Beyond Frustrated - Wont start/stay running

backin the old days, late 80's to bot late 90's, I had the $$$$ to buy cars worth restoring right, so the engines all went to the machine shop. I would try to start/run them with the old dist. and /or carbs, after a while, this I finally got smart,(sorta), and had a rebuilt AVS or new Edelbrock,.. and a new fresh dist. , and usually changed that 68-70 roadrunner, or charger, or superbee over to electronic ign. also bought a new under hood wiring (NO not from yearone).., and did what people now call the MADD conversion.... never any problems after that.
not saying that will cure your problem, but.....