The Optispark distributor is a special distributor made by General Motors. The distributor was used originally on the Camaro and Firebird. The Optispark uses an optical sensor and close proximity spark plug wire orientation for efficient spark distribution. In theory, this design should work well. In practice it suffers from a lot of problems. Before replacing your Optispark, do a simple troubleshooting procedure to verify that your distributor needs to be replaced.
Check for any moisture on the outside of the distributor if your vehicle won't start. Optispark distributors are very sensitive to moisture. Dry the outside of the distributor with an absorbent towel. Try to start the engine once more once the distributor cap is completely dry.
Pull one of the spark plug wires off the distributor and lay a large screwdriver next to the bare terminal.
Crank the engine and have an assistant watch the distributor. There should be a solid, blue, electric arch jumping to the metal on the screwdriver. If there isn't, the distributor has failed and needs to be replaced.
