Bought a 98 and told it had a bad head gasket. Drove it half way home and it over heated and had to be pulled home. 1st cat on passenger side was fire red.

Fast forward, replaced gaskets and new cylinder heads, spark plugs and wires. Changed oil and put some coolant in to see I cracked the radiator when I was working on the engine. Anyways, I cranked it over and heard 1 back fire and won't start. Tried starting fluid in intake, and a heard it want to start only 1 moment.

Havent compression test since just having the issue today and need to locate my tool. Was told in my father's experience a cat that has got fire hot will block out the engines ability to breathe and start. Whole exhaust needs to be replaced so might take it off at the exhaust manifold for testing.

Anyone have some experience and advice they might be able to offer?