How much is the complete unit? And what would be the benefit to purchasing this as opposed to a stock opti-spark?

 

Looks nice but I am waiting for the msd lt1 distributor due out soon.

 

Not to burst anyones bubble here but if you rip appart a good opti to install an MSD cap then you are wasting your money.

 

Have you heard any dates for the release?

Thanks

Z28

 

Does anyone have a link to some information on the entire MSD Opti-spark setup? I cannot find anything in the entire world (wide web) that says anything about it.

 

Yeah I've been eyeing one for my upcoming tune up... Very cool.

 

I have an MSD Cap/Rotor on my '91 V6 Firebird

 

http://www.msdignition.com/2006/06-4.htm

I posted the link on the first page of this thread also. You might have to call for a price though

 

I could not find a price either but I am guessing around $500 just read what is lists as upgraded over stock.
Would like to know how they are adjusting timing +/- 5 degrees

------------------------------------------------------------------
Pro-Billet™ LT-1 Distributor

❚ Advanced optical encoder trigger design for accuracy and reliability.
❚ Easily adjust the timing up to +/-5°.
❚ Improved housing design and extra bolt eliminates leaks.
❚ Fresh air vented and sealed to keep the elements out.
❚ Large ball bearing stabilizes timing through 10,000 rpm.
❚ Rotor drive design is positively indexed and cannot slip.


Finally, an all-out performance distributor to replace the OEM GM LT-1 Optispark! We machine an entire billet block of aluminum down into a precise housing that fits in place of the factory piece. Then, we fill it with a reliable new pickup assembly, a trick timing adjustment mechanism and top it off with an all new MSD distributor cap!
The pickup is an advanced optical encoder, a different style of optical pickup than the OEM. This style pickup has proven to be very reliable and stable through extreme rpm and conditions. The rotor is bolted to a drive assembly that is indexed to the shaft and is stabilized through the use of a large ball bearing assembly.
Once installed, you have the ability to adjust the ignition timing – the only distributor that offers timing adjustability! An adjustment screw allows the timing to be tweaked up to +/-5°. The distributor is equipped with a fresh air vent and has an extra thick mounting surface for the cap to eliminate leaks.
The distributor is supplied complete with our heavy duty LT-1 Cap, Rotor and the components required for installation.

Pro-Billet LT-1 Distributor
’94-’96 Late Model PN 83811
’92-’94 Early Model, supplied with fresh air hoses PN 8381

 

Summit is advertising them for $499 with an estimate ship date of 12/19/05.

P/N MSD-8381 (Non-vented)
P/N MSD-83811 (Vented)

One question. The Non-vented unit says it comes with hoses. What are the hoses for if the unit is non-vented? Anybody know?

 

I think it converts it to a vented unit. At least thats what I got from reading it.
I will be needing a new optispark soon (100k) on the current one and would like to upgrade to the full MSD opti unit.

 

I would think that if you were converting, you would just buy the 83811 since it is vented. Since the 8381 is nonvented, what would the hoses connect to? I hope MSD clarifies. If anybody finds out, please update us

 

Word


there's nothing wrong with the stock cap and rotor, those never fail. if i still had it, i'd show you my 134,000 mile opti that was factory original AND still worked fine and contacts were still in good condition.

i could understand upgrading the actual optical sensor, but around $500 a pop (rumored MSRP) i'd rather go with a delteq and have less of a headache with the thing getting wet or dirty from it's less than desirble location.

 

I can see the performance improvement from the Delteq but I can't see the reliability improvement since it is still relying on the optical sensor for its timing input. In my case, I have had 2 GM optisparks fail due to the optical sensor failing. What I don't know for sure is if the optical sensor itself failed or if it actually was blocked by rust residue from the bearing failing. I hear that the bearing (bushing?) is actually a very common failure point. If the MSD has an improved bearing, maybe we won't see so many optical sensors getting damaged (or blocked) by the residue of a failing bearing.

 

MSD-83811 DISTRIBUTOR $499.95 $499.95
·This part is temporarily out of stock, but you can order it now. Tentative ship date: 12/22/2005, if your order is placed today.

I think I will order one for sure I like the timing retard feature plus the construction looks solid