58k miles on the car... driving today, I noticed a "hiccup" in 5th at about 1,500rpm with the throttle about 1/4 open. At first, I thought it was the clutch slipping/catching, but I've got a pretty new clutch and I don't abuse it. I ruled that out after putting it in 6th and flooring it -- no slip at all, just the same hiccup once or twice at low RPMs with the throttle open. It seems to do this now in every gear under the same conditions -- throttle sightly open. I noticed no RPM drop during the hiccups what-so-ever. What gives? Could it be the fuel filter? It's never been changed.

 

Sounds like you may have a plug wire that's arcing somewhere.

 

Might want to change that fuel filter too every 2 years

 

I just changed the fuel filter without jacking up the car... and without even being able to see the whole thing! Time to go start it up and take it for a spin round the block!

 

WOW, runs like a charm now... I cleaned the TB w/ some spray cleaner too and both combined, I get a huge increase in TB response. The old filter had black gas pouring out of both ends! The inside was incredibly black -- I'm blaming someone at Hess for this one!