hgffrank

Ok, I was offered an LT1 from a 95 Camaro for $500 complete, so i am going to buy it, and I want to put it into my 83 Trans Am. I understand some of the basics and I read some of the stickies here, but didnt see any posts about ignition issues with the LT1.

I really dont want the headache of dealing with opti every time I turn around, so I am wanting to know if there is any aftermarket system available that would delete the optispark ignition. Could I use a crank trigger ignition and an MSD or Mallory ignition box and somehow get around the weak link of the LT1?

Klortho

Ok....opti's are not the weak link of the LT1's and it gets really old when people say they are. They are just like any other distributor that is made, you get lucky or not. I personally have one that's all original with over 100k miles on it (it was the original on the motor when I got it) and no problems yet. When they went to the vented version in '95 alot of the problems disappeared. The biggest killer of the opti's were moisture, thus the reason for going to the vented version. MSD makes a complete replacement opti unit which has an upgraded optical sensor which was the weak link of the opti and the unit runs around $450, however I know a lot of guys running stock opti's with 350-400hp at the wheels no problems at all. The other reason for failure is when people change the cap/rotor in it and don't get the rotor seated properly and it would rub against the cap destroying the rotor.

socal

http://www.geocities.com/reilym/LTCC/

http://www.bailey-eng.com/

http://www.delteq.com/products.htm

http://www.teamprickracing.com/twinturbo/

I used the LTCC from bob bailey and would recomend it to everyone. It's on my lt4 97ws6. Not only did the car not have a problem since, but the motor pulls alot harder, well up to 7 grand i shift at 6700 with an 4l60e (i have lt1 edit and raisid the limits). The problem with the opti is the heat so close to the sensor and thats a major factor in its death. So if you pull the fire out it will last longer. And an MSD adds more heat and will kill the sensor even faster. If you dont have one upgrade to the 95+ vented style 92-94 are sealed so the timing cover will need to be changed as will. I got my opti at a local parts store w a life time warrenty and have taken it back 3 times before i got the ltcc kit and havn't had a problem since. Just wish i had done it sooner and if a ever get another lt the convertion will be the very first thing i get no if, and, or butts.