[stevedee]

Replaced all vacuum hoses except the large diameter ones that go to the air cleaner (thanks, Pelican). Car runs "better". Still sputtery, though not as bad. I set the dizzy a few degrees CCW and turned the ECU knob a couple clicks CCW, which made the car idle better. The problem really becomes apparent when the engine temp is at peak. Drove the car all over hell this weekend. Cruising at 3500 RPM in 5th gear on the San Diego freeways is a blast! But get off the freeways, and the idle will hang at 1600, and sometimes it will drop to 1000 (and chug loudly) at long stoplights. Sensor? A vacuum leak not yet found? Vacuum gauge chatters back/forth 15-16 very fast at idle - not a steady 15. Pressing the gas at a dead stop causes the RPM's to plummet towards 0 for a split second, then "catches" and revs. MPS holds 20 vacuum.

Did an oil change. Strainer had a few funny-looking shiny flakes in the bottom of the cover. Might have been slightly magnetized. PO rebuilt the engine about 30K miles ago (supposedly). Are these shiny flecks a concern? Are they recent or from a long time ago???

Now I just find out I might be missing the PCV Valve. See other recent thread on this subject. Might that explain the brief drop in RPM's when hitting the gas at a stop?

Won't be able to check the valves and sensors until two weekends from now. I know I'm getting nitpicky, 'cause this car runs pretty damn good, but I want it perfect. What do you pros think?