[snshddog]

Sounds like it could be a plugged exhaust. This would cause the hole in the intake and the lack of power. The coil having gone bad could load the cat full of fuel which will melt it after a while if the coil went flakey for a time before it quit. Unbolt the exhaust before the cat and see if it has the power back. This would reduce power brakes too, if the engine cant blow out then it cant create the vacume for booster