I have a '96 Passat 2.0 with manual trans. I have just installed new wires, plugs, distrib cap and rotor, air filter, vacuum lines, and cleaned the throttle body. Problem now is that it will start when cold but after about 5 minutes at idle (800-1200rpm) it will die. I can restart it but it will continue to die. I can hold the throttle open at 3500-4000 but it will start to drop off and die. Any assistance is appreciated.

You need to determine if it is losing ignition or fuel. Do you have access to a basic fuel pressure gauge & timing light?

You need to determine if it is losing ignition or fuel. Do you have access to a basic fuel pressure gauge & timing light?
I havbe both...

On the end of the fuel rail there is a small bolt plug, just pull it & slip the gauge hose over the nipple. Hook up the timing light & hold the trigger while it dies. Does the light continue to flash while the engine stops or does it qiut? What does the fuel pressure do when it dies?

On the end of the fuel rail there is a small bolt plug, just pull it & slip the gauge hose over the nipple. Hook up the timing light & hold the trigger while it dies. Does the light continue to flash while the engine stops or does it qiut? What does the fuel pressure do when it dies?

I really appreciate the time you have taken with this. I will do this tomorrow and post that.