I know there have been dozens of posts about the good ole Opti-spark in these LT1 engines...but I'm getting confused with all of the data from so many different sources. I know that I can take mine off of my 94 Z, then I'll know exactly which one to get...but I'd like to have all parts in hand when I go do do the install of the new one!!

Which brings me to 2 different questions I have....
1) I'm not actually having any problems with my car, but it has 143,XXX miles and this is supposedly the original Opti. If it ain't broke...should I mess with it...or should I consider myself lucky and leave it as it is?

2) Depending on which site I go to regarding my 94 Z28...some sites state that the vented Opti's started with 95 through the 97's, while other sites state that the vented Opti's went from 94 to 97...so which is it...is my 94 Z28compatible with the vented Opti or NOT?

Thanks for any help,

 

On F-bodies, non-vented were from 93-94 and vented 95-97. Honestly, if it is really working fine, I would not mess with it. Some have gone 300k miles and more.

The only extra parts you must have for replacement are water pump gaskets. Though, you might consider changing any front cover seal that needs attention. Some like to include the water pump during the swap.

 

Thanks Shoebox for the input...I'm leaning towards leaving it alone as well. More than anything...I was just trying to be informed and on top of things. I've always had LS1's...so I'm new to LT1's...and all of the talk about the dreadded Optispark issues. I'll spend my money on something more needed...like headers and a cam.

Thanks again,

 

You didn't indicate you were going to do other mods (like a cam). In that case you might consider some preventive maintenance opti-wise. Optispark "dread" is only in the minds of the uninformed.