Evil Optispark

[gr8cars1]

Well as I stated in an earlier post I had to replace the water pump last week. I appreciate all the input on my oil pressure and water temp ranges. I have read many a post cursing the GM optispark. Now, I know why. Three days after I got my car back the service engine light came on, and after a while went off. After a couple days of this I took it back to the dealer and told them to check it out as it wasn't doing this before they worked on it. They hooked it up and it flagged as a bad EGR valve and, you guessed it, bad optispark. They want $1400 to fix it so I said I'd have to get the money together for that and I took her home. I've been pricing parts online and I am looking for some other garage to do the work.(any suggestions would be great within say 100 miles of Fayetteville, NC). Anyway will take any advice and help I can get and mostly just wanted to vent.

[MikeCio1]

Actually the normal procedure (they will tell you at any Chevy dealer) is when you replace the water pump, change the opti-spark and visa versa.
I had to pay 1200 at my dealer.
back 3 years ago when I had my 94 Z28 vert.
I feel for you brother.
Good luck

Go to "Chirpthird.Com" the SS owners forum "back porch" there are a few members there that live in that area, maybe they can help and send you in the right direction.

[gr8cars1]

Actually Mike you just must have a better dealership to work with because here in Fayetteville, NC where I live the local Chevy dealership(Reed Lallier) who by the way discovered my leaking water pump while my car was in there for a headlight problem. I let them fix it but they never mentioned replacing the optispark. I am not too pleased with this dealership because they act as if my car is not worthy of their time because of its age.

[MikeCio1]

Time to find a garage that specializes in performance cars...

Or find a dealer in an other town.

But that is typical most dealers dont want to deal with anything out of warranty or 5years or older. They jack up the price to make you take it somewhere else.
I haver a great repore with my Chevy dealer. The Service Advisor(MGR.) has been with me since I have had the car (new) and knows me and the car. A good repore will go along way.

Good luck.

[Camaro502z]

Only one piece of advice, don't replace the opti-spark with a local parts store brand, if I were you I would purchase the best (MSD) which may be slightly higher in price, but we've had great reports on this unit. There's got to be a local garage in your immediate area that has done this work for other 4th Gen Camaro owners. Keep searching. Good Luck!

[gr8cars1]

Only one piece of advice, don't replace the opti-spark with a local parts store brand, if I were you I would purchase the best (MSD) which may be slightly higher in price, but we've had great reports on this unit. There's got to be a local garage in your immediate area that has done this work for other 4th Gen Camaro owners. Keep searching. Good Luck!
I've been hearing less than wonderful reports on the MSD opti. A lot of quality issues. You are one of the few who has given it a good report. Do you have one and do you know if MSD has fixed its quality control problems? The MSD is more expensive which is fine if it is better. Thanks!

[Camaro502z]

MSD had a few quality issues, but I heard that they resolved these rather quickly. If you have MSD concerns, I would recommend an original GM part and you should be fine for thousands of miles. If I can help let me know, I will be happy to obtain pricing for the GM item tomorrow. Good Luck!