http://web.camaross.com/forums/showt...threadid=25146

 

its looks like a good setup. i just wonder if you see any increase power with it too.... $700 is a lot of cash for an ignition.

 

I am going to be ordering this system next week so I will let you guys know what I think. The problem you start encountering with an opti and higher hp motors is the spark starts breaking up. As far as hp increase I am sure it will help if your opti is going south.

 

Come on guys. It isn't a power modification. No ignition set is. It is a reliabiliy modification. If it saves you from even one opti swap it pays for itself. Maybe not in parts, but definitly in the PITA department. 4 hours of work, $250 in parts and coolant all over is something I don't ever want to do again.

Since it still relies on the opti then it isn't an opti solution, but a real ignition modification. Not some box you hook up and rely on the stock ignition components to handle. In any event it should eliminate about 85-90% of the opti failures.

Now if I could only locate 4 more LS1 coils for cheap :-). My LTCC setup would be complete.

DaveW

 

I installed last December and love it. I had over 100K on my original opti but, since the blower I've been thru 4 optis. The last one left me stranded on the side of the interstate and a $135 tow bill Although it still uses the low voltage part of the opti the high voltage no longer goes thru the opti which is where a lot of the problems come from with power adders. Like said above.. if it saves me from 1 opti swap I'll be happy....

http://www.tennesspeed.net/gallery/s...php?photo=1739

 

4 hours to do the Opti? I'm a far cry from a master mechanic, but I can have the heads off the car within an hour if pushed. I know there are other folks that can have the engine in and out in under 4 hours.

I think the 95 Opti setup is great.

 

Nice setup, but personally I could think of many ways to better spend 700 bucks then a more reliable ignition.

 

Agreed, I'm getting lazy and I dont look forward to ripping into the car that often thanks to the tight engine compartment, but I'd work "4 hours" long before dropping $700

However, getting the coil on a plug benefit sounds nice. If your making a long term investment on the LT1 setup then maybe that is something someone would look into. I'm not a total cheap bastard, there will be a couple things here and there that I might drop cash on to make my life easier...

 

I must have the only reliable opti around then , 'cause it just hit 103 000 miles and still going strong :-D

 

Just for the record, George Baxter's 1,125HP LT1 (9.04@155 in a 3,900# car) ran a similar setup - 8 LS1 coils, optical signal from the Opti feeding an aftermarket computer (not importatn, the new system uses the stock PCM), and an 8-channel ignition driver. I have the same setup.... several thousand of $$$ involved. The new setup allows you to accomplish this for way less, and end up with an ignition with improved reliability, and the ability to deliver a huge spark at elevated RPM. Getting the high voltage function out of the Opti, and only using the optical sensor seems to eliminate a lot of the problems. Admittedly, these are not "daily drivers", but when a similar setup runs for 3 years, trouble free, in one of the most powerful LT1's ever built, you have to acknowledge it.

Seems odd... everyone curses the Opti, and someone comes up with what appears to be a major improvement, and every scoffs.....

 

$700 for that system


opti- $220
wires- $65
coil - $15
------------
$300

now if you have a non vented opti add $120 for the vented opti swap since rumor has it the non vented is being discontinued

$450

vs $700...

 

it was a basic guestimate value for most people. I am far from a master mechanic as well, but not shy to rip into my motor. Have done so many times. Even so, there are things that take time and some extras that should be done while in there (like the opti seal, etc why not it is easy then). Heck it takes 15-20 minutes to get the car reloaded with coolant and bleed properly.

Quote:

I'm a far cry from a master mechanic, but I can have the heads off the car within an hour if pushed.

Thats special . I wouldn't want someone ripping the heads off my car in an hour. Sounds like sloppy work.

Quote:

I know there are other folks that can have the engine in and out in under 4 hours.

You mean out and back in in under 4 hours ready to start? Again, I cannot swallow that pill.

Quote:

I think the 95 Opti setup is great.

I agree. I haven't had any problems with mine since the swap.

DaveW

 

Not scoffing, just not seeing the $ 700 value in switching over personally. Call that scoffing?? Well, be my guest

 

whoever wants to do a headswap for in 2 hrs (one on, one off)
i'll give you $150 right now and another $50 if you finish within 2 hrs.

 

I'm sending a check tomorrow for the LTCC box.