opti problems....again?
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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Well, I had another DOA opti last night. Car hasn't started since Tuesday. I'm to the point where I'm going to deal with the driveability issue for a bit, since I'm tired of wrenching this week. Upside, I can officially have the Opti off the car and stripped down in 45 minutes.
I got a new opti this last time with the warranty. It definitely isn't a reman. Unfortunately my symptoms persist even now. I'm currently waiting in an ECM after talking with Ion aka Madtuner. He informed me that due to the heat and vibration associated with these cars, the solder inside the ECM/PCM cracks and causes a bunch of issues. That's what he came up with after looking at my catalog and seeing that the vss was jumping around as much as 180 mph while actually traveling 30-40. It was solidified in my mind that night while driving and seeing 255 mph while sitting at a stop light. As soon as I get the "new" ECM in the car I will update you.
Well it's update time for the OP. Turns out my ECM was toast! Not only have all my problems disappeared, I gained a new one, but I know the problem. My speedo is now inop, but I have a spare ECM now to drive my car and have the original redone. Madtuner nailed it on the head for me. Aside from the speedo problem, my car is running as good as new. Now it's time to track test it, but that will have to wait until the 9th since I'm out of town this weekend. OP, I would definitely find a known good ECM and start there.
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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From: lincolnpark mi
Well it's update time for the OP. Turns out my ECM was toast! Not only have all my problems disappeared, I gained a new one, but I know the problem. My speedo is now inop, but I have a spare ECM now to drive my car and have the original redone. Madtuner nailed it on the head for me. Aside from the speedo problem, my car is running as good as new. Now it's time to track test it, but that will have to wait until the 9th since I'm out of town this weekend. OP, I would definitely find a known good ECM and start there.
I've thought really hard about, but now that the car is running, I'm gonna see what this new trans and converter really got me next weekend. From there will decide weather a or not I start collecting parts.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
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Well it is confirmed....bad MSD opti. I finally got it swapped with a no-named auto zone special I had laying around. The Vette now runs perfect. It cured every issue I was having. No tuning issues at all. I now have to deal with MSD. I really don't want to install the new one they send me. I may just stick it on the shelf (LOL). Thank you all for your advice.
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. Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 11
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I agree with all of you. I don't plan on leaving this opti on for long, but I figured he can enjoy his car for the rest of the summer and do it again when the weather turns. It is an absolute shame that a $550 MSD won't work, but a used cheapy works great. MSD should be embarrassed!
As far as the LS1 goes...I got nothing. It is deffinately a better system, but LTs are not bad (much cheaper). As long as it goes fast and makes a lot of noise, it's good with me.
Hopefully this post will help someone out with a similar problem in the future. The best advice I can give anyone reading this is...DO NOT BUY A MSD OPTI!
As far as the LS1 goes...I got nothing. It is deffinately a better system, but LTs are not bad (much cheaper). As long as it goes fast and makes a lot of noise, it's good with me.
Hopefully this post will help someone out with a similar problem in the future. The best advice I can give anyone reading this is...DO NOT BUY A MSD OPTI!
