On my 95 DX with a swaped b16, sometimes the car will catch a CEL then start sputtering untill I come to a stop. Then it dies. When I try to restart the car, the cluster lights will flicker for a minute then completely shut off. After sitting for a few minutes, I try to start the car again and it fires up on the first try and drives fine. This happens probably every 20 miles or less. When I'm still able to drive the car after the CEL has lit, I hear a popping/crackling noise coming from the engine bay.

Anyone have any ideas?

so far I've already replaced both battery terminals and checked the distributor.

 

Ok, what cel are you throwing?

fs

 

when I try to pin it, it's either already gone, or it doesn't flash.

 

bump

 

bump

 

check your battery and alternator connections.maybe an ELD problem?check a manual fo the ELD troubleshooting procedure.
Chris