I know... I know.... use the search. I did. All 10 pages of it.

My symptoms:
3/4 throttle shifting from 1st to 2nd. Let the clutch out, push the gas pedal in and nothing for about 3-4 seconds. Two sputters (with the clutch engaged zero throttle slightly pressing in for more) and everything goes back to normal.

What I know I need to do:
Replace air filter
Plugs and wires
Fuel filter is less than a year old

What I've read so far:
TPS could be acting up
02 sensor going bad
Ignition module going bad
Rotor and cap may need replacing

Other than that weird hesitation, the car runs like a champ. The funny thing is that it doesn't happen all of the time. Now, since this just happened less than 30 minutes ago, I can pretty much bet the bank that it won't start right now either. It'll turn over, just not ignite and run.

If it does run, I have about 100 RPM on the gauge and it sounds like it's missing on about two cylinders or it's got a huge loping cam. To get rid of this, I push the gas in about 1/2 way and the motor bitches something fierce for about two minutes (nice grey/black smoke) and then the RPMs surge, and the car runs fine.

So.... What am I looking for here? Those of you who know me also know that this means my car is about to die...again. The last time this happened, I had just moved here to Albuquerque from Dallas, and the car couldn't get enough air until I adjusted the AFM all the way open and all the way lean.

 

Wow...22 looks and no suggestions.

I must be on the right track!

 

lol yeah you've got to rule out all those sensors and little stuff. i'm betting on the TPS. it can be tested too, so you don't just need to buy a new one