pnewt

Looking at buying a 96 LT4 which has an opti spark problem per the owner. any idea what it may take to fix? 54k miles is not running thanks for any response paul

ch@0s

It will take a new opty and possibly a water pump.
Read this and do a search for "optyspark". Are you doing the labor?

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c4-t...y-options.html

aminnich

How good a mechanic are you? Dealer charge is around $1200, about $400 for parts and the rest labor. If you are a decent wrench you can replace the opti in a day yourself. An LT4 is an awesome engine!

pnewt

Thanks very much - checked articles and think I can do it with mechanic brother in law. Did quite a bit of work on LT5 when I had a ZR1. hadnt heard of optispark name previously. Appreciate the quick responses Paul

tblt44

many blame the opti
It could be something else,If you get it don't just throw an opti at it first thing

dogfish246

Check this video out... This is a water pump video so there are a few more steps (easy steps) to get to the opti which can be clearly seen once the water pump is out...





The opti might not be your problem... Mine has been torture tested with my daily driver and a water pump that went and soaked it... Its the original one too and its still running like a champ... Check to make sure the spark plug wires are going to the right plugs and are coming from the correct spots on the opti. In complete darkness, spritz some water (spray bottle) on one side of the block near the plug wires and see if you get any arcing (look like sparks)... There are many different things that it could be, are you sure its an opti problem?

ch@0s

WOW !!!
I am an idiot i should have told him about your video. *poking self in eyes*

dogfish246

haha, dont worry, I will post it enough that it will be infused into your mind... You will know what I say in the video and when I say it

Use it as much as you want, that is why I made it, to aid other fellow Vette owners!

Frankenvette 63

ch@0s

did you watch the video 3 posts before yours?

pmihaltian

Nice work, Dog; great video. Well Done !

dogfish246

Thanks! Its worth making when you guys use it and like it!

Pizzano

If your going to replace your Opti, you are better off replacing your waterpump right away also and save your self some time down the road, you dont want your new opti to become a victim from a leaky water pump down the road.

(all depends on how many miles are on the pump also , if you have a high milage water pump, just change it out now , because you know its going to leak, saves getting water into your new opti, even though it is vented for 96)

sailorsteve

All good advice on this thread, ESPECIALLY- be sure you need an opti before going ahead. This repair is not cheap and you should be satisfied that it is necessary. Plenty of diagnosis help on the forum.

0ChandlerMotorsports

Definately pull codes first. Otherwise if you narrow it down and it is for SURE the opti we sell them very affordable. Check our signature link. We've got a legion of purchasers at ls1tech.

Pizzano

Damn $89.00 for a opti, is that a refurbished or brand new oem, and are they the vented type.

Good prices indeed, are all parts ordered on Sunday free if the Pack wins the super bowl,lol

I tried

93cruiser

My experience with Cardon wp has been dismal. Went thru 3 of them before giving up.
93cruiser