It's a 1985 car with an older 350 and tpi swapped on. The whole run down of the issue, and I don't think these are directly related but anyways, the car won't start on its power and requires some starting fluid. When I try to give it some gas 2 things happen, 1. It starts to die and sputter out, increasing throttle does not help it just kills it faster. A quick blip of the throttle and it'll sputter but stay alive. 2. A loud air leak like sound happens at the same time. Now this could be due to the lack of piping before the MAF but I figured it could be relevant to bring up.

I did recently clear the gas tank of bad gas and put fresh fuel in and cleared out the rail and it still doesn't start without starting fluid. Any insight would be helpful

 

Sounds like a giant vacuum leak somewhere. Maybe a cold start programming/injector issue possible too. Smoke test the intake for a vacuum leak. An inexpensive one can be found on amazon, but you'll need at least a small air compressor/tank.
Also notable, what did you use for a ecm? Is it programmed for your set up?

 

The IAC passage will make a "A loud air leak like sound", especially when the intake tubing isn't present -like you said. The problem could be a vacuum leak, but I wouldn't pursue that b/c of the air noise that you're hearing w/the intake ducting removed. I'd put that on, then listen for an air leak.

Also, I'd put a fuel pressure gauge on it and see what the fuel pressure is. I'd guess from your description of the issue, that you're lacking fuel.