I have a 96' Z28 with about 185K miles on it.from what I've read and what I know i think the optispark system is what's making it idle like crap and die all the time. So i was wondering what the best replacement is? I've seen an article for one from MSD ignitions but it's like $550. I only have an after market MAF and loudmouth exhaust on it for upgrades but I am planning on doinga lot more in the future. any suggestions?

 

Go with the GM unit. MSD claims that their is better, but I have seen a number of complaints posted on this forum. The MSD claims it has adjustable timing, but it is no big deal because the PCM changes the timing automatically, depending on what the knock sensor is seeing. Don't be surprised if the aftermarket MAF is the cause of your problems,specially if it is not calibrated for your engine. As for improvements, considering the amount of miles on your engine you should be looking to freshen up the engine, like new bearings, rings, new cam, and a 3 or 5 angle valve job.

 

I'm plannning on doing a total rebuild in the future. I just trying to get the engine to breath (intake and full exhaust, possibly throttlebody later). But as for the MAF, my engine was doing this before i even got it. As of now it was a waste of money, I don't feel an ounce more HP from the thing, but I guess i have to have it for a cold air intake since the stock one can't handle all the air. The reason I got it in the first place was because I took my car into a chevy dealer cause my SES light was on and they said that was one of the things that needed to be replaced. But I see no diff whatsoever in performance or in the way it runs or gas milage or anything.

 

how do i calibrate the MAF? Does the optispark system good enough for lots of additional power. I'm expecting to some day get atleast 500HP out of my engine, more than that I'm sure. So i don't want to waste my money on an optispark system now and them have to upgrade to anotherone later.

 

If you going for real big power, forget about the Opti and go with a Delteq 8 coil system. The MAF has to be calibrated by the factory according to application, or the PCM has to be reprogrammed to work with the different MAF. If you suspect the MAF, unplug the MAF electrical connector & see if the car runs better. If it now runs better, then the MAF could be causing the problem, if it runs the same, then the MAF is not the problem.
http://www.delteq.com/