What would be wrong in a 1978 Camaro with a 305 that would make the engine almost completely stop when you press the gas pedal down the rpm's drop very rapidly and almost half the time the car quits?

What would be wrong in a 1978 Camaro with a 305 that would make the engine almost completely stop when you press the gas pedal down the rpm's drop very rapidly and almost half the time the car quits?
I have experience a similar situation, and it sounds like it needs a new fuel filter. Answer The Rochester carbs (both 2 bbl and 4 bbl) made 1980 and earler use a vacuum operated "power piston" to raise and lower the 2 needle jets when you accerate ie when hit the gas the engine vacuum drops and a spring on the piston raises the needle jets upward to enrich the mixture. It is very common for the piston to get gummed up, causing the piston to stick in its normal down position. It the piston is stuck then when you hit the gas the mixture is too lean and the engine dies.If you are handy and careful this problem can easily be fixed ... otherwise find an older mechanic who knows GM carbs. The fix is to remove the carb top and use some carb cleaner to free up the piston which is located in the middle of the carb. This piston moves up and down about 1/4 to 5/8ths of an inch with VERY light pressure so take it easy!You will have to carefully remove the gasket from top of the needle jet / piston assembly in order to see the top of the piston assembly. The piston / jet assemble has a very small spring which can be damaged when removing the gasket. When re-assembling the carb ... torque the two 1/2 inch bolts to about 7.5 ft pounds. If you make them too tight the carb body and airhorn will be bend and the carb is junk. Also use a new gasket between the carb and manifold (the 1/4 inch thick gasket).