Ever since I bought my 97, I always thought it wasn't quite as peppy as my 96. I thought it was due to the fact it hadn't had a tuneup in a while, and was probably something super simple. However, after doing the following on it, I feel that something is still holding it back. I'm planning on starting testing some of the electrical components via the FSM. If anyone else has an idea on what to check, let me know.

Symptoms: Doesn't turn over easily, and "low" power. Idle is great, runs smooth, and is overall good. I feel like I can get it better though.

What I've done:
Spark plugs (Denso, dual electrode)
Spark plug wires (NGK)
Fuel Filter (OEM)
Full throttle body and IAC cleaning (Was clean as a whistle beforehand)
New PCV
Cleaned MAF
New battery

Its got fairly good acceleration, however when I really gun it when getting on the freeway, I feel that there is a slight vibration coming from the engine though at high RPM, more than I noticed in my 96.

 

Baja,

How much slack do your linkage cables have (TB, cruise, AT) at the moment?
After the posting of the other day by Big Balls, I checked mine and the cruise was extremely slack. 10x better now.

Did you ever get the fuel pressure checked? How is your gas mileage?
Maybe try some Seafoam, it seems like others have and seemed to have good results. I am a BG 44K man myself.

 

Yes, I have adjusted the cables correctly. I did notice a change for the better.

Nope, never checked fuel pressure. Where is the best place to tap into the fuel line?

Gas mileage is about 19mpg, which I feel is good. Yes, I've done a few seafoam treatments as well. Maybe I should try some more

 

Check out the FSM. I don't have the link on my toolbar. You have to have a special threadbolt that goes into the fuel rail. Someone made their own about a year ago. If you are getting normal mileage, the only problem I could see with the hard starts would possibly be the fuel pump. Sea foaming or any other detergent addative may help, but you may want to contact Brian2sun and ask about his Motorad (sp?) top end cleaning. There is a thread for it from last year. But again, this is only arm-chairing your problem.

Have you run a compression check on it?

For a short time in my car owning timeline, I owned two Ford Broncos with the same 302 engine in it. For some reason, one was more lively that the other. It just had more pep, but mechanically the other one was fine, and I was able to sell it for more than I paid for it. My father still owns the peppy one.