I put it into gear and it dies.

Good for you. You need to make it what you want or you'll never be happy. I was jes messin anyway.

Double check the tune on it. Timing, points dwell if it's got points, check the dwell anyway if it's electronic. There IS a spec. Put a vacuum gauge on it and make sure it's got a good signal. Smell the exhaust and see if it smells unduly rich. If you put the tools to it and pay attention, it'll tell you what's up.
How do you check dwell on a electronic ignition system? I've never heard of anyone else doing this.