Petris Enterprises, Inc.

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We have a brand new ventilated Opti-Spark distributor available for 1992-1994 Corvette, Camaro, Firebird, Caprice and Roadmaster vehicles. Virtually any 1992-1994 LT engine will benefit from this ventilated Opti-Spark unit, whether you have a factory equipped GM vehicle or street rod.

We start with a new Opti-Spark unit and install our ventilation kit. This ensures a long trouble-free life even under the tremendous heat the Opti-spark distributor is required to handle. Our Opti-Spark kit has all the pieces and attachments necessary to make the conversion, including GM fittings and the vacuum hose assembly. You can rest assured that you will not need to make trips back and forth to the auto parts store to buy another little piece to finish the project.

The new Opti-Spark distributor has a limited lifetime warranty. The real enemy of the O.E. Opti-Spark unit is heat. Sandwiching any distributor between the engine block and the water pump just begs for trouble. In the shop we have discovered that several failures typically occur; distributor shaft support bearing being the most common. The lubrication for the small diameter distributor shaft support sealed bearing dries up and then the ball bearings gradually turn to metallic dust. The intense heat from the failed or failing bearings eventually overheats the Opti-Spark module creating the second most common failure. The Opti-Spark modules are tough, but they can only handle the heat for so long before they leave you on the side of the road wondering why the engine just quit.

If you have cleaned your engine and then experienced problems or had a water pump fail you are probably aware of another common failure. GM placed a cooling system bleeder at the water outlet above the distributor. Attempting to open that bleeder valve can leave you walking. The heat attacks the distributor cap and housing seals leaving multiple areas for water intrusion. Our ventilation kit provides clean cool airflow throughout the entire distributor to dissipate the heat.

How do you know the Opti-Spark is failing? Let's say you are out in city traffic. As heat builds under the hood you notice a minor misfire initially, then stalling occurs. At first the engine usually starts right back up, but as time goes by the wait time is longer before the engine will start. After a while the engine will run when it is cool but as soon as heat builds it dies. Then it will not start no matter what the temperature is.

What about coolant leaks? If the water pump or any hose fails and dumps coolant on the Opti-Spark you will probably end up walking. Our ventilated unit will succumb to massive amounts of water but in general a coolant leak would not leave you stranded.

The Opti-Spark itself is challenging to install, but the ventilation retrofit kit installation is easy. Do not be surprised if you find that your water pump bearings have failed (the bearings will be visible when the pump is removed for Opti-Spark replacement).

For optimal Opti-Spark and engine life, Petris Enterprises Inc. recommends cooling system service and coolant fan control modifications. We replace the factory equipped 195 degree thermostat with a 180 degree unit. Next, we modify the PROM (chip) to turn the primary fan on at 205 degrees and off at 195 degrees to help keep the engine cool during extended idle periods. The secondary fan is programmed to come on at 215 degrees. 1994 LT engine control computers receive the same fan turn on-off temp treatment but they require programming for reduced temperature fan operation. To ensure optimal coolant system operation the coolant system is fully flushed and the radiator frontal areas are checked for debris clogs.

All of these procedures are performed at our shop in Scottsboro, Alabama, from the Opti-Spark replacement to cooling system modifications and servicing.

For those of you that want to tackle the Opti-Spark on your own we have complete ventilated kits with a lifetime warranty available for $399.00 plus shipping.

INFORMATION ON CHIP OR COMPUTER PROGRAMMING FOR REDUCED FAN TURN ON TEMPERATURES

1985-1993 fan control modifications (PROM modification) $125.00

PROM (chips) are becoming expensive and difficult to find. We prefer to modify your existing PROM. We have piggyback chips available at an additional cost that allow you to retain your original PROM (chip) programming. The piggyback chip interfaces with your original chip.

1994-1996 fan control modifications (modify your computer) $300.00

We can also custom program your chip or computer for performance upgrades. Cost is based on required modifications (camshaft selection, fuel injector flow rate, etc.)

Please contact us should you have any questions!