Opti from NAPA, reman vs new ?

[Gbuster]

1994 RMS base. I have a no-start condition showing a code 16.
DTC #16: Distributor Ignition System Low Pulse. No other codes.
I'm thinking bad Opti.

My NAPA is selling a reman for $446, and a "new" Opti for $168. I am aware of the reports to stay
away from third-party Optis. Has anything changed with regard to the claimed low reliability of the non GM "new" Optis?

 

[Dirtybob]

Tough question.
It's possible you'd be better off overhauling your current opti (factory original?)

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

You may want to check this forum for additional feedback. Note Vette owners are if anything brutal if junk and endorse what works lol.

NAPA Optispark distributor verdict - CorvetteForum - Chevrolet Corvette Forum Discussion

C4 Tech/Performance - NAPA Optispark distributor verdict - Data points are good, and the which opti is best never ends so here is one more data point; My original opti died @~155k, 5 years ago. At the time, I lived in the middle of no-f'ing-where, Colorado (Telluride) and I needed a distributor...

www.corvetteforum.com

 

[Gbuster]

The Corvette and Impala forums do have a lot of very good Opti information, thanks for the link.
I'll order the NAPA Opti at $168. It's very likely the AIP unit.

I'll do plugs and wires too. Suggestions?

My '94 RMS has the Opti vac hoses, so I am guessing this is
considered to be "vented."

 

[G-689155]

I replaced my opti with several after market units with poor results....failure within several months to a year....I ended up going with the fairly expensive MSD unit ( about $800) and it is working great!.....considering the trouble/labor required for replacement the MSD unit makes good sense. When you do it replace the water pump with a nice new unit and you should be good to go for several years. The MSD unit even looks and feels like a superior product....machined from a solid billet of aluminum...

 

[robert graham]

Get the MSD opti spark.....($800), but well worth it.....with the time and labor of installation, the cheap aftermarket opti Sparks make no sense at all.....and while you install the MSD put a fresh new water pump in.....you'll save yourself the headache and expense of cheap aftermarket opti spark......take it from me....I did all this already!

 

[Gbuster]

I bought the cheaper Opti at NAPA today. It is identical in appearance to the AIP (based on photos).
Will post an update after I get it running.

When I bought my RM 7 years ago, at that time, even though it was running
well, I rebuilt the Opti anyway. I was curious. The contacts inside the cap, and rotor were worn.
No rust, no contamination was found. No bearing slop.
The kit I used included the Mitsu optical module, and the usual items. At that time, I also replaced the water pump,
Opti vent hoses, plugs and wires. The Opti has run well since, 60k miles later.

I'll bench test the old Mitsu sensor. I'd like to know what failed.
BTW, 2 years ago I installed a slip-fit balancer hub. Makes the job much easier.

There is something about driving American iron, with RWD, a V8 with plenty of power, and
a great ride that I will never get tired of. My DD is a '91 Park Avenue. It's a great car, but when
I get back into the RM now and then, I think, WOW, THIS is an excellent machine.

 

[robert graham]

I bought the cheaper Opti at NAPA today. It is identical in appearance to the AIP (based on photos).
Will post an update after I get it running.

When I bought my RM 7 years ago, at that time, even though it was running
well, I rebuilt the Opti anyway. I was curious. The contacts inside the cap, and rotor were worn.
No rust, no contamination was found. No bearing slop.
The kit I used included the Mitsu optical module, and the usual items. At that time, I also replaced the water pump,
Opti vent hoses, plugs and wires. The Opti has run well since, 60k miles later.

I'll bench test the old Mitsu sensor. I'd like to know what failed.
BTW, 2 years ago I installed a slip-fit balancer hub. Makes the job much easier.

There is something about driving American iron, with RWD, a V8 with plenty of power, and
a great ride that I will never get tired of. My DD is a '91 Park Avenue. It's a great car, but when
I get back into the RM now and then, I think, WOW, THIS is an excellent machine.

 

[Gbuster]

UPDATE: The NAPA Opti, P/N NNDST1803, for $168 will be returned to the store today. A very small sticker, on one end of the official NAPA box, "made in CHINA." This is not going into my RM.

 

[robert graham]

Save yourself a lot of time and $$$$ and get the MSD optispark, complete with new rotor, etc.....?Like I mentioned, I went through about 3 of these Chinese aftermarket pieces of junk.......Good Luck and keep us posted with your results...

 

[Larry the Buick Guy]

Are the MSDs made in USA? It's hard to find anything not made in China or Mexico. My brother has a 72 Skylark & some of the parts from Year One & OPGI (to name two) turn out to be China or Mexico!

 

[Larry the Buick Guy]

I bought the cheaper Opti at NAPA today. It is identical in appearance to the AIP (based on photos).
Will post an update after I get it running.

When I bought my RM 7 years ago, at that time, even though it was running
well, I rebuilt the Opti anyway. I was curious. The contacts inside the cap, and rotor were worn.
No rust, no contamination was found. No bearing slop.
The kit I used included the Mitsu optical module, and the usual items. At that time, I also replaced the water pump,
Opti vent hoses, plugs and wires. The Opti has run well since, 60k miles later.

I'll bench test the old Mitsu sensor. I'd like to know what failed.
BTW, 2 years ago I installed a slip-fit balancer hub. Makes the job much easier.

There is something about driving American iron, with RWD, a V8 with plenty of power, and
a great ride that I will never get tired of. My DD is a '91 Park Avenue. It's a great car, but when
I get back into the RM now and then, I think, WOW, THIS is an excellent machine.

Oh yeah! Mine has 135K & still rides smooth!

 

[HotZ28]

Some more optispark discussions in our archives.

Search results for query: optispark

buickforums.com

 

[robert graham]

The MSD automotive electronics is known in the aftermarket industry as very high quality product, I believe they are made in the USA, pretty pricey$$$$, but well worth the money!.....
The origina ..

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

As with any product or manufacturer it's best to do your own research on the item you are looking to purchase. If the item isn't in your hand and you can actually see it with the country of origin on the part then do additional investigation or question the manufacturer directly.

Marketing verbiage needs to verified, Made in the USA vs Assembled in the USA. Adding the American flag on the packaging is another advertising campaign trick to use, Penn & Teller make a living off it it's called misdirection.

If you want to look further Google "Where are MSD products made" and enjoy the read.

 

[robert graham]

I checked on Google and MSD is out of Texas, but some items are sourced from China with heavy QC oversight from MSD....I believe that after all is said and done the MSD optispark replacement may be simply the best that is available.....

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

Yes they are based in El Paso Texas, owned by Holley, but it doesn't mean where the products are produced, not saying anything about the product or the company just origin of the components. As when any company changes the supply vendors what may have been a reliable or even a unreliable product may not be true on something produced today.

 

[robert graham]

When my mechanic got ready to install my MSD unit, I had the chance to hold and inspect the bright red aluminum unit and it is much heavier and finer made than those units from advance Auto. I know a lot of hotrodders and car restorers use MSD distributors and other electronic components.....Maybe it’s the best we have to choose from, especially in the case of my old Roadmaster and they don’t even make the original equipment units....made by Delco, I believe...

 

[2007LucerneCXL]

So where is it made, that's the question Larry the Buick Guy asked about his upcoming possible purchase.

 

[robert graham]

Parts or all of various of their products are made in the USA or China....or who knows where?........