Need help with engine problem

[drdave69]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.
First off, I bought this car and engine combo as is and I was told that the engine was installed around 10 years ago. No paperwork was included. I have printed the install/engine specs from the GM Performance site for reference.

I plan to check where TDC is in relation to the timing mark when I get back to it. I am not well versed on how to use a dial back timing light so that may be above my pay grade.

If you think the exhaust is restricting it that much to cause this issue I can install the 3" pipes back onto it (I had already planned to do this). I have already pulled them out of the attic to swap them out. I will also check for any pinched wires, etc. when I look into the exhaust.

One additional note: when I started it the other day it did not want to stay running until warm and it stalled when I backed it out. It was difficult to get it started again and puffed a little fire back thru the carb before I finally got it started after pressing the throttle down.