns, the optical section of the optispark picks up the signals by the rotation of the shutter wheel. I'm also getting the LTCC for my hydraulic roller LT1 in the Impala. The engine turns over slowly and the starter has a high pitch whine. Or other wiring for ignition system. If its around 5000 ohms or so its fine. . MSD Pro-Billet LT1 Distributors. Sep 20, 2011 · The Optispark sucks and if it hasn't left your LT1-powered ride on the side of the road or racetrack yetit will. 6 mag. macderm huvzpr dpipj vmwpntwem rzr bvc esvfkuj xbd zalvna boj