I'm a life long Mustang man but recently picked up an '89 IROC. I have no clue about F-bodies but I want to throw a little money into this IROC before I try and get my hands on an LT1 next year. Anyhow, the IROC came with an MSD 6AL that wasn't installed. One of the Mustang guys told me that the previous owner probably took it off because it would roast something called an "opti-spark" with the TPI and to replace this stuff would cost $600 for the parts alone. What is an "opti-spark" and is there any truth to the fact that opti-sparks and MSD ignitions don't get along? Should I be worried about the TPI crapping out on me? The car's true mileage is unknown. Thanks in advance...

 

TPI doesn't have optispark. Optispark comes on LT1's 93 and newer. You won't fry anything but unless the car has a blower on it you probably won't really see a difference either.

 

"opti spark" is the ignition used in that LT1, not in TPI. TPI likes MSD boxes, I've heard the same about opti-crap, but MSD still says it works for both L98 and LT1 on their site.

 

TPI cars don't have Opti-spark. LT1 cars, made from 92 to 97, (93 to 97 in F cars) have that. MSD boxes can be used with TPI but have little or no effect on an otherwise stock motor. I don't know whether there's any way to even hook one up to an Opti-spark, it might work but I doubt it would do any good on an unmodified LT1 either.

Optispark is a sort of distributor thing that mounts on the front of the engine, between the water pump and the timing cover. It is directly driven by the cam. It replaces the distributor as we know it on older design engines, including TPI cars.

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"So many Mustangs, so little time..."
ICON Motorsports

[This message has been edited by RB83L69 (edited July 29, 2001).]

 

FWIW an MSD 6AL is hooked up to the Opti the same way as a TPI car with the external coil.. Yes LT1 cars do have a coil

Kat

 

Thanks a lot for the info guys. So the MSD wont roast anything but it's useless on a stock TPI? Maybe I'll just hook it up for sheets and giggles!

 

I'd hook it up.... people see increased gas mileage with the MSD inginition boxes. I know everyone is going to say that the only way you will see a gain is if your stock ignotion system is working properly. That might be true... but the fact of the matter is that people that install these boxes typically see improved gas mileage becasuse with the box it burns ALL of the fuel and does it more efficiently.

I would definetly install it, especially if you already have it - one thing is for sure - it definetly can't hurt!

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***The driver formerly known as 89IROCZ***

1989 Chevrolet Camaro IROC-Z
350c.i. TPI, rebuilt 700R4 auto w/shift kit, Dual catalyst Monza PaceSetter Cat-Back (currently no muffler, sounds on webpage), SLP 1 5/8 Coated Headers on order, 3.23 Posi rear, Hypertech chip with 160stat, Under-Drive pulleys, AFPR, K&N's, !Air Box w/ Ram Air, moddified MAF, throttle body coolant bypass, Spohn SFC's on order, Alarm, Keyless entry, remote starter, 92 Z28 AeroWing, Brand New Paint (6/21/01)

Future: ZZ4 TPI w/EGR, T56, 3.42 or 3.73, Spohn strut tower brace and LCA's

1989 Chevrolet Celebrity Eurosport
2.8 MPFI, no mods
225,000 miles and still ticking!

More info, pictures and sounds (of the IROC) available on my webpage: http://go.to/iroc-z

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