How do I make the optispark moisture tight?!

[fbodycarl]

I'm on opti #2 about to put it together to put on my 1994 Camaro Z28. How can I make it so that it doesn't form any moisture inside. My water pump did not even leak at all on my last opti, but somehow, when I took it apart there was moisture inside. Is it condensation? How can I prevent this? Replacing this opti is sure getting old. Thanks.

[Injuneer]

You could switch your "unvented" (93/94) unit to a 95-97 "vented" style unit. That would allow engine vacuum to pull any moisture out. Unfortunately the conversion is relatively expensive, requiring a new timing cover, new timing set, different cam, and the electrical and vacuum harnesses.

http://para.noid.org/~muttvette/opti.html

I believe that the new MSD Opti incorporates the vent system in both the 93-94 shaft-drive units and the 95-97 dowel-drive units. That would be another expensive option ($450 street price)

There is also a billet case unit, with highly improved case sealing and an upgraded bearing. Do a search for "Dynaspark". Its been around for about 5 or 6 years now.

Then there's the option to remove the high voltage functions from the Opti, and use it simply for the optical sensor (cam position). There are aftermarket units that allow the optical sensor to drive a Northstar 4-coil pack setup in waste-spark mode (search for "Delteq"), or one that uses 8 LS1-style coils in direct fire (search for "LTCC"). I've been running for more than 6 years on a system that uses only the optical sensor, and the performance has been faultless. Eliminating the high voltage spark from the case appears to eliminate the corrosion caused by ozone, and eliminates the issue of moisture causing carbon-tracking on the cap.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

Someone on here a while back drilled a hole in the 93-94 opti and threaded in a fitting to plug it into a vacuum source like the 95-97.

[fbodycarl]

Do you happen to know where this post is about the 'do it yourself' venting?

[Craig 94 TA GT]

I'm using a Dynaspark opti, which is vented for my '94. It's awesome - no problems and I've even accidentally had 2 coolant leaks right over it.

I used a pipe fitting to place in where the IAT goes. Then, I relocated the IAT to the CAI, so it will be further from the possibility of heat soaking.

[fbodycarl]

Since my optispark is covered under warranty and I already have the new one, unvented and all, can I seal it up with high temp rtv to keep it from leaking, since it is suppose to be moisture tight anyway???

[Jeff_in_Atl]

You will never get it tight enough to keep the moisture out. There will be air in it and the temperature change will make the water condense out of the air. One piece of advise is to use a silicone dielectric compound on the connector. They are prone to corroding.

[fbodycarl]

If there will always be moisture inside due to the air, which I understand, how will it ever stop breaking? The unvented optispark sucks.

[Jeff_in_Atl]

It won't. That's why GM doesn't use it anymore.