whenever i get a used car - i like to set it up for a couple of weeks to go thru everything - and that is plugs, rotor and cap and maybe spark plug wires - or at least check the plug wires. of course, may not be possible for everyone.
i carry a spare (good - new) plug with me.
i also use a copper wire with connectors on each end. connect to spark plug at the threads and the other end to groud. can check spark - and do not have to take a plug out.
would be interesting to know if you got spark immediately after it kills.
but i doubt that it is the coil ??
could have fuel pressure - but not what it should be.

but for something simple,open the hood at night and start the car.
see if there are any sparks flying.
if you dont see any, then the next day check the plug wires out.
i would do the night time check first, before moving the plug wires around.

fred

 

here's a another simple one:
start it and put a volt meter on the battery.
do you get between 14 and 15 volts.

 

I GOT IT!! it was the ignition control module in the distributor. apparently it's not an uncommon problem. after it heats up, the module starts to fail. i did some troubleshooting earlier today adn decided it was either the module or a problem with getting too much fuel and slowly flooding. $90 (can) fix.