Acceleration problems

[SJGW]

Ok, so I've got my panic button worked out, here's another question.

Lately I've noticed the pickup on my car is really diminishing, to the point where moderate hills are tough to accelerate on. It's been a noticeable drop for the past 2-3 months. The car has 49k miles on it, is not the Turbo (obviously). I've had regular oil changes since I bought it 8k miles ago, but haven't had the 45k transmission service. It idles a bit strong and there's a faint gas/coolant/something smell sometimes when I open the door after parking. It had a boilover right after I bought it, fixed when they replaced the thermometer, and hasn't had any problems since.

Thanks again!

[CREWZIN]

Do you know if the plugs and wires have ever been replaced? They are weak points and many problems can be cured by changing them both. Also make sure you don't have a blockage somewhere either in the intake or exhaust system.

[quicksilverdon]

Agree (as usual) with Crewzin.
Get Crane wires (RaceAndStreet.com) and Champion Platinum plugs (NAPA has them) and gap at 0.045. If you don't know whether they've been changed, do it - can't hurt, and not a huge investment. Stock wires are crap.