Shuttering/Bucking, Power Loss Between 3,500 to 5,000 RPM

[RevLimit]

I'm having power loss issues between 3,500 to 5,000 RPM. Usually once the RPMs reach 5,000 the car will eventually begin to pull. This only happens when the car is in gear and it's very irritating to have bucking and jerking when I mash the gas until 5,000 RPM when a get a moment of nice power.

I have noticed that in the cold mornings the car RPMs will sometimes jump to 2,000 RPM until the engine gets warm.

It also sounds like sometimes the engine beings to backfire.

So far I have tried the following.

Replaced the fuel filter.
Replaced the spark plugs, gapped correctly.
Replaced spark plug cables.
Replaced the manifold cup-links with the CFM ones.
Replaced fuel pressure regulator vacuum line.

Which is the most likely cause

Air leak behind the MAF sensor?
Failing head-gasket?
Fuel not enough fuel pressure? Although the engine runs strong above 5,000 RPM.

Thanks in advance.

[Sponsor]

[Jaketet]

tried cleaning the MAF?

[RevLimit]

Originally Posted by Jaketet

tried cleaning the MAF?

I did not think that the MAF could be cleaned? How can I clean the MAF sensor without damaging it?

[1turbofocus]

The best advice I can give is find a local member with a xcal and do a datalog , I will be glad to look it over and help with the problem

Changing parts till you find the issue gets very costly as I am sure your finding out

Tom

[Scout706]

Very carefully. Seriously, it's usually a thin platinum wire. If you're unsure, maybe a mechanic is the best way to go.

[Jaketet]

They have MAF cleaner that you spray onto the wire. Also, datalogging like Tom said will give you a better idea of where to start.

[RevLimit]

I will buy some of the MAF cleaner and give that a try. Do any of you know someone in the Atlanta area that has a dataloger?

Thanks for the feedback everyone!

[SVTb4U]

I'd be glad to help with my Xcal.