i have a 1996 camaro z28 with a 160,000 miles on it . i having a tuneup done and replacing the water pump . should i replace the optispark too . mechanic said i could just do cap , rotor , and plugs .

 

If its running fine i wouldn't worry about it,but if you do, I'd go with a msd cap and rotor.

 

It would be false economy to just do cap+rotor. Doubly so since you are paying for labor.

 

If you know it's the original optispark that's still on there after 160,000 miles then I would be thankful for it's good service and change the whole unit.While the waterpump is already off you may as well,just my opinion .
Regards,Mark.

 

Replacing just the cap and rotor is fine. When is the last time you saw someone replace any other WHOLE distributor based on mileage?? They don't, they do a cap and rotor at tuneup time.

The opti gets bashed because people neglect it not because it is bad.

 

Personally, I would replace the entire distributor if it's been on for 160K. My bearings were shot at just over 100K, but my car also sat for a long time.