MX 5 Mrk 1 1.6 1990 jap import cranks, starts, dies then just cranks.

[Alucard7002]

No seems to be actually running was running for about 2 minutes

I'm assuming the intake system has been checked for air leaks / smoke tested? There is a rubber bung on cyl 4 intake runner that is often overlooked and they perish over time. Any air leak between AFM and manifold will cause all sorts of havoc (it's a vacuum leak after all) Check the PCV hoses and valve too as that's a "calibrated" air leak that needs to be present. If it runs with a little extra fuel thrown at it then it's not "seeing" the load signal from the AFM correctly.

If it dies as soon as you let go of the key I'd be triple checking the immobiliser removal wiring as I have seen folks mix up a "live in run" and "live in run and start" before. Also check the gauge of wire used to repair as too often I see piddly little 20 or 18 gauge used to interrupt 12/14 gauge ignition switch wires (along with poor solder bodgery)

 

[Alucard7002]

Can you not static time it on timing marks? As for timing lights, not used one for years ( mines a gunson one), but looking at whats available suspect amazon, machine mart, halfords will do you, unless you want to spend bigger money

You can't set ignition timing statically on these unfortunately, you need to Bridge two pins in the diag port to lock the timing at 10 degrees, start the car and then set timing AND base idle at the same time to the specification.

 

[dobbslc]

If it dies as soon as you let go of the key I'd be triple checking the immobiliser

This is what I was getting at earlier plus any relays needed to keep the run circuit connected.