Bad distributor.. again?

Your problem is probably the ignitor module which is inside the distributor. Shouldn't need to replace the whole disty. Go to the Probetalk.com forums and research. There is lots of info on this problem including symptoms and various fixes. It seems there are inexpensive modules available, GM I believe that will work and are more sturdy/reliable.

$20 Ignitor Replacement/upgrade This mod will save lots of people lots of money. It is also a good basis for real ignition upgrades.

After 173,000 miles, my ignitor finally bit the dust. Not wanting to spend $224 for another one, or an equal amount for a feeble MSD, I wired in a $20 (Wells #DR-100) generic GM 4-pin HEI module instead.

In a nutshell:

The ECU's trigger output wire (BL/O) feeds the HEI's pin 'G'. Ground the HEI's pin 'W'. Ground the HEI's base. HEI's pin 'B' taps into the +12V dizzy feed wire (BK/P). HEI's pin 'C' taps into the coil's primary wire (Y/G). Remove the internal strap connecting the old ignitor to the coil plug center terminal.

I mounted the HEI module on a bracket next to the LH headlamp.

If $20 is too steep, head to the wreckers and get a used module for a buck or two. Almost every GM car from the mid 70's to the mid 80's has one.

If you don't want the stock coil, it would be just as simple to use an external coil if you add the extra terminal to the cap for it. Lotsa places have hi-perf. HEI modules and HEI specific hi-perf. coils too.

Thanks, heading there now...