Is there a way to tell an aftermarket Opti-Spark from a Genuine GM/AC Delco part? There are sellers on eBay that list there distributors as OEM but the cap is BLACK not yellow. Another thing that I have seen is that some have an input shaft that is removable with splines on both ends. Others shafts are manufactured into the unit and not removable? Is there any true distinguishing marks that I can ask about to know if it is GM or not?

 

A lot of people have had a bad experience with the All Ignition optis with the black cap.

 

Is that because they are really not GM parts? Or is the cap and rotor the only part that is not OEM?

 

The factory unit came with the splined drive that could be removed. Maybe some of the aftermarket ones just look like it can't be removed from the opti.

 

Or maybe the illustration is of a vented Opti with the fixed pilot shaft in place of the removable splined shaft used on the unvented units.

 

All Ignition Opti on the left and an new OEM Opti on the right in all pics.

 

I questioned ALL Ignition whether this was a Delco product and how they could sell the Opti for much less than a Delco unit. They said that they source the cap and rotor separately from the body/optical module but that they get the components from Delco. They then assemble them together at their factory. They say this allows them to keep the price lower. ?????? Who knows how much truth there is to this but this is what they claim.

Warren

96 T/A,WS6,M6
79 T/A,WS6,A3,403
72 442,W30,A3
06 Vette convertible,Z51,M6

 

they are absolutely not Delco units. thepartsladi is the cheapest place you can get the real deal.

 

I almost bought a brand new "AC Delco" opti last night for $119 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...210033960&rd=1) but it seemed too good to be true, so I emailed the seller (brakeliquidators) asking for a pic showing the PN and a scrap of paper with the date for validation.

He responded saying it was an aftermarket unit, and a bunch of BS about form, fit & function being identical. I asked again to confirm that he lied in his auction, he responded again with "It is a brand new quality after market distributor works perfect and comes with a lifetime warranty! Like I said you will like and if you don't you may return it for a refund. Thanks"

So yes, be careful, and I would definitely not buy anything from this guy...

 

I have been researching opti's for the last couple of days, and I agree thepartsladi on ebay is the cheapest. I'm about to purchase one and I'll let ya'll know how it goes. As far as I can tell from the last couple of days,...True opti's have silver terminals, blue o-rings, yellow caps, and white electrical harness connections.