LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related
View Poll Results: What will you get to replace your dead OPTISPARK?
GM OPTISPARK $235.00
39
29.55%
MSD OPTISPARK $500.00
39
29.55%
Dyanaspark OPTISPARK $600.00
7
5.30%
Delteq system $695.00
31
23.48%
LTCC system $700.00+
21
15.91%
Multiple Choice Poll. Voters: 132. You may not vote on this poll

OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

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Old 06-26-2006, 08:59 AM
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OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

I am interested in what you guys will get the next time your LT1 OPTISPARK kicks the bucket. It looks like I am going to need one sometime soon, I have the symptomatic 5500 RPM stumble.

I know this topic is on your mind if you have an LT1. I hope that this will turn into a very comprehensive one stop replacement OPTISPARK thread.

Please post your thoughts on your decision.

Last edited by wrd1972; 06-26-2006 at 09:04 AM.
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Old 06-26-2006, 09:05 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

I have a FAST system with the factory opti-spark, and i NEED to upgrade to something else.....I am wondering what my options are..Does the FAST system make changing over easier or harder ?? I know a few have do it, but to my understanding it has all been custom work.....anything available yet ?
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Old 06-26-2006, 09:15 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

I would switch to a Delteq setup I think. Many people have had success with longevity by taking the high voltage out of the opti. I like the idea of splitting up the cylinders into 4 coils as well. The only thing I'm not sure about would be having to clutter up the engine bay even more with wires and coils and plug wires, etc.
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Old 06-26-2006, 09:49 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

i pull my gm replacement ipti to 7000 daily..no problems...did have problems with oreilleys replacements...i used 8 of them b4 i went to gm and got one...fine now
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Old 06-26-2006, 10:13 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

If LTCC made a complete kit, like delteq does, I would have gone with it.

The msd opti is too new... problems could still arise in it.

I dont know much about the dynaspark one

GM opti... yeah ok.. i'll get right on that
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Old 06-26-2006, 10:21 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

Originally Posted by danhr
The msd opti is too new... problems could still arise in it.
I am still not convinced how the MSD can be so much better. yeah it has the billet housing, better bearing, rotor and cap. But the internal corrosion and ozone issues would still remain unless it is super sealed up plus the general operation is exactly the same.
If it is that damn great it should have a lifetime warranty since it cost more than 2X the GM opti.


Maybe I am off here, maybe it is da' bom.b

Last edited by wrd1972; 06-26-2006 at 10:26 AM.
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Old 06-26-2006, 11:10 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

I went LTCC with LS2 coils but it didn't cost me anywhere near $700.

I paid $170 for the coils and brackets and $399 for the LTCC
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Old 06-26-2006, 11:16 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

Originally Posted by wrd1972
I am still not convinced how the MSD can be so much better. yeah it has the billet housing, better bearing, rotor and cap. But the internal corrosion and ozone issues would still remain unless it is super sealed up plus the general operation is exactly the same.
If it is that damn great it should have a lifetime warranty since it cost more than 2X the GM opti.


Maybe I am off here, maybe it is da' bom.b
beside being a better built unit i know that it has an adjuster on it that allows you to change the timing +5/-5 i guess that could be worth the extra $$$
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Old 06-26-2006, 11:35 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

Originally Posted by 96badbird
beside being a better built unit i know that it has an adjuster on it that allows you to change the timing +5/-5 i guess that could be worth the extra $$$

Wouldnt the PCM dial out whatever you manually advanced. I have not heard anybody comment on the timing adjustment.
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Old 06-26-2006, 11:38 AM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

Won't be a next time... have a Dynaspark.

If I was replacing the original today I'd probably go with the MSD.

If I had a 95+ car I'd just use the GM part.
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Old 06-26-2006, 12:35 PM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

LTCC all the way
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Old 06-26-2006, 12:39 PM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

I would go with a GM opti again. I would disassemble it and check it and put some loctite on the screws holding the rotor in place then bolt it on. I agree that the MSD has not been tested in real everyday use long enough.

RG
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Old 06-26-2006, 01:03 PM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

I agree with what the Danhr said. If LTCC had a complete kit I wouldve got it a long time ago. I went with the Dynaspark because it seemed to be the middle ground at the time, 1 step above a stock Opti and mabey 1 step behind a deltech or ltcc setup. The MSD hasnt been proven yet and I refuse to jump on the bandwagon and swear it's the next messaih when only time will tell. I had a problem with my Dynaspark but I bought it used a while ago so the problem couldve been from me or the other person. DS customer service is pretty good and the complete rebuild is affordable. Ill stick with it until otherwise.
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Old 06-26-2006, 01:18 PM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

I did the LTCC and wouldn't change a thing except I plan to take the time to reroute the wires so make them less visible. But, like Gripenfelter I didn't pay near $700 for mine. Coils, brackets, etc. $550.
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Old 06-26-2006, 02:02 PM
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Re: OPTISPARK replacement...What will you get next time: Delteq, MSD, GM....

Originally Posted by steve9899
Won't be a next time... have a Dynaspark.

If I was replacing the original today I'd probably go with the MSD.

If I had a 95+ car I'd just use the GM part.
I too have a Dynaspark and trust me...It will fail. Mine lasted about 2 yrs and is now showing the same signs as the original that I took out. I left messages for service at Dynaspark and as of yet no reply. I paid $600 for the Dynaspark and feel the MSD unit with a 1 year warranty is no bargain. I could have gotten 2 GM opti's for what I paid for the Dynaspark.
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