Pontiac Repair: Firebird 3.8 5 spd surges, chugs, lugs, chevron techron fuel system, chevron techron fuel system cleaner

Question
My '99 Firebird 3.8 5spd surges, chugs, or lugs at low speed and lacks power generally.  The SES light is on.  Had it read by local parts store.  They said the code was something like insufficient converter function but that most people ignore it.  Are these issues connected? How do I fix?  Thanks.

Answer
Hi Bill:

well it can be a lot of things. that engine is noted for fuel injectors plugging up. try a can of chevron techron fuel system cleaner. also that engine had issues with plug wires going bat expecially at the coils. The contacts rust out on the coils. The insufficient switching is for oxygen sensors and if it's a pre converter senor it will effect the way the car runs. I'd also take a look at the fuel filter. other things it could be are a mass air flow sensor. unplug that sensor and drive it and see if it runs any better. it will hesitate on acceleration at first but if the surging/lugging is gone the sensor is either dirty or bad. Good luck :}