Rich porter is a Canadian made distributor, it's very good. Google it and you'll see how many people recommend one.

Also: it likes to idle rough at start, but if I can manage to shift it into reverse/drive before the engine stalls then it runs normally. doesn't that tell us something?

 

Hey, would you answer these questions:

You put in new spark plugs, what brand did you use?

Where did you get the replacement distributor? Was is new? Did it come with the ignition control module (a small black piece with 4 wires plugged into it)? Did it come with a new distributor cap and distributor rotor?

Is the coil the original?

Have you cleaned the IACV and/or the FITV?

How about the EGR ports on the intake manifold?

 

i researched them and they are a dedicated company, but @&%! happens.
test it, if alls well than look at the injector and its signal, pull the #3 plug and read its condition. you could have a bad valve or a bad head gasket.
merely suggestions, a misfire can be diagnosed, follow the path.

 

as suggested, im thinking IAC