From what I have read the problem with optisparks is the cap rotor So this new MSD setup should fix that right? Anyone have expereince with this?

 

If the cap and rotor is your problem, then any cap and rotor will cure it. It frequently is not the only source of opti problems.

 

As far as I know nobody has gotten one yet, the ship date keeps getting pushed back. I seriously doubt that this will solve any problems other than worn factory parts. They are capitolizing on everyones unwarranted fears about the opti, try leaving a cap and rotor on any other distributor as long as they get left on the opti and you will have troubles. That said the price is only a little more than a standard cap and rotor so it is not a bad alternative from that standpoint.

 

I read somewhere who knows but read that the reason optisparks fail is the cap rotor....What is the problem with optisparks then? Why do they have such a bad reputation?

 

They tend to have other problems such as the optical sensor going out, or the wheel with the slots getting rusty and screwing with the readings due to the slots partially closing up with rust.

 

I may be in the minority, but I think it's only fair to mention that a LOT of Opti replacements are due to poor diagnostic skills and bad advice leading to shotgun replacement of perfectly good ones.

 

All of the problems mentioned above, plus failure of the cheap bearing. The optical sensor and the bearing are in the back 1/2 of the case, under the cap and rotor. Both those parts can and do fail. Most of it is related to moisture leaking into the case, and the generation of ozone by the high voltage discharge. The later, vented (95-97) units solve some of the problems, but not all.

The cap and rotor can actually last for quite a while, often much longer than on the typical distributor on a Gen 1 SBC. With those cars, it was common to replace the cap and rotor with every 15-20K mile tuneup. The new ones last a lot longer.

 

So I have come to understand that the optispark isnt that bad at all it just might need maintainence like every other distributor it just doesnt get it because of the difficult placement of it. But if the MSD cap rotor is superior in sealing and more durable also provide better current it might be worth it. Right?

 

if you know all you need is a cap and rotor then go for it and let people here know how it is. but if you need to replace the whole thing I'd have a hard time spending $250-$300 for the opti and another $150 for the MSD cap and rotor. most people here would probably see them produce a whole Opti distributor, but they'd probably charge about the same as if you bought them both separate anyways.

 

I agree. My opti has 230K on it. The cap and rotor are the ones the wear out.

 

I have 158,000 miles on mine and have Never touched it!!!

 

Yes, but one thing I would like to note is that the sealing issues with the opti are not in the cap and rotor but rather the electrical connection, a little dielectric grease on the weatherpak seal goes a long ways towards sealing it up. Also an new vented opti is not $250-300 more like $200-220 from good sources when compared to the MSD cap and rotor for $150, the whole new stock replacement looks mighty good price wise doesn't it?

 

My opti was screwing up at around 90k. The cap and rotor looked fine, optical part, junk


Rob