Are optisparks really that bad?
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Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3,634
From: Newark, Delaware
Originally posted by PGR
Another problem with the opti is its lack of accuracy. When the engine & opti are new, things are OK. But as the timing chain stretches, and the splined drive pin wears, the amount of backlash between the crank and the optical wheel is quite large. This results in spark scatter (variations in spark timing). One reason older LT1's have a rough idle. The newer optis with the pin pressed into the cam have slightly less backlash, but timing chain stretch is still present.
The LS1 picks up its position signals from a large-diameter machined reluctor wheel on the crankshaft, so the tolerance stack-up or timing chain wear doesn't affect spark accuarcy.
Another problem with the opti is its lack of accuracy. When the engine & opti are new, things are OK. But as the timing chain stretches, and the splined drive pin wears, the amount of backlash between the crank and the optical wheel is quite large. This results in spark scatter (variations in spark timing). One reason older LT1's have a rough idle. The newer optis with the pin pressed into the cam have slightly less backlash, but timing chain stretch is still present.
The LS1 picks up its position signals from a large-diameter machined reluctor wheel on the crankshaft, so the tolerance stack-up or timing chain wear doesn't affect spark accuarcy.
Frank
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