Help with upgradin ignition system...

[BerserkersRage]

Hello all whats up...i drive a 1994 Pontiac Firebird Formula...i am not sure but i am running 2.73 gears in the rear that is going to be changed to 3.73's or 4.10's not sure...( help needed with that also ) the only mod that i actually have is 80 series Flowmaster's i was wondering my car has been having a stumbling hesitation problem..and when i drive long distances it gets really bad...so i have done a lot of research on these posts and well i have come to realized that well i am going to try to change out my ignition system to a high performance one..ie...opti and all other ignition related items but i don't know were to begin and what i need to accomplish this...keepin in mind a budget is still in effect...( post for upgrading suspension and struts to come )

[FRMLAV8]

Well there's not a whole lot to the ignition system.

You will basically need a new opti - your only viable option here is to get the 95+ style vented Opti. However in order to upgrade you would also need a new cam and new timing cover. So unless you plan to spend some serious time and money on this I would stick with the 94 style Opti. You can get it from Dal at Vandevere Olds for a discounted price.
http://www.worldparts.com/vandevereoldsmobile/

Then you will want a new coil - I really liked the MSD Blaster coil.
Next is Plugs and wires - NGK Plugs and Accell or Taylor Wires are the most prefered.

Those can all be found at: http://www.thunderracing.com/

That's really about it as far as upgrades go. You could put a MSD 6A ignition box on it, but that would be a waste of money with the upgrades you have now.

Randy

[scotts94_z28]

i heard msd was comming out with a replacment for the opti, i belive i saw it in the LT1 section of LS!tech.com

[Jeff_in_Atl]

i heard msd was comming out with a replacment for the opti, i belive i saw it in the LT1 section of LS!tech.com

It looks like they are coming out with a rotor and cap but not the OPTI itself.
http://www.msdignition.com/2005/2005_9.htm

[Injuneer]

There are a couple other options on the ignition system:

Billet Opti from Dynaspark

Bailey LTCC "black box" that removes the high voltage from the Opti (still uses the optical sensor output), and uses the stock PCM to drive 8 LS1-style coils in direct fire.

Both of the above are reviewed in this article from GM High-Tech Performance magazine. You are probably looking at $450 minimum for the Dynaspark, and maybe $500-550 for the LTCC plus coils:

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

The Delteq "black box" that removes the high voltage from the Opti (still uses the optical sensor output), and allows the stock PCM to drive a Northstar ignition module with 4 "waste spark" coils, in direct fire. Delteq has been indicating that there is a "full" Opti replacement "coming soon", but they've been saying that for about a year.

http://delteq.com/

Replace the high voltage portion of the Opti with an MSD "crab" style distributor, driven from the stock IC Module/coil. Requires machining the intake manifold to accept the distributor, and getting it under the cowl could be a problem.