So you're driving an LT1 ey? Noble cause given the Achilles heal nearly every LT1 owner will deal with at one point in their car's life, the OPTISPARK! Designed as an UPGRADE to the type of ignition systems which GM became famous for, the general made a couple of large engineering blunders which cemented this part in the automotive part history books (if they existed ).

Here are the main issues with the unit.

* Sensor failure due to introduction of moisture\condensation (waterpump usually)
* Sensor failure due to heat\RPMS
* Failure of the rotor (resulting usually in cap\rotor explosion)
* Failure of the screws holding the rotor (resulting in the same)
* Failure of the cap due to heat


So what can you do to keep your unit in good shape? The short answer is

PROPER MAINTENANCE

The longer answer is

PROPER MAINTENANCE w/ a bit of luck

Expecting any distributor, even the tried and true HEI design to last 200K miles is asking a bit much. Once you factor in hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of thousands of rotations, calculations, the placement of the part in the engine etc etc Its not realistic to expect the part to last forever. However, its not uncommon for them to fail in short order. Its also not unusual for them to past 100,000 as well.

So what is the difference between a 100K optispark, and one with a shorter failure interval? Well, usually a couple things. Here's what you can do to keep your unit running good and extend the life of your optispark.

* Depending on your driving habits, replace the cap and rotor every 30-60K miles. Shorter realistically given the cheap price of a replacement.
* When you replace your optispark, replace the waterpump WITH it. Don't cheap out on it, because if you do, you risk leaking into your unit and it failing.
* Make sure your engine is properly cooled, high under-hood temperature will encourage failures.
* Avoid driving through large puddles or in large rainstorms.
* If you are getting your car detailed, make sure you tell them your car's weak spot and warn them against an under-hood power wash.
* If you notice your water pump failing, replace it IMMEDIATELY.

Added by members
*"Beware of going threw power car washes with the air dryer as you leave, I was in a hurry one day and decided to go threw one. The air shoved water into my 100k mile opti and thats "the end of the story"" -DJJAB57


Ultimately, even the best maintained car will see a failure given a long enough period of time, but these simple steps can extend its life and keep your unit running strong.

Also, consider throwing salt over your shoulder and avoid stepping in cracks.