LT1 Opti

[rx8ss]

Just a question. Are you sure your vacuum harness is connected correctly. I have worked on several LT1 cars and found that the harness was not connected correctly. This will cause a premature failure as well as using a multi spark booster such as MSD, Accel, or anything. Due to the close quarters of the small space of the cap and rotor in relation to the opti sensor causes major problems. The multi spark systems increase the o-zone levels in the cap thus reducing life. Make sure the bottom hose goes to a vacuum source and the top hose goes after the air filter but before the throttle body.

 

If you can, after you remove the opti that failed. Take the rotor cap off and look at the inside of the cap for any rotor contact. Then look at the rotor and inspect it for breakage or missing retaining screws. Some use screws and some are thermal weld. Please post findings, I am working on a different design and need more input. I have several bad ones and each one is slightly different, but same root cause.

 

Thanks

[jack46]

So I ran my tests, and the Opti is bad again. I'm going to order from Summit Racing, and I'm thinking of going with their own brand this time. Last time I used genuine GM, but I'm not convinced it's any better. The last one only lasted 2 years and maybe a thousand miles. The Summit Racing brand is only $249.95 vs $359.95 for the GM unit.

I may have lost one in my turbo Z. I went to the track and it stsrtd HARD.I got it to run and it was not good then went really bad seems like itis running on 3 or 4 cylinders...

 

I hate this recurring problem....

[deja]

I just saw this option in Car Craft. http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/default.aspxIt sounds expensive but its another option.

 

 

So I ran my tests, and the Opti is bad again. I'm going to order from Summit Racing, and I'm thinking of going with their own brand this time. Last time I used genuine GM, but I'm not convinced it's any better. The last one only lasted 2 years and maybe a thousand miles. The Summit Racing brand is only $249.95 vs $359.95 for the GM unit.

[Bartman]

I just saw this option in Car Craft. http://www.eficonnection.com/eficonnection/default.aspxIt sounds expensive but its another option.

The problem with all the available options is the cost involved. If I was going to spend that much money, it would make more sense to just install an LSX engine and get all the other benefits those engines provide as well. I think I'll keep replacing the Opti's until I get tired of doing it and upgrade to a completely different setup.

[Geking]

I hate to bring up something that I am sure you all are aware of, but my LT1 only uses the OPTI to cover the hole in the front of the motor.

 

I am using a 36-1 gear that goes to a Ford EDIS-8 Spark computer and Megasqurt.

 

Total cost is well under $400, so it is comparable to an optispark.

 

Advantages: better tuning, coilpacks, more open to work on, no optispark

 

Cons: more work to set up.

 

Just a thought.

[gvincent]

I hate to bring up something that I am sure you all are aware of, but my LT1 only uses the OPTI to cover the hole in the front of the motor.

 

I am using a 36-1 gear that goes to a Ford EDIS-8 Spark computer and Megasqurt.

 

Total cost is well under $400, so it is comparable to an optispark.

 

Advantages: better tuning, coilpacks, more open to work on, no optispark

 

Cons: more work to set up.

 

Just a thought.

 

Inquiring minds want to know.

Please give us any details on this, installation details, wiring changes, computer tuning, what's needed and were to get it?

How much more work is involved VS swapping out your Opt-spark every season.

I personally have not had any problems with my GM Opti with the MSD cap and rotor but I only have about 900 miles on it (Knock on wood).

My Son's Firebird is on Opti #3 but my friends LT1 Caddy has 180K and still running on the original Opti in New England weather year round

[Geking]

Inquiring minds want to know.

Please give us any details on this, installation details, wiring changes, computer tuning, what's needed and were to get it?

How much more work is involved VS swapping out your Opt-spark every season.

I personally have not had any problems with my GM Opti with the MSD cap and rotor but I only have about 900 miles on it (Knock on wood).

My Son's Firebird is on Opti #3 but my friends LT1 Caddy has 180K and still running on the original Opti in New England weather year round

 

Ok. You need:

Megasquirt 3 board - $250- http://www.diyautotu...d-kit-p-59.html

Megasqurt 2 ECU - $90 - Same place

36-1 trigger wheel $30 - Same place

EDIS System $around 50-80 Ebay EG-http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Ford-EDIS8-EDIS-8-Module-Coil-36-1-Wheel-VR-Sensor-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem439ecd642aQQitemZ290427069482QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories

 

OPTIONAL: http://14point7.com/...W_7S/NAW_7S.htm - yes this interfaces to Megasquirt and alows Megasquirt to autotune.

 

to wire the Megasquirt ECU

 

For info on how to hook up EDIS to Megasquirt:

http://www.megamanual.com/ms2/EDIS.htm

 

Basic Tunes are in this thread

Also, How TO on tuning:

http://www.megamanua...begintuning.htm

 

I never swapped out my optispark, I assume it would be a pain seeing as you have to remove the water pump and crank (EDIT: PULLY) (or atleast it appears that way) to get it out. I am a student electrical eng and I found it to be VERY simple, but I do work in the computer/electrical field.

 

My feel is, if you where able to interface the GM wiring harness to your datsun and you know how to solder, you can do this.

 

EDIT: Ok, so not well under, but around. It is less if you do extra work to pay less like I did.

Edited May 21, 2010 by Geking