optispark cap and rotor, whats up?

[94conv.]

When do you know if all your optispark needs is a cap and rotor, I just saw recently that they sold the seperate part, I was under the understanding that you replaced the whole unit. Anyone have any information on this?
Mine is out, went out awhile back but came back to life for season, now its really out. I figured the lens was other parts were coroded from the waterpump weephole. I saw another thread that if might also be the front end seals, what ever they may be. I'll figure it out I suppose when I get in there and see whats going on but the cap and rotor confused what I might need

 

[Ruby Fan]

There has been so many articles on this-where to begin! Many people call it 'opti-crap'. I won't be rude but I had to replace mine on my '93. I did it myself after research, and the best article was in an issue of 'Corvette Fever' I think it was Feb. 01(not sure). The best thing to do, what I did, was to use the '93-94 dist. with a cap that is from a '95-96. You have to do some mods, not that difficult, otherwise if you just replace the same parts, the problem will return. The cost factor is about $500-600 in parts alone, and that's if you don't want to change your water pump, and plug wires. How many miles on your car? I didn't do the pump and wires, only 21K when it happened. I don't know how mechanically inclined you are, but if you feel comfortable with wrenches, you can do the job yourself. The worst part: bending over to get at everything, no fenders to lean on in a C4. Good Luck

 

[Edmond]

Yeah, bending over into the compartment like that in the C4's really takes a toll on your knee caps!

How bad is changing the plugs and wires on opti cars? We've had opti cars before, though they weren't Corvette's. I never had to change their plugs or wires but I always wondered how hard it would be.

 

[JEFNLSA]

Yeah, bending over into the compartment like that in the C4's really takes a toll on your knee caps!

How bad is changing the plugs and wires on opti cars? We've had opti cars before, though they weren't Corvette's. I never had to change their plugs or wires but I always wondered how hard it would be.

It's a knucklebuster but let a shop do it and you'll really be bent over. :L

BTW...Having a new Opti put in mine right now. I'd be doing it myself but it's under warranty (miracle)

 

[WhalePirot]

Yeah, bending over into the compartment like that in the C4's really takes a toll on your knee caps!QUOTE]Gee, with me it's my back. I wear a back supporter like the folks at the orange home store for these times.

BTW, the wires that come with the HEI are quite good. Unless damaged somehow, they should give good service for 50k miles or more. Not like the 'good ol' days'.

 

[94conv.]

Thanks for the reply, I didnt realize you could even get a cap and rotor for this thing.
You would really think Someone would come up with something that doesnt cost $600.00 bucks or the seven for the coil packs. Im not going to dig into it until I get the new opti so Im still hoping that its the water pump leaking and nothing more serious.

 

[Edmond]

I hope that you don't have to spend anymore! The opti is such an expensive unit!

 

[6speeder]

http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dynaspark.htm

 

[94conv.]

I agree- the dynaspark is definately the way to go and I think its worth the almost $300.00 difference in price. Do yo know of anyone on here that has one installed or better yet, installed one themselves? Im procrastinating digging into it. I just keep walking by it in the garage thinking about it. Needs a new waterpump to, Im almost sure but while its off its getting replaced regardless along with the plug wires.

 

[6speeder]

In case you don't care for the expensive Dynaspark, you might try this link:

http://www.samtaylor.com/html/parts.html

 

[94conv.]

I just emailed them about the vented one to see if its an aftermarket vented optispark that will fit a 94' Gen I. The price for the vented one was like $249.00 and the non vented one was over $300.00. Hopefully the vented one will fit.
Thanks for the link.

 

[6speeder]

If your water pump is leaking, there is a high probability that the moisture will enter the optispark, and eventually destroy it. The corrosion doesn't happen overnight. It may take a month, or more, to fail. You may experience slow starting, "back-fires" when accelerating, etc., before a failed opti leaves you stranded.

The shop replacement time for the opti is about 4.5 hours. If a dealer does the work, you will pay dearly for the parts. If you have a non-dealer shop do the work, and you supply the parts, your expense will be considerably reduced. With supplied parts, the non-dealer shop will not warranty a defective part, so be advised. Good luck......