i have a 2002 mustang with a 3.8 with 35k on it. lately when im accelerating (2000+rpms) the car will kinda jerk like its missfiring. i was thinking plugs and wires but it only has 35k on them. i dont know if the 3.8 in the mustang is the same as the truck, but i thought i would ask.

 

CRM,

I don't know if you are having this hesitation problem still, but it sure sounds like plugs/Plug wires. I would expect that it is your plugs wires. My
F-150 4.2L HAD a tendancy to go through wires about every 40K?

I switched to BOSCH Premium wires and and they have lasted about 70K
so far. AND USE FORD PLUGS! They work best with that engine?
Remember to reset your computer after changing the wires. (Disconnect the battery for 15 minutes or so) It makes a difference, I guess the ignition can sense the resistance in the wires and reset itself?

I don't know if the Mustangs 3.8L have the rough starting problem that the 4.2L do, but the I have found that the plug wires help a little also. I actually think the rough start has to do with the vacuum leaking down and letting the high RPM butterfly's open up durng the night. So when it first starts it runs rough for a few seconds until vacuum builds up.

Hope this helps.

 

thanks, ill give it a look this weekend.

 

+1 on plugs and wires.
I always use Motorcraft (plugs/wires).