Opti is dead...Heads are off...

**Formula383** · 06-30-2009, 10:17 AM

Well...a few weekends ago, I had to get the car towed home because the opti-spark gave up the ghost (rotor screw). I also noticed that the car was running warmer than usual, so after the tow truck left I checked the radiator and WTF!

It was below half-full?? That could only mean one thing and pulling the plugs confirmed that the driver-side head gasket was leaking on #5. We also found that #1 was also leaking after getting the head off. It's weird how the gasket didn't actually blow but rather just let coolant seep by into the cylinders around the bolts. I guess it happens though. Big thanks again to Tony for helping pull the heads (don't know what I'd do w/o you dude!).

Props to my old engine builder; it looks like a combination of carelessness and questionable machining got me where I am right now:

Stock head gaskets were used and not the ones I specified
Bolts on the leaky head were not torqued correctly and I would guess over 90% of the bolts were not tight
After getting the heads resurfaced by a highly-respected engine builder here, he found that I had an intake valve on #2 and an exhaust valve on #8 that completely failed a vacuum test. Didn't even register on the damn gauge!! So basically my old engine builder didn't machine the valve seats worth a crap so I was probably losing compression since the motor was built.

So, I'll be replacing the OEM opti with a new Dynaspark. The valve seats were machined to get the valves to seal and the heads were resurfaced. We'll be re-installing the heads with some Cometic MLS gaskets. Keep your fingers crossed...

**Formula383** · 06-30-2009, 10:18 AM

Dynaspark vs OEM Opti.

Notice that the Dynaspark uses a machined housing as opposed to the cast OEM housing. The Dynaspark also comes with new vent hoses already attached. Another interesting thing to note is that the vent tube which attaches to the intake elbow comes from the top of the Dynaspark whereas the OEM is on the bottom.

OEM (left) Dynaspark (right)

Unsealed OEM opti connector

Sealed Dynaspark connector

Unsealed OEM cap

Sealed Dynaspark Cap

**AChotrod** · 06-30-2009, 12:33 PM

Get back up and running then hit the track to see how bad it was. I really dig the dynaspark how much do those babies go for?

**Formula383** · 06-30-2009, 01:09 PM

Yeah, I'm curious to find out just how bad it was. If I was able to get some 130-132 mph traps on a weak motor, no telling what it could be after it's back together and fixed right.

The Dynaspark is very pricey ($599) but it was the best option for me. I don't want to go the Delteq or LTCC route and an LS1 PCM/ignition swap is completely out of the question.