What is it that normally goes on the Optispark? - Lateral-g Forums

coyote11 · #1 06-21-2006, 11:48 AM

is it the Optical part that actually fails out on it? I have mine off and apart and I don't see anything aparently wrong with it, is it just the little optical pickup that goes bad?

On a side note, my old Optispark does not have the two O rings on the shaft, but the new one does, is that typical? its a 1995 with the vaccuum on it.

slow4dr · #2 06-21-2006, 12:41 PM

I was browsing around the LT1 forums the other day and I happened to read about the optical issues. I believe in 96 it was redesigned to vent better and didn't have the problem nearly as much. A lot of the guys are switching over to a individual coil and the LTCC set-up though. http://fullthrottlespeed.com/itemdes...CC~eq~~Tp~.htm

I am not sure about the o-rings.

rocketman · #3 06-22-2006, 09:04 AM

the old should have o-rings too.I but the new MSD opti on my lt1,love it much better than the gm piece

MEAN LT1 · #4 06-22-2006, 11:19 AM

1993-1995 do not have the o ring seals on the shaft part of the opti. 1996-1997 did have them. The optical trigger on the opti is actually the "reliable" part of it. what tends to fail more often then not is the cap and rotor. The people who are running the coil-on-plug setups (LTCC, Delteq) are ditching the rotor part of the opti and keeping the optical trigger.

rocketman · #5 06-22-2006, 04:12 PM

I have a 94 z-28 and I am almost sure it has o-ringed shaft,could be wrong thou,I thought about the coil pack set-uup,I wasn't much impressed with it.I love this new MSD opti.I hope the stops the every 40,000 mile opti swaps.

coyote11 · #6 06-23-2006, 08:31 AM

Well on my 1995 Optispark there were no O Rings, but I'm not the original owner, on the replacement it does have them, shouldn't hurt to leave them on I would think?

my replacement Opti cam with the casting and a new optical sensor, but no cap and rotor. The cap and rotor look fairly new, I'm going to fire it up without the water pump to see if it was the optical sensor. Hope and pray.

I figure if she doesn't fire I will consider the cap and rotor. Is there anyway to pull a code with a key sequence, or is a code reader needed? The reason I ask is, I picked up this car for cheap because it wouldn't fire up, previous owner had the car tested and told me it was determined to be the distributer. So I'm taking a shot since the Optispark is a common problem and replacing it. I'll take any comments or recommendations.

I've considered cap and rotor, and doing the water pump right away. If I go with a new cap and rotor I have been considering the MSD for the price and responses I've read.

I guess I'll see if it was the Optical sensor tomorrow when I get it back in tomorrow.

rocketman · #7 06-23-2006, 10:01 AM

My advice.always replace the whole opti unit,I have tried cap and rototrs and you usaually end swapping the whole thing in month.I you don't know how the water pump is I would swap it.

When the opti goes bad it takes the spark module and plug wires out to,the plug wires go because the opti make alot of spark fire and pierce the wires with spark over load.

The coil get's weak so I recommend going MSD,same for plug wires if you go 8.5 plug wires they will last for ever.

the lt1 camaro's are great investment's for the money once to get all the little problems they have,and don't listen to guys that say lt1 wont make power.mine make's plenty,with lt1 style heads.

have fun

coyote11 · #8 06-23-2006, 02:06 PM

Is it common that the spark module goes bad, pretty much a given? Should I just get a MSD cap and rotor , water pump, and new wires to go with the Opti I've already purchased and call it good? Will I definitely need the spark module? just want to get things ordered and on so I can drive that car.

rocketman · #9 06-23-2006, 04:01 PM

If you have a new opti I would just run it,I would highly recommend new wires even if not msd's.You can try it without the spark control module 1st and see how it run's.

I wouldn't change cap and rotors,it's not worth it.

coyote11 · #10 06-24-2006, 12:18 PM

Ok here's the whole story, still need help too:

I bought a 1995 Formula Firebird for the LT1 and 6 speed and the interior, I got it on the cheap because it wouldn't start. The guy I bought it from had the codes pulled and said it was the distributor was bad and was willing to have the guy come and read the codes in front of me. I bought it. The car turns over fast and well, but just wont fire. I bought an optispark from Autozone and put my cap and rotor on it, tried firing it up with the new water pump left off, no go. I pulled plug wire number 1 and cranked car and received no spark, I pulled the coil and cranked, no spark. I could take it to have the codes read, or replace the coil and wires and cap, need your guys suggestions, I'm on a limited budget and want it running as cheap as possible, but want it running moreover. I can buy MSD cap and rotor, and new plug wires, and coil, and (module?) if needed. I need advise. I have access to a code reader, what should I be looking for in codes.

Another concern is the optispark plate (optical) came off the optispark while I had it apart to swap cap and rotor, does it only go on one way?

Anybody have the codes? Thanks.