Hey everyone not new to the site but first time posting on here. I have an 85 Firebird TA. I assume it is a 305 vs a 350. Has been running strong since I bought it in 2004. The other day I was driving at 35mph and had a loud backfire out of the carb and the engine died. Put it back in park and tried to start it again with no luck. Waited ten minutes and it fired right up.........for about ten seconds and then it just cut off again. This time with no backfire or any other clues as to why. The fuel pump, filter, wires and plugs have all been replaced within the last six months. Here is what I have done so far to remedy the problem:


1. Replaced the distributor cap and rotor was HEI and replaced with HEI.
2. Replaced the ignition coil (HEI as well).
3. Replaced carb with Edlebrock 1400 emission compatible with EGR hookup.


After the new carb was installed I was hoping that would solve the issue but cannot even keep it running long enough to adjust the idle adjustments. When it does run (for short periods of time), it is generally smooth. But a few times rpm would jump, not up but down and the engine recovered for a few seconds and then it would just stall again.


It has a manual transmission with around 180,000 miles. Has been my daily driver for the past 4 years. Any help or suggestions with what to try next will be met with the greatest enthusiasm and gratitude. Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Update:
Pulled plugs and all looked fine. Ensured all plug wires were securely connected. Car starts but will randomly shut off. Thinking it may be a short getting juice to the distributor but not sure. I am hoping someone has had this issue and can lend a helping reply as to where to go from here. I am looking at the wiring, but cannot seem to see an ignition relay...just the ignition switch.