When my 88GT was eating modules the culprit was heat. That is, the catalytic converter was going bad, or was already bad. When the third module went bad, on the interstate driving to school, heat from the EGR tube melted the side of the distributor cap; that's hot!
In my experience heat and poor grounding are the killer of ignition modules. After putting the new motor in the 88GT I opted for a MSD 6A ignition for many reasons. One advantage is that the amplifier output - the trigger from the ignition module - is relieved of the stress of powering the primary windings of the ignition coil.
Inexpensive/cheap ignition modules use internal components, like the transistor in the output amplifier in particular, that are operating at, or near peak ratings. A Delco module for example is designed, if I remember correctly, so that the output amplifier (transistor) of the module is not stressed because it is operating at 50% of the parts rated value. Thus, it should be more reliable; suppose we could say significantly statistically more reliable.
However, even if you use a good quality ignition module - if there is excessive engine compartment heat, then it will stress the part into thermal failure. Additionally, bad wiring - lack of current - poor grounding can stress parts. I've seen the coil wire from the harness open-up where the wires go into the molded connector.
If your connectors are broken/cracked or otherwise in bad shape, it is a worthwhile investment of time and money to solder and shrink tube new wiring harness pigtails.
Luck!
[This message has been edited by mindscape (edited 01-24-2002).]
