Hi everyone, first post here. Yet another from "the other site". My question is regarding the msd opti replacement. Is it really worth nearly double what you pay for an oem gen II opti replacement? I've seen a lot of opinions both ways, and wondering if I should spend the extra money for the msd. My ride is a mostly stock 96 lt4 with 68,000mi. I know for higher rpm applications, the msd has a better rotor design, but I really don't see myself ever running the engine much past the 6500 rpm limiter, even if I do get some serious mods one day. Anybody think it's really an opti you will never have to worry about again?

I replaced my original opti (later style) at '93K miles while doing some other engine work. It was still functioning fine. It's a factory replacement, the MSD had not yet become available at that time. It too has been functioning equally well for going on 35K miles now. That being said, if I ever have to replace it, I'll go with the MSD, just because I know it's a better built unit. But my engine's pretty well modified too. It's really your call based on your priorities. In contrast to the many "opti haters" I think that the later opti (especially) is a solid and reliable unit for most applications.

I bought an MSD, gonna be installing it soon. I got mine at epowershops.com - they were substantially cheaper than any other source I found.

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May I ask what that price was?

It was around $430 shipped. At the time I hadn't seen one under $505.

Thanks, that is cheaper than I've seen. Was that including the one time fee of 10$ or so I saw on their site?

It's a $10 per order fee (included in that price), unless you do their annual subscription. I also priced a Corsa system through them, and they were very competitive. I'd definitely check 'em out on any major performance parts purchase. Great service, too - had my opti in 2 days.

Thanks pianoguy, they do seem to be worth going through for parts.

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I've seen them for in the neighborhood of $450 or so, so that's a good deal for sure. Capitalism and competition are beautiful things!

I've had a DynaSpark in my 96 for about 3 years, paid 5-$600.00. I don't know if they are still in business, but I've had no problems. It may have been a Knee Jerk reaction when I bought it because I didn't want to be left of the street again. I guess if you don't make a habit of hosing down the engine the stock model should be good to go?

You might want to spend some time over at the CamaroZ28 forum:

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showt ... php?p=5227348#post5227348


There's lots of info on their LT1/LT4 Engine Tech section:

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=9

Piano - That's a great price.
I put one on my 92 a year ago, zero problems.
I felt it was worth the higher price since I'm keeping the car.

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Thanks, I have spent some time over there. Your first link is a thread I stared. Their consensus seems to be going with the stock opti, and maybe adding an msd cap and rotor. By the time you pay for that you might as well get the entire msd opti.

Sorry about that...

Anyway, here are 3 more threads worth reading:

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=539869

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=526760

http://www.camaroz28.com/forums/showthread.php?t=525186


The last thread includes instructions to change out the rotor screws that seem to want to come loose on the MSD units.

I've replaced 4 of these now. One was a OEM part and it lasted for 8K or so and it must have gotten wet or something but it did fail and we had to replace it again. In my own car, I replaced the original part at 63K. Installed a MSD and have been overjoyed with the performance of the part. I believe it will last a long time as it's very very well made and upgraded with the vented setup.

As for me, I highly recommend the MSD.

Billy

I installed one on the Ruby last year and it's been fine!

The one to avoid is the Accel unit. It's a cheap POS... no bearings... just oilite bushings!!!!!!! I cannot believe they will last more than 50-60k miles before gauling or rounding out.

I do not know the status of DynaSpark... Perhaps I will inquire...

Their site is back up, no more "suspended" messages. That's a good sign. I sent an email. More news as I get it.

I emailed DynaSpark. They are back to normal.

Their recommended vendor is Finish Line Performance, ask for Mitch, www.flp2win.com.

I checked the site, it's still under construction. I'd like to pick up a rebuild kit just in case they dissapear again.

www.dynaspark.net is up and a-ok.