I'm looking for info on LT1s for a 1st gen camaro I want to build. Anyways, one of my major concerns of using an LT1 is the optispark. Does anyone make a water proof one? Is water about the only thing that really affects these other than age?

Thanks for the input.

 

i dont think they make any yet...
Sorry dude
Good Luck w/ the project

 

is there a substitute for the opti... does it have to be "opti"... can't i get something not so sensative to water... i wanna clean my engine sooo bad

 

I know someone on here took off his opti and added coils ontop of his valve covers like the ls1, but only it's a lt1. It looked kind of tripy, but I guess it's working for him and he doesn't have opti problems no more

 

Well, if you feel like spending the money you can do this.
http://www.dynotech-eng.com/dynaspark.htm

Or a tiny amount of hi-temp silicon at the connecter and around the seal should do about the same. You still have to deal with the bearing and the cap and rotor wearing out. I've had two lT1's and zero opti problems, knock on wood

 

buy a frikin forest...

 

So all you did was run a 'bead' of silicon around the Opti to completely seal it from any moisture? Why didn't someone think of think of this sooner if it works?

 

I remember one time I saw this stuff in an infomercial...it was many years ago though. I don't remember the product, but I do remember they sprayed it on the inside of a distributor, then soaked the distributor in water (the inside of it) and guys (regular joes) there who were like, teh audience said if the car started they would be sold, and voila....the car starts and runs like a top. Anyone know what I'm talking about? I'm just guessing that maybe if you used that stuff, it'd help?

As far as me, I'll take my chances. My first opti died of old age. My second died in like..a week *rolls eyes*, but I haven't had a problem since.

 

Before I installed my last opti, I took it apart and used Ultra-Copper on the seals that go between the opti and its cap. Once you take it apart you will see where I am talking about. If you do it right thee is really no way that water can leak into it except for maybe in the plug-in hole of it or in the vent lines which should be hooked up anyways. BTW I am talking about the newer vented opti design. The older style has holes in the bottom of it that shouldn't be sealed up due to the fact that it is the only way moisture can escape from it. For a good picture of how the vacuum lines connect/work look here

 

I ordered one of those high dollar DTE DynaSpark optis. I managed in get in on the initial discount offering. They are selling them so fast they can't keep them in inventory.

One of the things I learned from the Dynotech folks is that bearing failure is a frequent cause of early optispark failure. Apparently, many aftermarket cams and their slight design and dowel size and fitting variances contributes to this problem.

 

how much was that dynotech opti, I didn't see it on that page?

The idea of a little silicone sealant had popped into my head, so I may try that when that day comes around.

 

Brace yourself: the retail price is $595

 

Are you happy with your decision to spend the extra $$ on this one vs. the GM unit?

Maybe a group purchase would bring the price down...

 

I ordered a Dynaspark unit as well. Many think they are not worthwhile, but I'm convinced it will stand up to my modifications and is built more robustly than the stock unit. I'm thinking it will stand up to a puddle, rain, and even a good engine cleaning.

DTE already had a group purchase on the units. The GP price was $495 and apparently they sold quite a few.

 

I haven't received it yet. Mine's on back order. They are selling more than they can make right now. I'd have to have it in hand to examine it and have it installed for a while to really provide an objective opinion. I'm had several GM optis crap out, I'm ready to try something else and DynaSpark is it for now.