the car isn't mine, but anyway...
it is a 90 or 91 civic si. this problem started sometime back and the owner has replaced the alternator and fuel filter so far. what happens is that the car will start and idle, but when you go to actually drive off, you might get a few yards before the car will stutter very badly and then die and then it becomes hard to start and will continue the symptoms described once it does start again.
i haven't been able to toubleshoot for fuel, spark, etc yet, but i am just checking to see if any other EF-ers have ever fixed the same problem.
my theories, in order of easiest to fix to hardest:

1) dizzy rotor or maybe IGNITOR
2) fuel pump

yes, i know i should check for fuel and spark and report back, because i am not giving you guys much to go on, but we know that these cars frequently have the same problems, so i figured i would give it a try before i drive all the way to the dude's place and try and fix his ride.
thanks for any help.

 

no help?
i can't get to the car for about a week, so i can't troubleshoot it yet.
just looking for some ideas.
the loose dizzy rotor screw would have these symptoms?

 

just my .02, but check the vac lines to the MAP sensor. These symptoms sound like a match. If it starts fine, and runs fine before you apply the throttle then it dies right? Definately sound like a MAP to me. If the vac lines to it are in good shape you may have to replace the sensor. Is the idle high on start-up?

 

you know? i think it is a high idle. like i said, it isn't my car, so i have only had a few minutes so far to check it out, in the dark, mind you, but i figure it is something relatively simple.
Thank you for the reply, BoostedA6.
i will check out what you suggested.