Rebuilding my Opti-Spark?

[96corvetteLT4]

I am planning on replacing the intake manifold gaskets and front timing cover gaskets soon on my LT4. Since the car has 70,xxx miles, I am also planning on replacing the water pump (I don't think it has ever been done). Since I don't have the money to replace the Opti-Spark, I am planning on replacing the cap and rotor.

What are the pros-cons of only doing the cap and rotor?

What plug wires do you recommend?

 

[wx briefer]

Considering the trouble to get to the Opti and the not-so good results of a partial rebuild by some, I would just wait for a new one before replacing the old.

 

[96corvetteLT4]

What is the quality and reliability of a replacement Opti from some of the parts houses like O'Reiley, Autozone, etc. They are more affordable and have lifetime warranties, but I don't want to be tearing it apart every year replacing it either.

 

[Tuna]

MidAmerica sells the stock AC Delco OptiSpark cap kit for $150

I checked gmpartsdirect.com and found the 95/96 Opti listed for $234.43. This is the info on their website.

GM PART # 1104032
CATEGORY: Ignition Distributor
PACK QTY: 1 CORE CHARGE: $0.00
GM LIST: $468.87
OUR PRICE: $234.43
DESCRIPTION: DISTRIBUTOR/OPTI-SPARK
Second design with vent for vacuum line to intake manifold. Fits 95-96 Corvette

Check out the prices at AutoZone, NAPA, etc. and see if any of them can beat the gmpartsdirect.com price.

For the difference in price, I'd replace the whole thing since it is a long and tedious job either way and you don't want to do it a second time.

I don't have any information on reliability of non-AC Delco Opti replacements.

Hope this helps.

 

[96corvetteLT4]

Thanks for the info.

I was quoted $130 after a $75 core at O'Reiley with a lifetime warranty, which is what I will probably go with unless I can find it less somewhere else.

What about plug wires, any recommended brands/type?

 

[Tuna]

I checked, that's a 'remanufactured' unit. Might be the way to go. Your call.