The LT1 is a great engine, but the Optispark distributor gives it a bad rap, for obvious reasons. It is pretty unbelievable how fragile this thing is, especially in its non-vented form (93-94 F-Bodies). Driving in heavy rain, going through a car wash that sprays the underbody, these are all events you should avoid like the plague if you want to keep your F-body running right.
That said, the #1 reason Optisparks take a dump is from the water pump, which is haphazardly located right above it, leaking onto it. Replace both at the same time, or you'll likely end up shelling out another $500 for another distributor shortly after.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
The LT1 is a great engine, but the Optispark distributor gives it a bad rap, for obvious reasons. It is pretty unbelievable how fragile this thing is, especially in its non-vented form (93-94 F-Bodies). Driving in heavy rain, going through a car wash that sprays the underbody, these are all events you should avoid like the plague if you want to keep your F-body running right.
That said, the #1 reason Optisparks take a dump is from the water pump, which is haphazardly located right above it, leaking onto it. Replace both at the same time, or you'll likely end up shelling out another $500 for another distributor shortly after.
- Christopher S., Northville, MI, US