Swap with known good and see if there is an improvement. Now if you can get running with ether, i would look into fuel flow. Tho I have seen cars get ignition at first then lose it after a few seconds. The VATS system in these cars can cause that as well but it is not likely if you can crank and start, unless it has been bypassed.

How is your IAC and MAF doing? Both of those can cause running after start issues.

Massey

 

One more thing... When was the last time you replaced your Opti? It could be the cause as well.

Massey

 

i don't use the MAF any more because its tuned. I don't now about the IAC. How can i check it?

4000-5000 miles ago

 

most parts stores can do a bench test, bench test is not 100% so not always right but it would be a good start. i am sometimes up in the olympic peninsula where theres no cell reception so i keep an extra ignition module in the car.

 

Not sure why you would tune out the MAF when it helps get the fuel metering right but your call on that one. Do you know if your Opti has gotten wet or if there is any corrosion on the contacts of the cap or rotor?

The IAC helps get the proper amount of air into the engine at idle when the TB is closed. It should be near the TB butterflies and looks like a little can with some wires sticking out. you inspect it for debris and blockage and make sure the pintle moves freely (it should be spring loaded to automaticly shut).

Massey

 

Do the bench test a couple times on the coil and components since heating them up will increase the failure signals.