Opti Spark distributor

[Silver Vette]

Hello to every one, I am a new member and own a 96 LT-4 Collector Edition Vette.
My question is concerning the opti spark distributor, the vette has 79,000 miles on it and I have just replaced the spark plugs and I am wanting to replace the plug wires, cap and rotor.

Since it is a very involved job just getting to the opti spark distributor, would I be better off to replace the whole distributor while I have the distributor exposed or would replacing the distributor cap, rotor and plug wires be sufficient? Also should I go ahead and replace the water pump while I have it all apart?
Thanks,
Steve
Silver Vette

 

[stgry1]

Steve, in a word "YES!" If and when your ready, it's more advantageous to replace the entire dist (since you will have to remove it anyway and the pricing is not that much more). And while your at it, of course the wires, plugs and water pump. I would also recommend the dist shaft seal and pump seal if needed. It's a big chunk at once but better to do it all at one time. While I was in there I also lifted the intake and replaced the gasket and smoothed the runners. I guess I was bored :crazy Have fun!

 

[froggy47]

The 95/96 have an "improved" opti. If it were me just do the wires & wait till the opti gives you trouble (if ever). Actually that's what I'm doing on my LT4.

Unless you really just want to do the work. Then do the opti & water pump also.

 

[Muttley95]

The 95/96 have an "improved" opti. If it were me just do the wires & wait till the opti gives you trouble (if ever). Actually that's what I'm doing on my LT4.

Unless you really just want to do the work. Then do the opti & water pump also.

The optispark may be improved for 95/96, but it is usually the water pump that leaks on to it and causes the problem. My advice would be to replace the water pump regardless.