Grand AM won't run, or is rough....

I got this car free. It does not run. The tranny is messed up, too.

I am more concerne dabout diagnosing the problems with the motor. It is a 4 cylinder DOHC. I hate the no distributor stuff!

I hae noticed it using a cover between the cams, that holds to coil and the rubber connectors to the plugs.

I have read the manual a little, also.

The car will only start if I put the gas pedle all the way down, and then it feels so rough and will eventaully cut out. It feels like it is either not firing on all 4 or the timing is way off. It smells bad with gas too.

What is the best approach to take, to diagnose the problem.

How can I check the wires at the connector etc to the coil are being given the right sigle or voltage?

How can I check if the coil or the coil housing is the problem?

Can I check the sensor on the crankshaft is worrking ok?

Do yyou think it might be timing, I know with 2 cams and limited space this might be hard to check ?

I put in new plugs, and it still wont run. Is there any way I can rig this up so I can check and verify all of this ?

HELP!