180sx struggling then dying when starting

[Jackg]

Hey I'm new here but hoping a few of you wizards can diagnose a problem for me as I'm at my wits end.

I have a 1998 180sx sr20det. I changed the fuel filter and oil + oil filter, drove her round to the front of my house (was running about 15 mins total), I was reversing up my driveway when she started to struggle, I got up to the top where she stalled, and ever since I can turn her on, she'll run for a few seconds, then splutter and stall, also sounds like she's a misfire. Things I've tried;

- New spark plugs
- New coil packs
- Put back in the old fuel filter (is a lot of pressure so I don't think fuel pump)
- Smoke test (no leaks)

I have a friend who's a mechanic and he said the next thing he can think of is the chain slipped 1 notch on the timing, so I'm taking the head off tomorrow and checking.

Just wanting to see if anyone of you guys have any idea? Dying to get her back on the road

Thanks in advance
Jack

[PapaSmurf2k3]

Hey Jack - are there any check engine lights or anything? The smoke test was a good start... it almost sounds like a vacuum leak or maybe a leak in the plumbing after the MAF. Could also be a bad MAF itself. You could try unplugging the MAF entirely and see if it goes into limp mode and runs correctly.

[VStar650CL]

Is the new fuel filter backwards, by chance?