Opti Spark problems
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Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
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Opti Spark problems I have a 1997 Trans Am, LT1. I recently changed the gears to 3:43, installed a BBK throttle body, and mid tube headers. My car just recently hit the 100,000 mile mark, and my opti spark crapped out on me. We changed every single part of the ignition system all the way through to the plugs and wires. The car seems to be getting fuel and spark, but for some reason I get an error code saying multiple cylinders misfiring. I bought 2 opti sparks from Summit, and both broke within a couple hundred miles. I have no idea what the problem is, and have put enough money in to trying to solve it that I could have just bought an LS1. Does anyone have any suggestions? The car runs rough, and then all of a sudden when all the cylinders fire, it takes off. Feels kinda like it's choking itself out for some reason. I'm not sure if I keep getting crap opti sparks from Summit, or is something breaking them. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!
Or if anyone knows where I can get an opti spark other then Summit that would also be helpful.
Or if anyone knows where I can get an opti spark other then Summit that would also be helpful.
First off, buy brand name replacement parts.
'The Summit' brand opti is ok and thats a low price on an opti, but IMO not worth it.
Go with either a replacement GM Optispark, or the aftermarket MSD Opti.
Opti's should last over 100K miles easy, but it has alot to do with the installation. Make sure the person putting it in has experience... the new opti has to be aligned and resealed properly and the slighest fuckup will throw off the highly accurate optical laser.
'The Summit' brand opti is ok and thats a low price on an opti, but IMO not worth it.
Go with either a replacement GM Optispark, or the aftermarket MSD Opti.
Opti's should last over 100K miles easy, but it has alot to do with the installation. Make sure the person putting it in has experience... the new opti has to be aligned and resealed properly and the slighest fuckup will throw off the highly accurate optical laser.
You might check your cam position sensor connection. Look at the plug in end and see if the connector's are spread open all of the way. If they are, you need to take a small screwdriver and gently pry the prongs out to make a solid connection. I had a similar problem with this on my TPS. It was probably the best $100 I ever spent while talking to the head mechanic at the local dealership. He told me that he see's this problem all of the time on common electrical plug in's.
We did the install on both optis for this car. The pin was in the correct spot, the car ran good for a while, then started misfiring, then shut down. Both times there were audible parts broken inside the opti unit. They were AC Delco units from GM performance parts through Summit.
The original opti for the car lasted 100K, then failed suddenly in the same manner. Complete shutdown, broken parts rattling inside it. I wonder if there is something inside the engine, like the cam retainer plate, causing pressure on the drive wheel of the opti..........
The original opti for the car lasted 100K, then failed suddenly in the same manner. Complete shutdown, broken parts rattling inside it. I wonder if there is something inside the engine, like the cam retainer plate, causing pressure on the drive wheel of the opti..........
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a friend of mine as a 94 Z, car developed an oil leak which took out the factory opti, he then replaced it, car was in a mechanics shop that caught fire and hood was up, smoke and crap all over the motor, guy took it to a detailer and the guy pressure washed the motor, opti failed again, put a new one in and ran fine for about 3 months, now car is starting to have same problems again, while sitting there idling car will shut off and then wont crank again for a few minutes, any idea what could be continually causing this prob, is it another bad opti? a diff elec prob? any ideas?
