Alright I will start with this: '88 305 TBI. Before, I was not getting fuel, changed injectors, throttle body, and would only fire with fuel poured down its throat. Then ran diags and the computer showed bad. Just swapped it for a new one 30 minutes ago, fuel comes out good but now it won't fire up. Would it be the pickup or distributor?

 

just check for spark to all cylinders now. start there and let us know what you find

 

Okay. The problem was solved to the greatest extent without being 100% fixed. I replaced the pickup on the distributor, that gave fire to the injectors. That was problem one. I replaced the computer, wasn't a problem. I ran more diagnostics, but nothing showed up different than before, which didn't really point me in the right direction, hence the new computer. So I finally broke down and dropped the gas tank again. Low and behold, the rubber fitting that connects the fuel pump to the fuel line was almost in 3 pieces, so the problem was the gas basically pumped right back into the tank. After replacing the pump (again to be safe, because I'd prefer never having to drop that thing down again), it fired up.

The remainder of the afformentioned 100% is this; I have to turn the key over longer than I used to, and every now and then I have to jump it off with carb spray. Any idea what it could be?

Also... Before I bought this car, I knew nothing about vehicles, couldn't even change the oil in something if I had to. I've replaced everything myself with verbal guidance or a Chilton reference. I'm planning on ditching the 305 soon and hopping onto the 383 stroker train. Where would I even start with this?

Oh, I meant to add that when I thought fuel was coming out on my first post, I figured out after fixing it, it wasn't really coming out. It just did a little better.

 

I had EXACTLY the same thing happen to me with my 91. Having to drop the tank because a 1" long rubber coupler hose deteoriated does suck! Of course, I replaced the pump while I was at it, as well as the fuel filter. I also rebuilt the TBI, which is easy to do.
My rubber coupler was split open and just crumbled apart. You may have sucked some rubber bits into the fuel line. I didn't see where you replaced the filter. I would do that first since some crud could have gotten in there and plugged it. Then I would disconnect the fuel inlet line from the TBI, put a hose on it and the other end into a container, and cycle the fuel pump on and off a few times to flush the line. You may also want to rebuild the TBI, especially if it's never been done before. It's a lot easier than rebuilding a carb.