I'm the original owner and I'm pretty certain that no work has ever been done on the distributor. My gut tells me it will need to be replaced. It's just a matter of which replacement.

 

i went overkill on my ignition system and i dont recommend the same unless you are fed up with ignition problems, but:

I am running MSD pieces on everything, digital 6 box, coil, wires, and probillet opti. I haven't had a problem since i installed them.. and the car fires right up.. no hesitation or delay.

The MSD opti is vented for both generations, as sort of a retrofit item for the early style and requires tapping into a vacuum source (i used the fitting running to the egr, and i deleted the egr anyway, but they do provide a "T" to use if you still have yours in use.
Im not sure if you are familiar with this option. Plus, if the stock replacement is 400, the MSD unit isn't much more.

just my thoughts.

 

My Z28 has been sitting for 6 years. I never really had ignition problems prior to putting it in storage. I'm just trying to get it up & running again and I think it may utlimately need a new distributor. I'm just trying to figure out what would be the best approach. I should say that it's running, just not yet to the point of being driveable.

It looks like the MSD replacements can be had for around 440.00 off of EBay. I haven't done a lot of shopping around yet for an OEM replacement, but from what I have seen nobody appears to be giving them away. RockAuto.com had the GM/AC Delco opti listed at 416.00 plus shipping, but they don't appear to carry it anymore. There are some listed on EBay for about 300.00 up to almost 400.00. I guess I would prefer to pay a little bit more and get something that is supposedly improved, but I guess there is no guarantee that's what you're getting with the MSD. But, it does sound like a better piece.

I guess I could also consider buying something used just to see if it's actually an issue.

 

Check Shoebox's recommended sources for the lowest GM Opti prices:

http://shbox.com/1/4th_gen_tech2.html#Dal_and_Jason

 

Thanks. I'll check that out. Is it my imagination, or would it be your recommendation to go with a GM replacement? If the MSD were exactly like the GM, I definitely would. But, I can upgrade to a vented setup without changing the cam, it has the timing adjustment and seems to be of beefier construction. That seems to make it a tougher decision. But, on the other hand, I'm just trying to get my car running. The MSD could cost approximately 15% the value of the car. I wish I could get one for 10 bucks.

 

If you're just trying to get it running to sell it, then I'd put in the cheapest thing, but otherwise, it is to me a no-brainer to swap to one of the aftermarket alternatives on a Gen-1 opti for exactly the reason you list above.