Engine runs fine then dies at idle

[Guy Dudebro]

I have a 305 SBC. I had to take out the distributor to replace the intake manifold because I snapped off a bolt in the thermostat housing gasket. ANYWAY ... most everything has been taken apart and put together. I had help setting the timing from a guy who knows his stuff.

So set off on my first few maiden voyages. Things would run fine on short trips. But if I drove more than a few miles the engine would sputter and then dies when it came to idling. I'd have to turn the engine and floor the pedal to get to come back up.

I drained the gas tank because the gas was about 6 months old. I replaced the fuel filter (from pump to carb) and that seemed to help a bit. But I have the same issue. It sounds like its running out of gas even though I have some in the tank.

Next step? Replace the fuel pump. Its only about a year old but the guy I bought it from put it on and he might have bought a cheapo.

Any other trouble shoot ideas would be appreciated.