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Optispark vs HEI

Old 11-18-2006, 09:41 AM
  #21  
Powerdrive
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BAH.... the cursed double post
Old 11-18-2006, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by bogus
ok, I am really curious why you gave this link? What obscure joke were you trying for?
Didja check it out?
Old 11-18-2006, 02:26 PM
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Originally Posted by redwing76
Didja check it out?
I HAVE Google Earth. I am still confused.
Old 11-18-2006, 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by bogus
I HAVE Google Earth. I am still confused.
Torrance..........fuel depots....huge..
Old 11-18-2006, 08:37 PM
  #25  
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Now I am REALLY confused... I see zero relationship between this thread and our refineries.
Old 11-20-2006, 05:05 PM
  #26  
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Originally Posted by Greg Gore
He'll probably smack his kid for using the Fword !!
Old 11-20-2006, 06:27 PM
  #27  
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I just bought a 92 LT1 (see avatar) and while made aware of the Opti isssues, i didn't realize that I couldn't powerwash my engine...just some road dust to remove before I park for the winter..

Any suggestions on how I can clean it up?

Thanks. Lauri
Old 11-20-2006, 08:21 PM
  #28  
kenv
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Originally Posted by Greg Gore
It gets into a discussion concerning engineering...square wave output versus sine wave and the advantages of one over the other. 97 went back to a sine wave with hysteresis correction programmed in the computer. The Opti is based upon a sound principle and can do things DIS cannot but the engineers screwed up by not realizing C4 owners might hose their engines down so it went away after it generated some warranty costs. In other words we owners taught GM that they will have to build stuff more bullet proof than that.

The Opti also solves these issues which affected timing accuracy:
1) Torsional twist in the cam core.
2) Backlash that would be present in the distributor/ cam gears.
3) Distributor shaft end play between the housing and the gear thrust surfaces which translates to advance-retard movement due to gear helix.
4) Camshaft distributor drive gear runout; gears are never hobbed to concentricity on the cam cores and the norm is .002 - .004 runout.
5) Aluminum distributor housing sensitivity to heat and length change. Helical gear advances timing as distributor housing is heated.
6) Wear in the distributor gears or shaft bushings

In addition if you throw or break a belt you do not overheat due to the water pump being direct drive. Direct drive also eliminates lateral belt loading on the water pump bearings.
Thats all cool but, I`m wondering if the genius who said " Let`s mount the opti right under the water pump" still works for GM
Old 11-20-2006, 10:30 PM
  #29  
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Originally Posted by kenv
Thats all cool but, I`m wondering if the genius who said " Let`s mount the opti right under the water pump" still works for GM
It's a good place for it. I would complain about unreliable waterpumps before I would ask that the distributor be moved to a remote location.
Old 11-20-2006, 10:48 PM
  #30  
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Originally Posted by bogus
Now I am REALLY confused... I see zero relationship between this thread and our refineries.

You are not alone - I didn't understand any of that either.
Old 11-21-2006, 08:22 AM
  #31  
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Originally Posted by WYCKD14U
I just bought a 92 LT1 (see avatar) and while made aware of the Opti isssues, i didn't realize that I couldn't powerwash my engine...just some road dust to remove before I park for the winter..

Any suggestions on how I can clean it up?

Thanks. Lauri
Good for you!! Nice car and the first year of LT-1. You definately do not want to get a 92 wet. 95 and 96 were updated versions with venting which incorporating connections to manifold vacuum and inlet air designed to keep it dry but the earlier versions do not have this feature. Fussy owners who want to keep their engines clean are advised to check for and fix engine oil leaks and just wipe the engine down periodically with shop towels. My personal favorite is spray with WD-40 and wipe down. A shop vac with the hose and blow nozzle on the blowing side aided by old paint brushes can be used to remove dust. Some recommend wiping down with Simple Green along with shop towels and a bucket of water. See this as a continual work in progress and a labor of love to maintain a good looking engine compartment.
Old 11-21-2006, 09:04 AM
  #32  
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Originally Posted by oldtimer
He'll probably smack his kid for using the Fword !!
It was pretty bad wasn't it? I just posted it because he reminded me of guys who curse the optispark without knowing much about them. All they know is their waterpump went out and got the Opti and now by G they're mad as 'el and sombody's gonna get an earfull about it!! Why don't the complainers just get a pick-up? Easier to work on, room for guns and more room to get to the spark plugs too. Probably complain about them too though.
Old 11-21-2006, 10:36 AM
  #33  
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Originally Posted by TheAngelOfDeath
You are not alone - I didn't understand any of that either.
whew... I thought I was totally losing my mind...
Old 11-21-2006, 12:01 PM
  #34  
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Originally Posted by kopbet89c4
Hell, my buddy's 93 3.3L V6 Grand Am was more high tech than the LT1. Although a lot slower, it had a DIS. It has over 200k miles on it! Still running good today. GM didn't use that feature on their beloved V8s till 97 with the LS1. WTF!!! What a way to go...

I might not be the smartest tool in the shed as well as the CF bandaid bandit ghetto rigger, but I CERTAINLY know that LT1s ain't no super motor either!

Now flame me for being such a drunkazz...
Ummm, the ZR1's had a DIS.
Old 11-21-2006, 06:18 PM
  #35  
Greg Gore
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Originally Posted by VetteUSA
Ummm, the ZR1's had a DIS.
DIS has a sine wave output and Opti has a square wave. Square wave can do things a sine cannot without hysteresis correction.
Old 11-21-2006, 10:04 PM
  #36  
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Originally Posted by Greg Gore
DIS has a sine wave output and Opti has a square wave. Square wave can do things a sine cannot without hysteresis correction.
You took the words right out of my mouth!
Old 11-22-2006, 06:37 AM
  #37  
Greg Gore
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Where on the slope of the sine should the computer recognize data input? Square wave doesn't have that problem, very high resolution. It was admittedly overkill as was reverse cooling and both quietly went away with LS-1. It is interesting to note square wave technology is still a player today with Crane Cams new Chevy race distributor which includes hype in the advertising.


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