Optispark new or rebulit

[Blazer]

Hi guys I read this site everyday an have learned a ton. The opti comes up all the time . An it was only used a few yr's so GM said this thing is a peace of crap. So I got thinking I better get one now . Mine is a 94 non vented. Got checking part No 10457702 new GM $321.41 I had to stop to get a part at NAPA an ask the guy Do you carry opti's an he said yes but rebulit only. Are they any good. How many hours to change one an do I replace the water pump to. Any in put would help I know mine will go simetime so I want to be ready. Thanks everybody for your help.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I put a new cap and rotor on mine at 90k. But only because the water pump was showing signs of going. I don't think there's a need to replace it if it looks to be working ok.

If you do get in there though....replace the water pump while you're at it....

[tabahr]

You can buy the cap and rotor for it seperately?? What are the part numbers? This might be a good maintenance idea.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

I just read an article on this the other day, but lost the link.....

There are 3 versions of the optispark. I think it was 92-94, 95, and 96-97. On the 96-97 you can change the cap and rotor. The 95 I'm not sure but I think so. You can't do it on the 92-94's.

[Joe K. 99 Zeee!!]

Found it!

Getting to know the Opti-Spark

http://www.gmhightechperformance.com...htp_optispark/

[Torque]

I just bought a new one. Did a bunch of research prior to the purchase. Found that many people have had problems with the re-builts. They basically take the old ones, test the components, and if they are within a certain spec, clean them and send them on their way.

I have the '96 vented, I think the older ones are more expensive for some reaon, but I got mine from Dal (original Delco part) for $198. Considering the rebuilts are around $150, that's cheap insurance.

Dal- 877-448-5451

[Jeff_in_Atl]

I think you made the right decision.

[RangerBob]

How will you get the 96 model opti to connect to your 94 model camshaft?

[Torque]

If you were referring to my post, I actually have a '96 so the '96 I bought fit perfectly. I would not suggest anyone try to fit the wrong model on the wrong car.

I was just saying I thought I remembered the older ones being more expensive from what I read on the old posts I researched.

[RangerBob]

Sorry. I just saw you didn't start the thread.

Someday, someway, I will do the heads, cam, timing chain, lifters, rockers, opti, water pump, intake leak fix, headers...all at the same time.

It looks like a PITA to do.

I will drop the engine /tranny/ k members

Either that or I'll pay someone to do it. I just hate working on the motor in the car.

Bob

[DWS'95Bird]

go with a new one.....no sense in cuttin corners on this part

[Joe 1320]

Bob, it's not that bad. As long as you aren't built like a Gorilla with forearms the size of someone's leg. The biggest pain is the removal of the passenger side exhaust manifold. Everything else is just like the old days except the distributer is on the front of the block. Pretty simple, really. I had mine all apart and back together in about 12 hours during one weekend. Did both heads/gaskets and of course the intake manifold as well as front cover seals and water pump. Treating all the exhaust bolts with PBlaster the night before worked wonders.

[Blazer]

Torque on opti

Ha Torque Thanks for the info$198.00 on a new with shipping has got to be better than $321.41 Who is Dal at 877-448-5451. I want to get one so when the time comes I got it at a good price. Also can you tell me about how much time it takes to change it out i will install a new water pump at the same time.

[Torque]

Bob- I agree with Joe, it's really not all that bad. That being said, it sounds like Joe is pretty good, 12 hours is pretty aggressive for that much work. At the rate I am going (been replacing a lot of stuff recently, i.e. motors people sold me that are bad!), I will probably be able to get there soon!

In response to you Blazer about Dal, I actually have no idea who the he*l Dal is! I got his name from an old post about Opti's when I did a search for info on them. It sounds like he has some arrangement to do internet sales for a local dealer in Ohio and just has incredible prices. I have to say, I was a little hessitant at first thinking it might be some shady deal, but I got everything on time, it was a brand new part, works great, and even got a tracking number for delivery notification.

Someone else might be able to answer this better than me.