Engine Problem, Please help.

I have a 1979 trans am, which I just had the engine rebuilt in. After getting everything put back on the engine, we started it up and it ran horrible. THought it was the old stock carb, got a new one identical to the old rochester, now wont run more than 2 seconds. With the old carb, it would stay running but ran way too rich no matter how u adjusted the jets on the carb. Also, the timing is set at around 8 but as soon as u start it the timing drops to 0, and the engine cuts out even with all the vacuum lines plugged from the carb to the distributor. Just wonderin if anyone had any ideas about what is causing my problem cause I am extremely frustrated. Any help is appreciated.

Thanks.

First I would suspect the camshaft timing is off, or the valves are not adjsuted properly.

i agree with magicRat. maybe try new rocker arms, push rods, or get a diagnostic done. new cams may b an option also. try also a new tensioner and timing belt, or a new disribution rotor.

Olds or Pontiac? I agree, it sounds like valves are too tight. It makes a difference which engine you have, as to the most logical and economic solution.