well spring has finally showed up and its time to get the camaro out of the garage and replace the optispark. I tore everything down last fall and found a leaking waterpump shaft seal had ruined the opti. So, after talking to my local parts stores and Chevy dealership, I found such a variety in prices, I am looking for advice where and what brand to buy. I know, i know-genuine Gm. But at 800 a pop from my Chevy dealer, I think I need to consider other options. I can buy 2 with lifetime warranty at my local parts store for what 1 gm opti would cost. Also, suggestions on water pump, anyone use an electric one? Working on a 94 camaro, all stock except for air pump removed, cat back flowmaster exhaust, and I also plan on putting headers on this spring. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

I personally run a Chandler motorsports opti for $130 and it's never let me down for the past three years. I also run a reman water pump I got for $70. For gm optis there is a person on eBay that sells genuine ones for 280 or so if I recall correctly. I do not think they are still around though.

 

Dealer markup can easily exceed 100% and there are places on the internet that sell GM parts as low as 10% over cost. They can be high on shipping but gmpartsdirect can be a source or at least give you an idea just how badly the dealer is trying to rape you. A small shop not doing a lot of volume does need to charge more than 10% markup but the 100%+ of most dealers is unreasonable.

 

summit has the GM optis i searched for yours and here ya go. good luck

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/ACF-1104032/

 

That would be the WRONG one, he needs the first design unless he converted to the later style.

 

Check Rock Auto.

 

That's a terrible parts listing on Summit.... says it fits 94 - 97 Camaro and Firebird. Not very accurate.

 

I have a slightly used dynaspark for sale if your interested, price is 325 shipped. Pictures and other details are in the for sale thread.

 

Do not offer "parts for sale" in the tech forums. Simply send a PM or an e-mail.

 

thanks for suggestions everyone. How about a Delphi opti? Same quality as a AC Delco?

 

Delphi = AC Delco. They are the same thing.

 

Those Delphi ones are selling for only $268 on Ebay.

Has anyone used one of these? how is the quality?

 

I run the $69 ones off Ebay. Usually get a year or two out of them, so they're just as reliable as any other Opti

After the 5th one, I quit paying big bucks for them. Just didn't make sense. Plus, one of the stores is located in Ames less than 2 hours from me. Makes life easy.

 

You know that design is around 20 years old. I can't believe no one has designed something less prone to issues.

Most failures are bearings, rotor, or the optical pickup dies.

I mean is there nothing able to replicate what this thing does? I'm no electronic engineer and may not fully understand it, but there has to be something available that could be used as a reliable retrofit.

 

A LOT of us have no issues with them. IMO the guy behind the wrench is more often the problem than the part.