's the bed. 
MSD vs Accel vs GM.....the opti debate.
There's a reason no one uses the screw. It's an essentially useless feature.
It is worse than useless it creates a lot of additional room for error and failure.
The OP has a 94 which unless converted is unvented. IMO at that he should run a delco base with an MSD cap and rotor because that will add a vent for him.
To the few who swear the MSD complete opti is the way to go. What specific failures of the stocker did you have and at what mileage were they? Then has the MSD resolved those issues and how long has it been run?
We see a LOT of folks who neglect an opti for 100K+ than have a cap and rotor wear out. Then whatever they bought next that has been run for a fraction the mileage is automatically the best thing ever despite not having tested is as long yet?
Also rather laughable that the guy pushing the MSD turns a whopping 6200 when several others of us posting here are turning stockers nearer 7000.
The MSD cap and rotor seem good but there have been a lot of issues with the base. MANY opti "issues" can be traced back to neglect, unvented units, plugged vent lines, improper install, or just that they were wet and people bought into the blind opti hate without ever letting it dry out at which point it would have run again like any other distributor.
I have handled the MSD complete unit, took it off a guys car and put an AutoZone reman on to get the car running.
The OP has a 94 which unless converted is unvented. IMO at that he should run a delco base with an MSD cap and rotor because that will add a vent for him.
To the few who swear the MSD complete opti is the way to go. What specific failures of the stocker did you have and at what mileage were they? Then has the MSD resolved those issues and how long has it been run?
We see a LOT of folks who neglect an opti for 100K+ than have a cap and rotor wear out. Then whatever they bought next that has been run for a fraction the mileage is automatically the best thing ever despite not having tested is as long yet?
Also rather laughable that the guy pushing the MSD turns a whopping 6200 when several others of us posting here are turning stockers nearer 7000.
The MSD cap and rotor seem good but there have been a lot of issues with the base. MANY opti "issues" can be traced back to neglect, unvented units, plugged vent lines, improper install, or just that they were wet and people bought into the blind opti hate without ever letting it dry out at which point it would have run again like any other distributor.
I have handled the MSD complete unit, took it off a guys car and put an AutoZone reman on to get the car running.
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
This is an excellent string. I've been through a lot of opti issues, from stock to Chandler to Dynaspark. But I think the Delco opti with MSD Cap & Rotor may finally turn the trick. Actually, I meant Delphi as Delco no longer available, right?
My block is 1996 LT4 stroked to 396 by NuTech Motorsports (remember that guy Nick Norris? I actually got my motor, unlike some, and it's quite strong, no issues really. Should turn 430 rwhp with new stepped headers & TD's. Where to buy that Delphi? Any recommended venders? Thanks!
My block is 1996 LT4 stroked to 396 by NuTech Motorsports (remember that guy Nick Norris? I actually got my motor, unlike some, and it's quite strong, no issues really. Should turn 430 rwhp with new stepped headers & TD's. Where to buy that Delphi? Any recommended venders? Thanks!
Teching In
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Cracked MSD base Thanks for sharing that...just what I needed as I wondered about matching Delphi to MSD cap & rotor vs going all Delco/Delphi or all MSD. THERE's a lot more shared here than I knew...like the problem could be a bad vibration/harmonic coming out of my engine...or the wrong length on the cam bearing. I'm going to check everything out discussed here. I did have great luck with the Delteq...ran perfect for years until the brain died & the company went out of business. My engine has been eating Opti ever since. I am lucky to get weeks, a few hundred miles...have bought Delco from GM Dealer, Chandler cheapie, but never tried the MSD. I shift around 6,700 but occasionally hit 7,000. I'm hoping the stronger MSD bearing will help. FTR I don't run anything extra like 6AL box. I do have an old Hypertech coil. Probably should replace with stock coil though it never affected the Delteq at all. .
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Verdad Gallardo Teching In
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Rebuilt Autozone Wow, if you did that on a 383 and it worked I'm thinking for real my problem is not the Opti but a flaw in my engine or somewhere in the electrical system that likes to destroy opti's. Like I said I've gone through like candy. It can't be all bad opti's. At least one was 100% dealer purchased Delco factory. Not cheap either.
Wow, if you did that on a 383 and it worked I'm thinking for real my problem is not the Opti but a flaw in my engine or somewhere in the electrical system that likes to destroy opti's. Like I said I've gone through like candy. It can't be all bad opti's. At least one was 100% dealer purchased Delco factory. Not cheap either.
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
MSD cap & rotor kit Ok so I bought the msd cap & rotor kit for my unvented gm opti so it becomes vented. The msd instructions are vague. It doesn't say whether to reuse or eliminate the optical cover (the thin metal dish). Does anyone know what I should do?
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2015
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Ok so I did put the "dish" in and reassembled it but the think rattled around like a *itch so I bent the 3 small metal tabs so it fit snug. I think I'm good now. Not real impressed with these GM remanufactured optis...
