So my car will compleatly, shut off. Dash clock and everything. the engine shuts down everything electrical turns off. but only for a split second and then it runs fine. also there was one instance where when I tried to start it it acted like the battery was almost dead (again odometer and dash clock) then second try it fired right up. any insight would be great.

 

I'm sure you've checked but, it sounds like a bad connection on your battery or starter. Other than that I'd have the battery tested. And if that's not it, I'd say something's f-ed up.

 

Check the ignition wires

 

do you mean check the coil packs????