Quote Originally Posted by smart_ion
could it be a bad ground wire, as in the wire that connects to a valve cover bolt and body?
Most likely not, but put it on anyways. The ground on the tranny is usually sufficient by itself. Sounds stupid, but check to see if you plugged the distributor back in. Check the ECU fuse. If all of that is good. Get a test light and see if you are getting any power to the distributor. If you are, make sure the screw hasn't come out of the rotor button inside the distributor.