I'm building a procharged single plain 383 that will never see over 7000rpm and probably be close to 650-700 rwhp. I'm wondering if I should use a MSD opti and stick with the stock computer or upgrage to Big stuff 3 or something similar and run a conventional distributor. The intake is already set up for a dizzy, and with all the problems I have read about the opti failing, I really don't know what direction to go.

Yes price is a huge factor, and I don't really want to go with a OEM opti, but if I do the MSD and it turns out to be a mistake I will have wasted $500 that could have paid for half of the aftermarket PCM.

Just looking for opinions I guess. Are the MSD opti's still having problems. Are there any know fixes to the problems.

 

Consider the stock PCM with the Bailey LTCC. While the LTCC requires the cam position data from the Opti's optical sensor, to drive 8 LS1-style coils, removing the high voltage function from the Opti eliminates many of the problems. I've seen a similar setup (MoTeC instead of the stock PCM) support an 1,125HP blow LT1, turning 8,000rpm. I run the same setup. The LTCC provides everything my setup provides, at a fraction of the cost.

 

I though LTCC went out of business and there was a problem with customer service.

 

Did some searching and it looks like its Delteq that went out.

 

If I was to do it all over again I would again use stock PCM and run MSD opti.

If you go with Opti make sure you take it apart (even with new MSD Pro-Billet) and re-locktite the rotor screws (red loctite).

I had 2-3 stock and 1 MSD Pro Billet fail at high RPM (6200rpm), only up to 200miles on each one. Took them apart to find at least one rotor screw rolling around with the broken rotor. The last and only MSD Pro Billet that failed did have blue locktite on the attached rotor screw but no evidence of it on the loose/free rotor screw. Sent it back to Summit and they sent a new one no questions asked.

Loose rotor screws is the only problem I've had with the Opti.

 

That's what I was leaning towards. Seems like the easiest/least costly solution.

 

Has MSD got their opti problems sorted out?

 

If you are planning to stay below the 7000 rpm threshold then the stock pcm is more than adequate, My LT1 that was supercharged with 12lbs made 648 rwhp on pump gas with no problems. As far as the MSD, I have a few customers with those optis and "all" of them had problems. I went with the Dynaspark, I believe a little more costly but dam well worth it....

 

I have a (97ss 383ci-D1 MM6). OBD2 PCM with a Summit gm Opti and MSD 6A-8202 coil. I modified the opti (rotor lock-tite and rivets). I had alot of opti rotor failures untill I discovered the rivet mod. I run it up to 6800rpm with the cam I have. You will need tuning software. I have carputing, but, I would recommend Tuner CATS. Less cost and it does not have the trouble with vin lock. B.

 

Another vote for stock PCM, wiring and Dynaspark. I run a BS3 with crank/cam signals and it was $$, but I'm running it on a BBC and didn't have many other options.

 

My dyno tuner uses LT1 edit or Tuner CATS. I definitely plan on modifying the opti if I go that route, which is probably what I'll do since I don't have the extra cash or really a need for an aftermarket management system.

Does anybody know if MSD is still having problems with their optis? If you could get an MSD for roughly the same cost as a OEM opti would you do it? Are there any advantages to the MSD over stock after these modifications are made to them?

 

IMHO it would be stock or Dynaspark.