Hello all.
Been some time since I have been around. Don't hate me cause I'm poor. Thanks!

Car:
96 GS, 91700 miles.

Problems:
Engine backfires and hesitates while under moderate to heavy acceleration. If I lighten up on the gas it seems to accelerate okay.
Idle is good and once at speed, and speed is maintained, the car seems fine. If speed drops, she starts to hesitate again.
Oil is blowing out through the PCV valve, and dripping on to valve cover. I was using 5W30 but switched to 15W30 (or 40???) and the thicker grade has seemded to help a bit.

Questions:
Note: If there are posts that already cover my questions, please feel free to refer me to them.

1) Anyone know a good mechanic, that they have used, in Orange County, CA, preferabley around the 405/5 fwy between Huntington Beach to Laguna Hills? I would want the mechanic to, obviously check what is wrong and then if needed, to replace or rebuild the engine and be comfortable with the mod parts we all love so much.

2) If I am rebuilding and/or replacing the engine, what mods should I be considering doing as long as I am going in there? For example: should I be considering UDP, Performance Clutch, etc. From these mods, what would you consider "must do" and what would you consider to do "if I have the money to burn". At some point the dream is to add a turbo.

3) For all the money I may have to drop on my engine, should I just get another, newer GS (staying within model years up to 1999)?

Doing it all myself is not really an option as i do not have the time, the place or the tools to get it done.

So, there is the challange. I appreciate any and all feedback that you can provide.
Thanks!

aye bro.. im out here in riv. co grew up out towards your way... im doing the same thing... except it did that rite b4 my rings cracked too.... i just went ahead and am doing a complete rebuild.... just find an automotive machine shop (find a couple to compare prices) and just ask how much for a bottom end rebuild... just get a crank re-grind too if u can... *save u a lot of money* of course u have to remove the motor... they'll usually come and pick it up.. but its not too bad... i did mine in about a day and a half..(and about 3 packs of smokes):) anyway if u have anymore ques e-mail me
wonderrecords@msn.com



AEM cam Gears,MSD ignition,Chikira 4-2-1 header,Custom 2.5" exhast,Pacsetter hiflo cat ,head p/p , intake p/p 2mm oversize tit valves , t/b p/p , shiftkit , TQ lockup mod , and much mor

Thanks wonderrecords.
So, based on what I have described, you are fairly sure my bottom end is f-ed up?

Anyone else?
Thanks again!

doesn't mean that for sure. i get all the above symptoms you get. except for maybe the pcv valve oil deal. lol. i'll have to go look. if it is its not really noticible. but what you can do is to ohm out your spark plug wires. see and make sure they aren't above specs. some people expierience problems where a single plug wire will go bad and cause misfiring. i recently replaced my wires so i'm good there. and i just did my plugs not too long ago also. then you could also check your coil. thats my next thing. and if all else fails possibly an 02 sensor. i'm sure there are ways to go about checking these things before you throw all that money into something you don't need. there used to be a howto on testing coil....but i think the link is 404...