Pontiac Repair: Engine dies suddenly while driving, crank shaft position sensor, car coasts

Question
Hi, I've been Googling this furiously and can't find anything exactly like it. My son's '98 Camaro V6 has started just dying while driving. I replaced the ignition control module, plugs and wires, but that didn't fix it. When it does this, the speedometer dives to zero even though the car is still coasting. The tachometer still reads the apparent engine RPMs as the car coasts down. The car then will crank, but not start. It acts like it's getting no gas. There is pressure at the fuel rail check port, but I don't have a meter. The engine will catch with ether, and "run" for as long as the ether is sprayed, but no gas. Any suggestions for what to look for would be greatly appreciated. Thanks! (Oh, and in case it makes a difference, the car has at some point been converted from Auto to Manual transmission. However, that was quite a while ago and this is new behavior.)

Answer
Hi Bruce:

Well there is 2 ways this can go. Either you have an engine control module issue ecm or a spark issue???? The fact that the speedo drops to zero could be a engine control module cutting out and not sending the vehicle speed out to the dash unit and at the same time it cuts out allowing the engein to run Or the MPH reading zero is a result of the engine quit running.. Your guess is a s good as mine on that front. Now for spark This has a 3800 V6 I take it? or does it have the 3400 V6? Lets assume it's the 3800 V6 that engine is noted for crank shaft position sensor issues. pretty common.... if that cuts out you will losse spark and a RPM reading to the dash cluster. next time it dies on you I would check for spark and see what the result is. If you can get it to die just running at idle then let it run untill it quits and see what your missing. You can get a spark checker at the parts store cheap... I waould also make sure all the ground connections are clean and tight on the battery, Body and at the engine. Good luck :)