Volvo Repair: volvo 240 intermittent popping, flame trap, platinum plugs

Question
hi i have an 87 volvo 240 my car sometimes loses power or stalls out it started when my father told me to put bosh platinum plugs even though i said it was supposed to be copper anyway sometimes when i go up hills it starts to buck and sounds like popping but can be a misfire it will not let me go past 20 miles an hour no matter if i floor it also happens when someone in my car says for me to go at a stop and i put full throttle someone told me it could be the timing but i think its either the flame trap or the throttle postion sensor but i dont really want to spend a lot of money so i was wondering if you could at least like think it might be thanks

Answer
Mark, Platinum plugs are good but not for that car.  Put some Bosch Super DC plus in there.  I may be an air mass meter issue also.  Check timing also.  There can be other issues as well but test would have to be run.  Keep that car.  Its the Best Volvo ever made.  Spend a little and drive that thing forever.  You cant go wrong with a 240.  Roger