i bought this z28 not too long ago, and have done a bit of work on it already, but i have yet to do a tune up.

could anyone tell me:

when should i change mine? signs of failure, how to tell

how much do they cost?

can i get a used one? and is that okay?


thanks, dave.

 

How is your car running?
I would do a tune up and do everything and than if it still runs bad do it. Chances are its something else.

How many miles on it? Whats the repair history?

They cost between 250-500 depending on where you shop. Than installing it takes 4.5 hours depending on where you go. Theres a sticky on the top of this page about them. Have you searched? You will find plently.

Do not buy anything but a AC Delco, or you may end up doing it again shortly after.

 

thanks, i do not know the repair history. I'm the third owner. i believe the first lived in tennessee, and he was the one who put on the exhaust. The second owner didnt seem to know much about it though. I can only assume that is has been maintained okay, since it was running fine when i bought it.

I am going to post another thread later today, with a video of how the car is running, because i am concerned about the noises it is making.

maybe all it needs is a tuneup? i hope

 

edited your post

 

If it ain't broke, it doesn't need fixing.

 

I would still change the opti every 100k tho. It would have to idle and run better.

 

a quote to live by - I would buy one and keep it on the shelf for when the original one goes, because when they go, they go completely

 

The opti is a cap and rotor. (correction: A CRAPPY CAP AND ROTOR!) Those rotors are arcing and wearing out from the instant you start your car. The opti-spark is reason #1 that our cars have crappy resale value. The idiots that designed it behind the waterpump, knew that the owners were Corvette owners and they could gouge them. When GM put the LT1 in the Camaro, it gave us the power, but the headache. The Corvette is a cinch to work on compared to our cars. Open the hood and there's a naked engine waiting to be worked on.

Too bad for Delteq, it works like a champ, but can't get replacements. Try to go LTCC if possible. After my 3rd opti, I threw in the towel.

 

every 3 startups.

 

Did you figure out why you're having so much difficulty with the Opti?

 

...as is the case with every conventional distributor since they were produced.... I guess all distributors are no good. Nice that there are some alternatives for you.

BTW, interesting theory regarding GM vs. Corvette owners. Gee, you never know what an engineer is really thinking.

 

Ya, I'm still going to laugh at anyone who dumps a grand into an aftermarket ignition that piggy backs onto the opti. LTCC? No thanks.

My last few vented ones were actually a little less than $250 for gm ones.

If it ain't broke....