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HybridZ

Ditch the optispark?


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I dont understand the dilemma alot of people are having with this in the lt1 world, always going through optisparks and spending $400 per replacement, when you can go with something like this:

 

http://delteq.com/images/full_kit_640.jpg

http://delteq.com/images/vette_coils_600.jpg

 

its $700 for the whole kit!!! Not a bad deal considering a crapy stock optispark is $400 and a good set of wires is $100. The above kit includes custom wires and all. I am considering just tearing the optispark out and getting this coil on plug style kit. I havent even put the motor in but am considering this before i even attempt to keep the optispark. On top of all, im sure this is a far superior performing ignition system over the optispark.

 

Any of you guys use this system? Its pretty much like converting to a ls1 style ignition system but aftermarket.

 

Looks nice to me

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Im pretty sure with that kit you still need the optispark for the PCM to know where the cam and crank are. The spark doesnt go through the optispark unit anylonger though. Do your homework before you spend $700 on a coilpack system.

 

 

Guy

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Guy is correct. Even with this system you still need the Optispark unit. All the high voltage has been redirected through the Delteq system but the optical sensor in the Optispark is still used. I have studied this system and others and to my knowledge there is no way of getting rid of the entire Optispark. If you have an LT1 engine you have to live with it in some form. What I am going to do is use an electric waterpump to eliminate the chance of a water leak even starting behind the Opti. and see what happens. That is about all you can do without spending a ton of money to convert the system.

 

Danno74Z

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The primary problem with the optispark is it builds up corrosion from moisture, if yours is a 95 or later it is vented which almost eliminates the problem.

 

There is one alternative not mentioned already but it's a big change.

 

Mount a 36-1 toothed wheel on the harmonic balancer and a VR sensor which is then used to drive a Ford EDIS-8 system. To use this though you'll either need to replace the ignition parts of your current system with a Mega-Jolt or replace the entire PCM with Megasquirt.

 

I have a 95 vented optispark on my engine and have gotten it wet a couple times with no ill affects. Don't be in to big a hurry to replace it if you aren't having problems. If you insist on a replacement check into the DynaSpark as well, it's a redesigned opti that is said to be pretty much bullet proof.

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Wheelman,

 

I was going to mention the Dynaspark Opti Replacement but the product line has been sold. I would not jump to buy this product at this time. First, the web site is not up and running for the new company and second I did not think they had a very good warrantee to begin with. 12 month or 12K miles for a "Bullet Proof" product....well that is not so bullet proof to me. Three years or 36k is more like it especially when the product costs almost $600. I would rather buy a GM replacement Optispark off of Ebay for $300 and take the other $200 and buy the electric WP. With the electric pump free's up a few HP and reduce the chance of a leak killing the optispark. The vented type Opti also reduces the vapor and moisture too.

 

Danno74Z

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The primary problem with the optispark is it builds up corrosion from moisture' date=' if yours is a 95 or later it is vented which almost eliminates the problem.

 

There is one alternative not mentioned already but it's a big change.

 

Mount a 36-1 toothed wheel on the harmonic balancer and a VR sensor which is then used to drive a Ford EDIS-8 system. To use this though you'll either need to replace the ignition parts of your current system with a Mega-Jolt or replace the entire PCM with Megasquirt.

 

I have a 95 vented optispark on my engine and have gotten it wet a couple times with no ill affects. Don't be in to big a hurry to replace it if you aren't having problems. If you insist on a replacement check into the DynaSpark as well, it's a redesigned opti that is said to be pretty much bullet proof.[/quote']

mine is a 94, can i upgrade to a 95 optispark?

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