Picked up a 96/97 LT1 but it doesn't have any of the sensors or the cap and rotor on it at all.

I have been rading a little about the Opti-Spark and it seems that the 96-97 version was the best but it is my only option OR is there an alternative?

Also is the Opti=spark the entire timing component or is there still a seperate CPS needed for timing purposes?

 

The Optispark is buried behind the water pump up front. No cap and rotor as in the typical vehicle as it is a moulded single piece unit. I've heard of people servicing the cap and rotor with mixed results.

Here is what it looks like:
http://store.summitracing.com/partde...5&autoview=sku

There are other versions such as coils mounted on the valve cover conversion. There is also another company which makes a coil pack kit for about $1000.

There is an ICM (Ignition Control Module) on the driver's side front of the vehicle.

http://shbox.com/1/coil_loc.jpg

 

Well I guess that rules out a coil pack conversion then. ($$$$)

So to bring this to a stock ignition I need to get a parts list going then... ICM, Opti-Spark etc... Any idea where I can find that list?

 

This is how everything is connected electrically.

WD



I finally got this image working.

 

You can probably find all you need on my Tech Page.

 

I have come across your site at least 10 times now in the past couple weeks since this began! Lots of info, and now I know who behind it all! Thanks

 

Can I use any year of the Opti or do I have to get an OBD2? 96 on

OEM or Aftermarket? If it makes no difference then I'd prefer to get an OEM

 

Gotta be a 95-97 vented opti. Optis are not OBD specific. I like the genuine GM part.

 

The two most common Opti-spark "upgrades" are either the Delteq system or the LTCC system.

http://www.delteq.com/

http://www.bailey-eng.com/

The Delteq system is little less costly than the LTCC system, but either can be had for substantially less than $1000. Anyone that has opted for either of these two systems will tell you they work flawlessly and have seen noticable improvements in the way their vehicle runs (obviously dependent on the condition of the Opti-spark when they did the upgrade). They still utilize part of the Opti system, but eliminate the more problematic part of the Opti. I upgraded to the LTCC system myself and spent $ 400 for the ignition box and $40 per coil (8 total) GM#12558948 from here:

http://www.gmpartsdirect.com/

The coils can also be purchased used for less from such places as E-bay.

 

Might just be the way you worded it, but it sounds like you are saying the Opti does not have a replaceable cap and rotor. Just to clarify - The Opti is not a moulded single piece unit. It consists of two parts.... the case/housing which contains the optical sensor and wheel, and the front cover, which is the traditional (albeit somewhat odd looking) "cap", covering a removable rotor. There are separate cap/rotor replacement kits available, although that may not necessarily be way to go.

 

This almost sounds contradictory with what I just pm'ed the gentleman. I explained alittle about the difference and may have incorrectly spoke. I tried to talk about the difference in the drive on the back side being the difference between OBD1 and OBD2 motors. He is looking for some parts and I do have them on my spare '96 LT1, that I am switching over to use in my '94 OBD1 car.
Maybe you can correctly explain this shoebox.

 

As Shoebox correctly pointed out.... it has NOTHING to do with OBD. For F-Bodys: 93 and 94 cars had the unvented, splined shaft driven Opti. In 95, they stayed with the OBD-I PCM, but switched to the 95-97 vented Opti, driven by the cam dowel pin. If you convert the cam, timing set, timing cover and wiring harness extension, you can run the 95-97 vented Opti on a 93-94 engine.

 

Thanks

 

That's not bad for a full ignition upgrade!
I think at this point I'll probably stay stock on ignition to keep my cash free for more dire upgrades (New internals '383 forged fyi', various sensors, wiring harness, etc...) Basically alot of crap to get it to turn key

 

So I have to have a cover, gear set, cam and wiring harness all from a 95-97... That clears up a ton! Thanks

BTW when upgrading cams I guess I need to make a note of that to the company that it must be for a vented opti, correct?