Hi, Chris here in Ft. Worth.

I bought my '94 6-sp Z new.

Several years ago, when the clutch was slipping, I went ahead and replaced it with a new Valeo - approx 120,000 mi. (dealer replaced first one at 35,900, under warranty).
Anyway, I decided to rebuild the front end with Poly Bushings, KYB Adjustable shocks, Adj. Panhard and Lower Rear Arms, Eibach Spings (bought them in 1995!) Shock Tower Brace, Welded-In Sub-Frame Connectors. 1LE Sway Bars on both ends.

Aslo installed SLP Coated Shorty with Loudmouth. LT4 Knock Module, Under-Drive Crank Pulley.

I had previously utilized a Hypertech for Cooling Fan and Rev Limit mods.

After all this was done, I took the car to a local Tuner, specializing in LT1 work. He was able to squeeze out 297rwhp (up from 274). Needless to say, I was pretty happy with the results.

Speedtek in Ft. Worth has "Dyno Discounts" the last Saturday of each month and I really wanted to cross the 300hp mark. Several times I got close - 298,299, etc. So I next installed Comp Cams Magnum Roller Rockers - which did put me over the top.

Meanwhile, the Valeo was giving up the ghost with only about 2,000 miles on it! (I don't drag race or do burnouts, just drive fast).

I had Speedtek install a Centerforce just in time to take a Driver's Edge Class at Jack Farr's Motorsport Ranch in Cresson. I was able to break in the clutch beforehand and everything went really well.

After the class, I decided that maybe it was time to try Nitrous - so I bought a NX Kit from Speedtek and was going to install it. Suddenly, I was experiencing Opti-Spark failure symptoms (already well versed from 12 years ealier at about 40,000).

A friend had just purchased an MSD Billet Opti for his '94 Impala and was sure that this was the "Answer", so I jumped on board and ordered a Billet Opti, MSD Blaster and a set of MSD Wires from Speedtek to be installed in concert with my Nitrous Kit.

Now let me make it clear that I have several Projects at any given time and DO NOT have unlimited funds, so sometimes I buy parts and there is a "delay" before I get around to installation.

After everything was finally hooked up and I was anxious to do some Dyno Pulls, my car wouldn't start. I called Speedtek and they said that "MSD Coils never fail" and that it must be something else. Well, I ran the diagnostics and guess what? I had a bad MSD Blaster Coil!

I carefully wrapped it up and told the guys at the counter that I had a very rare item to show them and that I would be charging admission to see it after the initial viewing.

They were not interested in warranting it so I just bought another one and what do you know - vrooom.

I took the car in and got my Dyno Pulls in with a 100hp Shot - 402rwhp and 450rwtrq. I couldn't be happier. The owner of Speedtek recommended that I install a colder plug, so I did that and before I could realize the benefit (I hate sudden stuff) I developed what felt like a dead miss, changing to a crossfire shudder under load. This is about July 2008

Well being tied up with other things - earning a living, etc. I finally got around to driving the car to Speedtek for a once-over - check wire routing (did I pinch one?) plugs (did one fail?).

The report was that the wires and plugs looked fine, but did I know that the $515.00 + tax MSD Billet Distributor that I got last year are now "pieces of crap?"
"Man, every one that we install has come back and we are just going back with Delco."

This was the first that I had heard of that. I haven't been on a Space Station or in Prison - just out of the "loop" (evidently).

I was directed to contact MSD for a possible refund. I called their Tech Dept. to discuss my problem and spoke with a gentleman that was very hard to understand. I told him that I wasn't real happy with a product that lasted only about 20 miles (from what I've been reading, looks like some folks don't even get a started engine from these) and what if I had paid someone $4-500to install it?

He told me that they recognize the problem and that if I were to send it back, they would replace it with a "new, improved" model. I just need to hold the line for a RMA Number (Retuned Merchandise Authorization).

I held for over 5 minutes and the fellow who answered the phone asked me what he could do for me. I told him that I nened an RMA for a '94 Camaro Billet Dist. and he said "What part number, there are two?"

I told him that I did not have the Part Number memorized, but if he was reffering to Spline-Drive vs. Pin-Drive, then mine is Spline.

"OK, what is the problem?"

Well, it seems to be bad, and the man that I spoke with in Tech Support told me that you guys have had a lot of problems and returns and have a new, more reliable model for replacement.

"Sir, we have had no problems with those Distributors other than a run of bad bearings from one of our Vendors, and we ARE upgrading the Rotor Bearing, if you have the bad one.
What makes you think that it's bad?"

Well, after replacing 2 Delcos and having the same syptoms - missing, backfirig, and shuddering under load, I think that there is a problem with the MSD Distributor.

"Well, we will check it out and replace the bearing. We just don't have any problems with them going bad for other reasons."

So, I have my RMA number and just can't wait to drain the coolant, pull the fans, water pump and crank pulley.

BTW, I did replace the timing cover Spine Shaft Seal.

I understand the concept of using Opti-Spark as a "timing only" device - NO high voltage in the cap, so am looking for advice for a Delteq Conversion - which distributor is going to be best - Delco or MSD for control of the Coil-Paks?

Thanks for any information.

Chris.

 

You really need to do a bunch of reading and research. MSD coils do go bad. It's more common than you think. The statement by your speed shop was a load of bull or they just don't see many LT1s.

Same with the MSD optis. They have not proved any more reliable (maybe less in some cases) than a OEM GM opti.

Delteq is virtually out of business. There is not longer any tech/warranty support if you have any problems. If you buy one, you are on your own.

 

Rob, just tellin' my story. Obviously, i would have benefitted greatly from researching this forum. Thanks for the insight!

Anyone have a preferance for MSD vs. Delco to use with LTCC?

Thanks,
Chris

 

I've been running an AC/Delco vented Opti (conversion) on my 94, using only the optical sensor signals to feed an aftermarket, 8-coil setup (not the LTCC). It's been running fine for 9 years now, and an engine that makes 800HP on a 300-shot of nitrous, and turns over 7,000rpm. A buddy of mine used the stock AC/Delco vented Opti in a similar setup on an S/C'd 383 making 1,125HP, and running to 8,000rpm. No problems.

You do not need the MSD Opti. Stock AC/Delco part is fine, particulalry if all you are using it for is the optical sensor.

Are you aware that there is now a conversion using an LS1 PCM that completely eliminates the Opti?

http://www.eficonnection.com/24x/default.htm