GM optispark

[Andrew F. Gunnesch]

On Dec 6, 12:13pm, Curtis Mittong wrote:
> Subject: GM optispark
>
> Here's a mental project for anyone with extra time.  To: anyone familiar
> with GM optispark units.  As you know the whole thing is a pretty
> self-contained unit with a cap and rotor in a small, cam-driven unit and a
> nearby coil pack.  The problem is LT1 water pumps die pretty regularly at
> 25-35k miles spewing dexcool all over the thing ruining it.  They are not
> rebuildable, they have to be replaced in one extremely expensive unit.  What
> about avoiding the time bomb altogether?  I was thinking a crank positioning
> sensor and one coil for each cylinder a la Northstar or LS1.  Will the
> computer signals be compatible with my stuff?  I want to keep the stock
> computer setup, just plug and go.
>
>-- End of excerpt from Curtis Mittong

Ah, but they ARE!  If you care to look at an OptiSpark dissection at
http://www.charm.net/~mchaney/optisprk/optisprk.htm you will see just how
to take apart and clean these units.  I've also read (haven't confirmed
though) that there are replacement internal parts for OptiSparks available
at many parts houses, like Napa.