SBC issues

[Emmerich]

I have a 914-8 with a SBC in it. It ran fine, then all of a sudden it would have a huge stutter, backfire though the carb, and not go over 2000 RPM. It kind of felt like fuel starvation. But then it would fix itself and all was fine again. It has a new ignition box and new coil, it won't run now unless you practically flood the engine. Carb is delivering the gas. Next step is a new distributor, but hate to spend the money if it is not necessary.

Anybody come across this issue?

thanks
Fred Emmerich