Rod Bender

Thanks for the explanation on the sensors. It sounds like after removing the opti I could take the cover off and clean the contacts and check any bearings in it for looseness.

Rod Bender

So I probably will buy a distributor. Who is the best source for a good rebuilt GM opti? I see a rebuilt one at gmpartscenter.net for $417.00 less a $35.00 core charge.

Injuneer

How did you come to the conclusion it needs an Opti? Did you verify it was full of oil? Did you check the MAF sensor, and straighten out the O2 sensor issues?

The AC Delco rebuilt seems to produce the best results. Not perfect, a few problems reported, but watching over three LT1 related boards, seems to have the lowest failure rate.

Price sounds a bit high, so shop around.... everybody seems to sell the AC Delco. But I don’t follow the market real close.

DrewHMS97SS

If rebuilt ones are $417, look at the Dynaspark. Ive had mine for years and its been solid. They rebuild them for $100 should you need it.

Dynaspark - The last distributor you'll ever have to buy

Injuneer

No. Dynaspark was sold to another company, and quality went wayyyyyyy...... down. This is probably the best summary:

https://ls1tech.com/forums/lt1-lt4-m...ence-long.html

A member here (“popo8”), who is also the owner of ltxtech.com had similar problems, and kept posting how great Dynaspark's customer service was, because they kept sending replacement units, no questions asked. I tried to explain, if it was such a great product, why is it failing, requiring replacement. Quality is selling a reliable product, not replacing multiple defective units for free. Took a while but he eventually came around. He now curses Dynaspark, and recommends only the rebuilt AC Delco.

DrewHMS97SS

That is really sad to see. I picked up a used one on here for $250, sent it back for a rebuild just to be sure it was in tip top shape, and was super happy with them. This was back in 2003, so all of the hand changing very well could lead to a much different experience. Thank you for catching me up! Do you know of a good tech resource for rebuilding (should I ever need it)?

Rod Bender

Injuneer, in response to your questions: The Chevy dealership technician said there was oil in the distributor (although I do not know how he could say that for a fact), engine coolant temp sensor was leaking coolant and timing cover was leaking oil and left hand oxygen sensor set a code. There were multiple engine misfires. Also, since that inspection it died and would not restart. I have not driven it since although it does start ok now. A couple years ago I did replace both oxygen sensors which did not seem to help. I also had replaced the MAF sensor several months ago. I figured if I replaced the oil seals and gasket in the timing cover, I would have access to the opti and might as well replace it as I have put nearly 100,000 miles on the car, but it possibly was replaced just before I bought it.

Injuneer

There's also an unknown.... the Opti built and sold by Petris. He is a Corvette specialist, known for providing reliable tech help to the Corvette community. The unit seems to be somewhat popular with Corvette owners, but I can’t remember anyone mentioning it here more than once or twice.

This thread on ltxtech.com is by a Corvette owner looking for a recommendation. I did provide some input on the Petris in post #14. I only found one negative reference to Petris and the link is in that post. Might be an anomaly.

Help with optispark

Rod Bender

Thanks, Fred. I think the rebuilt Opti from Rock auto sounds like the best option for me.
Bill

Rod Bender

Uh oh, "not currently available. " Any other suggestions?

BTC

I would take a look at the GM parts contacts on Shoebox's website.

Injuneer

What brand was Rock Auto selling?

Rod Bender

Thanks for sticking with me. Rock auto had several. The five most expensive were all under $145.00 with core on reman. The Cardone reman was $140 plus core and new was $117.00. They also had a Autoline reman without cap and rotor for $140.00 plus core and a new Autoline for $139.00 with cap and rotor. Then a United Motor Products for $135. Or I could go the GMParts center for about $280.00 plus core.

BTC

Looks like Rock Auto has completely removed the listing for vented AC Delco distributors, and it was just there within the last day or two. I believe their site indicated they were out of stock, but that they could order one. Now the listing appears to be gone completely. GM Parts Direct also shows the vented opti as discontinued.

I would hate to have to depend upon aftermarket for a reliable OEM replacement. That seems to be a crapshoot.

BTC

If you can find an AC Delco, remanufactured or otherwise, I would get it.