opti-spark question

[lnirenberg]

When a opti-spark is failing can it stop sporadically?

I have a '93 coupe with a Nelson racing LT4 that is setup as a dedicated track car. Has a Fast computer and MSD coil. Did not put a lot of miles on it since I got it in the fall but it ran great on the dyno once it got a good tune. Took it to track day up in NH and the car died after the 1st lap--not a great way to spend the day. When I brought it back to the shop that did the tune they found the short harness to the opti-spark had issues. Replaced this and some fried plug wires and it seemed to be running fine. Took it on the road for a 50 mile jog and it ran great until I stopped at the parts store. Got back in the car and nothing. Decided to try to drive it the 20 miles home and it stopped 5 times before I finally made it into the garage. When the car died it appeared I was getting no signal to the tach but it has a very loud aftermarket fuel pump which was running the fuel pressure was 40+ the car turned over but would only start and run when it felt like it. Sometimes I could get several miles sometimes less and the time it took to get to fire was not constant 1-10 minutes.

The only other C4 I have owned was a 91 ZR1 so I have no opti-spark experience. I am bordering on desperate as I'm supposed to do a 2 day track event at Watkins Glen next week. HELP!

 

[Schrade]

Yes it can. Debris can get in the slots through which the laser reads for hi-resolution signal.

they found the short harness to the opti-spark had issues.

issues?

I don't think there's a DTC for harness issues. What did they SHOW you?

'Issues' is a buzzword. When I hear buzzwords, I raise (or throw) the flag:

 

[lnirenberg]

Yes it can. Debris can get in the slots through which the laser reads for hi-resolution signal.
issues?

I don't think there's a DTC for harness issues. What did they SHOW you?

'Issues' is a buzzword. When I hear buzzwords, I raise (or throw) the flag:

I should have been clearer. The harness wires had been soldered in several places and was shorting out. It was a mess.

 

[boomdriver]

grounding can do damage to opti's as well. As refined as the opti system is, it is still fairly fragile and will not tolerate much abuse. Opti-spark is a great and reliable means of managing ignition, but its precision also makes it delicate.