i fixed it. it was a bad ignition coil.i had to buy a cheap multi-meter to check the resistance on the coil.the multi-meter was 15$ at radio shack,the ignition coil was 40$ at autozone,the chilton manual was right under 20$.i went ahead and replaced the rotor and cap also,and plan on doing the plugs and wires . i can already feel a few more horses when i accelerate. im willing to help anyone with this problem.
steve klotz, January 2006