Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

On the 2022 Rule Book Amendments released today by NHRA, there is a rule change applicable to the Optispark.
It reads as follows:

SECTION 11A: STOCK, ELECTRICAL:8, DISTRIBUTOR (Page 12)
(12/16/2021)
Any battery-operated, stock-type ignition permitted. Crank trigger systems
prohibited unless originally OEM equipped with crank/cam sensor (removed-distributorless
ignition). Distributorless ignition must retain OEM number of coils. See General
Regulations 8:3


https://www.nhraracer.com/Files/Tech...12-16-2021.pdf

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

So any EFI car that came with crank and cam sensors can now run a crank trigger?

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

That is the way I interpret the rule change.

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Ok so when they say. “Crank/cam”. Are they counting the optical
sensor in the optispark as a crank or cam sensor? Because the earlier LT1”s do not have an actual crank trigger mounted in the timing chain cover. Like the later models do. They rely totally on the optispark to handle that. Not nitpicking. I own one and want to make sure I’m ok.

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

What year is your car?
If I'm not mistaken Gump told us previously that GM added crank sensor in 96 to smooth out minor mis-fires...I'm sure he'll be here soon to confirm or deny

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Claim the car as a 1996-up....

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Thanks glad mines a 97-98. A shame though the pot got stirred?

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Since we're talking 4th Gens.
I noticed NHRA just added the 98 Camaro to the guide....with the LS .Does it automatically get the same HP as the 99?

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Yes

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

So what Combo's would be able to have a crank trigger now? I email NHRA and they said my combo could not have a crank trigger. Is it only the camaro and firebird this affects?

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

The way I'm reading it, if your combo has a crank sensor AND a cam sensor then you can use a crank trigger. That's an awful lot of combos.

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Billy , Maybe we should order a couple of the S/S hi zoot kits to get a discount.
Let's see ..got my credit card out , looking for a bolt on kit for a 1.9 Ford ....

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Do what James did...find out if you can run one,or just put it on and see if they make you remove it.
This poor horse has been beat past the point of death!!!

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

It's amazing what happens when one kid pi$$es in the pool.....

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Or................sorry, can't resist ............

Merry Christmas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K-77m3LqX2g

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

I wouldn't run out and buy parts yet. There might be a clarification in the works......

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Thats interesting. All optispark distributors have a cam sensor in them. The only time it's used is to run sequential injection and that is difficult to set up. You don't need it for batch injection. How do they intend to police this? This wasn't a well thought out rule change, as usual.

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Ya know, I've gotta laugh but under this vague rule wouldn't a distributor cap and a set of points qualify for a crank trigger?

Re: Optispark Rule Rule Update
 

Jon, don't give them new ideas...the next thing would be NHRA issuing EFI software packages limiting and controlling the performance of the car.