Update: Starts and runs rough. High idle only, attempts at idling down will die. Only code it throws now is a P0300 code. Plugs are new, and because I haven't personally replaced the plug wires, those are now new as well. Problem still persists. Kinda feel like I'm back to square one. Not being rich means I don't have a lot of money to keep throwing at this thing, but I do need it for transportation to work.

 

I would think a clogged cat would throw a code related to the exhaust, not intake or ignition.

 

Update: Coils, plugs, and wires are all new, but I still have a P0300 code. That's a misfire on random multiple cylinders. I'm not 100% sure, but I feel like I'm looking at doing compression checks next. Can anyone confirm my assumption?

 

Today I did a compression check on all of the cylinders. 135-160 on most of the cylinders, but 0 PSI on cylinders 4&5. So it looks as though I get to go on a new adventure. Now I just need to figure out exactly what I want to do.

 

*Update*
I have found that the #4&5 cylinder have no compression. I pulled valve covers and found the valves are being actuated by the rocker arm. The leak down test shows major leakage, and the sound of escaping air is most pronounced in the intake. It would seem to me that a top end rebuild is in order. What I don't have is the funds to go to a shop, or buy all of the parts I need at once. Any ideas on the best way to go about this?

 

used low miles engine?