timimg or cat converter problem?

I bought a 92 gran am 2.3 quad single cam . it runs but it misses,it spits back(missfires),dies when put in gear..I put new timing chain on . The timing marks were correct position when I took the chain off and put the new one on. It didn't change a bit . I started it and let it miss spit and gurrgle for about 16 minutes the other night and the cat was glowing red.! I jumped the A - B terminals to retrieve the codes but all it did was blink once then twice (diagnostic mode). should I let it blink more than 5 or six times ? I never got anything out but the one code? Could it be a partially plugged cat? Or a problem with the coil ? Any suggestions will help. I am getting ready to make a flower pot out of it so hurry. also , the car sat for two years . Would the gas in the tank cause this much trouble?