LT1-LT4 Modifications 1993-97 Gen II Small Block V8

OHHHH I hate the OPTISPARK!! MSD 6A is killing them?

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Old 06-30-2006, 06:37 PM
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Default OHHHH I hate the OPTISPARK!! MSD 6A is killing them?

i have installed a 6A with a high output MSD coil. I am also running the boost retard on the 6A.

I have went through 2 optisparks in 2000 miles. I am wondering if it is the high output coil, not the 6A, that is killing them. Anyway...time for another change out.....AHHHHH.

The upside....changed the last one out in 2hrs, and I had to deal with a supercharger also.....but this is not necc a skill I endevour to develop.

If anyone has any other ideas what could be killing them, please let me know. I was very carefull with the last installation and I live in a very dry climate (so it should not be moisture). I am using the El CHEAPO units from Autozone...maybe that is it??

My plan at this point...buy an MSD Opti as soon as someone actually gets it in stock. (hopefully next week). Then, if that blows, I will convert over to the Delteq system. Thoughts?
Old 06-30-2006, 06:52 PM
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im pretty sure its the cheapo autozone units
at least that was my exp. the one that lasted the least was about 2
weeks.
i replaced 4 units from autozone.
on anther car i had i got a bad fuel pump,and a misfiring opti at the same time
messing up, from az, somehow broke a few rotor contacts,
i got the summit one and it worked like it should
2 hours with a blower huh?
took me lik hour and a half at the most, but i had a turbo crossover in the way sort of.
like an hour an half on reg engine
Old 06-30-2006, 06:58 PM
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Another vote for autozone opti being crap. Heard about it happening to alot of people.
Old 07-01-2006, 02:05 AM
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I've been running the msd coil for 10,000+ miles and a 6a for about 1,500miles, no issues with the opti so far. Replaced cap and rotor with the MSD pieces just because I had it all torn apart down there, haven't had opti problems even after the waterpump failed and spilled coolant all over it.
Old 07-01-2006, 02:35 AM
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Originally Posted by camar0corey
I've been running the msd coil for 10,000+ miles and a 6a for about 1,500miles, no issues with the opti so far. Replaced cap and rotor with the MSD pieces just because I had it all torn apart down there, haven't had opti problems even after the waterpump failed and spilled coolant all over it.
same here only not the ignition box part of it
Old 07-01-2006, 08:49 AM
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Hey If you want to get rid of any of the bad(Optis) ones, let me know, unless they are core/warranty parts.
Old 07-02-2006, 06:57 PM
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yeah i was gonna say maybe your water pump is leaking and spilling on to your opti but most likely its the autozone junk go with a gm ac delco opti. also the msd 6a does not have boost retard unless you are talking about a differ model msd box, i myself have the msd 6a box and msd blaster coil, i have ran this set up for about 3 years now with no problems so im suggesting you get "out of the zone" lol sorry i feel like an idiot now but i just saw the comercial on tv
Old 07-02-2006, 07:22 PM
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I have the stock opti, (haven't received the MSD I ordered yet) MSD 6A. stock coil, and MSD boost retard ****. No issues here. I'm guessing it must be the autozone junk. If you're interested, I started a group buy with TByrne for the MSD opti. $429.99 Cant beat that! Thanks Tom!
Old 07-02-2006, 08:05 PM
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If aftermarket ignition systems are killing opti's what makes everyone think it wont kill a msd opti?
Old 07-02-2006, 08:41 PM
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Hmm so far only one guy is having issues, I don't think aftermarket boxes are killing optis.
Old 07-02-2006, 08:44 PM
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It's way more than one guy. Alot of people believe aftermarket boxes kill optis. It's happen to a fair amount of people. I dont know for sure if the boxes are only to blame, no one knows for sure because it's one of those hit or mis things. I have a aftermarket box and a Dynaspark, no issues here. But not all can say the same.
Old 07-02-2006, 09:15 PM
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Yes. A good friend went thru 3 opti's in a short period of time and he 'felt' that they were due to the MSD6AL he had. Alternately, I had went thru 2 MSD6AL's on the same original stock Opti. Lol...
Old 07-02-2006, 09:28 PM
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When we put my motor in I went thru 3 opti's before one worked (for awhile).
Old 07-03-2006, 12:28 AM
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I usually get 12-14,000 miles on an opti before the cap and rotor starts to fry. MSD 6T and Coil. any thing less then that is a problem in my book
Old 07-03-2006, 12:32 AM
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I left all my stock stuff on and this opti has gone, 20K+ miles trouble free
Old 07-03-2006, 05:57 AM
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Jeez, I didn't think Optis **** out this fast, I only did the MSD cap and rotor because I was in there, before that it hasn't had a new opti since 40k or 60k, I will have to look at the records when I get back. My car has 137k on it now.
Old 07-03-2006, 09:12 AM
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One thing to think about with the opti is, it is fragile. I had two Optis and for *****/giggles I fitted them both on the my 95 LT1 engine. the both fit differently, one wash flush, the other one needed a little help from the bolts to put it on all the way. Wow, same year, same part numbers.
My point is, when you buy a Dynaspark, for example, they have very specific instructions on ensureing fitment. This is critical. The factory engines with no mods etc will last, but when you start swapping Optis, gaskets, putting sealants, cams timing chains etc etc, you move the weak part around, which is the Opti.
The MSD boxes etc do put allot of stress on the Opti cap and rotor as you are throwing more electricity through it, and over time it causes carbon tracking etc.
This is my 2 cents.
Old 03-07-2007, 07:57 PM
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Update.....I went ahead and purchased/installed the MSD Opti. All is well with the world again - I have run it for ~500 miles now with no issues. I have read mixed reviews on the MSD units, but I have been really happy wiht the performance so far. Power is back and I have clean ignition to 6000rpm. If the MSD fails on me I will post and let you all know......and one more thing.....No more autozone junk for me......
Old 03-07-2007, 08:59 PM
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Originally Posted by real82it
Update.....I went ahead and purchased/installed the MSD Opti. All is well with the world again - I have run it for ~500 miles now with no issues. I have read mixed reviews on the MSD units, but I have been really happy wiht the performance so far. Power is back and I have clean ignition to 6000rpm. If the MSD fails on me I will post and let you all know......and one more thing.....No more autozone junk for me......
I had a NAPA opti once and it was only once. I'd have bought the MSD had it been available a couple years ago.
Old 03-07-2007, 09:05 PM
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The only thing I get from autozone is car wash, tire shine, oil and filters. Anything else and your gambling with your money. I run the MSD cap for about 2K miles. So far no problems.


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