i bought a 95 z28 and the optispark is vented on the car. i was worndering do the vaccum lines coming off of it need to be hooked up as in do they realy cause anything not to work.. i know the opti has problems with going out but i was worndering as in like timing advance or anything like that. thanks alot

 

The vacuum and vent lines are only for venting the opti. They have nothing to do with any other operation. However, they need to be on there for longevity of the unit.

 

I've used so many of the suggestions and "HowTos" from Shoebox that I should say a much overdue "Thanks!". And if I may... I'd like to augment this subject and add to this post what might become the definitive video on "Everything You EVER Wanted to Know About The ABITS OptiSpark Ignition System...But Were afraid to Ask!"

[autostream]http://autostream.com/camaroz28/?page_type=firebirdplayerthumbnail&framepage=200&t ransactionid=1298807887-2492205224&posted_by=rsm93z28_camaroz28.com[/autostream]

 

That's a great video thanks for sharing.

 

Man I have a huge more respect for optispark after that video

 

Gentleman ... I am in the Deep Kimshee with this project... again...

Empirical Experience is such a hard task master... and going in on the Low $$$ side of this project was a necessary evil because I had to fix so many things all at once on such a meagre budget ...or so I thought. Within just a few days after buttoning everything up, the symptoms of thermal stress on the low quality Optispark unit raised its ugly head and I wound up having to get a DELPHI Optispark to replace it. Here is how the project went...along with the symptoms that occurred as soon as I started the car. I could use some guidance here and will post a video in the next few minutes on my photobucket site so the members can listen to the engine and tell me what they think the problem(s) are:

Cleaning and/or Parts I Changed During This Repair:

Throttle Body Service, with complete Sensor Replacements
IAC Valve (including installing a new OEM 4 pin Harness)
Throttle Position Sensor (OEM)
Spark Plugs (NGK) Iridium (not gapped, due to factory warning)
Spark Plug Wires (AC-DELCO 7mm OEM with AM heat wraps)
Optispark (DELPHI) BNIB -Made in Mexico-
Water Pump (OEM) BNIB
Water Pump Temp Sensor (OEM) BNIB
MAP Sensor (OEM) BNIB
Oil Pressure Sensor (OEM) BNIB
Acrylic PCV Tube from left side of Throttle Body to PCV Valve
Exhaust Manifold Gaskets (FELPRO Set)
Exhaust Manifold Bolts (Stainless Steel using Copper Anti-Seize)
IAT Sensor (OEM- GM including a BNIB Elbow Bellows)
Oxygen Sensors (BOSCH) Both Replaced
Replaced Small Gas Vapor Recovery Lines at Three Positions

Symptoms of Problems:

1. Starts Right up... But idles with a heavy, thumping vibration.
2. In Gear- Has Very Low Power... Makes a Thumping Sound.
3. Will NOT Hold Idle when Stopped but in Drive Mode.
4. Slight smell of Gasoline on Right Side (Hood Raised).
5. Engine Shakes and Shimmies at Low RPM ...smooths out at higher RPM.
Note:
I was very careful when using the Copper Anti-Seize Goop NOT to get any on the electrode areas or around the first few plug threads when installing the plugs as well... and tried not to tighten them too hard. (Same when installing the Exhaust Manifolds/Gaskets)

EDIT: Okay... Here is a short video of the symptoms:

http://s557.photobucket.com/albums/s...t=MOV02693.mp4