So I pulled off my incredibly nasty valve cover to replace the leaky gasket, and while I was at it, I had the valve cover powder coated. I also replaced the distributor cap. When I turned the car on, it ran fine for about 10 seconds, then it died--miserably. I didn't keep it on long enough to see if it would die itself because it was really choking bad. My only guess was MAYBE a bad spark plug wire, because they're pretty old and #3 wire keeps physically popping out of the hole. (I ordered new ones, they're not here yet...) or maybe it was the coil, or more likely maybe a seal? Plug Wires? Other than that, I don't know and im a little concerned...

Thanks for any help!

If it starts and stops in 10 seconds or so ... my guess is a major vac leak.

Are you sure the valve cover is sealed?
Was the oil cap put back on when you were done? (just checking)
What about the other vac lines around the engine ... did you undo any of them?

I am fairly certain your system is open somewhere and letting air in ... leans out to a stall.