3.8 v6 Camaro engine hesitation/misfire when accelerating?

Question

vehicle info: 1996 3.8 v6 Camaro, 5 speed manual, convertible. 175,000 miles.

Lately my engine has been seriously hesitating/misfiring when I try to accelerate quickly. The car vibrates and sometimes I can hear a muffled "pop" sound if I really try to give it a lot of gas. If I go easy on the gas it doesn't do too much. Some have suggested it to be the Mass Air Flow Sensor. I think it might be the problem but I'm afraid of spending $150 on a new one and still not have the problem fixed.
I recently changed the fuel filter and added a gas treatment to my engine and this happend approx the same time I started experiencing this problem (maybe related?)
I don't know when the spark plugs or anything like that have been changed last (bought it used) but it is probably due for a tune up one way or the other.
Should I try a new MAF sensor or look for the problem elsewhere? I'm on a VERY tight budget and don't have much money to throw around replacing things in effort to try to fix

Answer 1

Check the timing chain.
The electrinic parts can be tested.
Have the trouble codes checked . they can tell what direction needs farther checking.and eliminate buying a lot of parts.
is it the Buick V6 or the Chevy V6(probably)(distributor in back)
The cam could be going bad .causing a misfire under load and a loose of compresion and power.
A valve could be burnt causing a loose of compression and a missfire
How mechanicly inclined are you ?
With 175,000 miles has the timing chain been replaced ?
if available get some history on the car.

Answer 2

The timing chain is probably NOT the problem. It does sound alot like the mass airflow sensor. There are tests to check the MAF but I no longer have access to shopkey to give you these specs so sorry about that. But if you get into the accelerator and the sensor doesn't tell the computer to open up the injectors then it will cause problems like you are describing. But ususally when there is a problem with electronic systems a check engine light will come on. I would take it to Autozone and have them read the codes write them down and repost or message me and I will try to help further.

Answer 3

It depends on whether it's an automatic transmission or manual. If it's an automatic, The LT1 should hook up to the transmission perfectly since both the V6 and V8 used the 4L60E transmission. However, if it is a 5-speed manual, you will have to do a transmission swap to a T-56 6-speed manual transmission because the torque will be too great for the 5-speed to handle. In all honesty, it's better (and cheaper) to buy the z28 that already has the LT1 so you don't have to mess with the suspension upgrades, going from a lightweight V6 to a heavier V8. besides, the T-56 6 speed is not cheap either. Hope I helped!

Answer 4

yea start with new timeing chain/belt, spark plugs and i would look around the ac compreser/ alt area see if you see anythign out of place, also at 175k miles, i would replace all sensors anyways, airflow and idea sensor first, each runs about 80$ at auto zone, napa is way overed priced.

Answer 5

at 175K miles, i'd have the timing belt/chain looked at. it could be badly worn and causing the problem. try the spark plugs first, maybe a cheap fix.