All I mean is I don't want to do plugs and wires if the problem could be the fuel pump etc

Okie dokie. Are you able to check the fuel pressure with a gauge?

i don't have a gauge handy but i can get my hands on one tomorrow. NEW DEVLOPEMENT! the "intermittance" is heat. it is fine when cold. when the temp gauge gets up around 210+ then it starts. the more i drive it the worse it gets, to the point where it stalls out.

210 seems a tad high. Possibly a sticking thermostat, or clogged cooling system.

I have heard the ICM can get out of whack when it gets hot. Usually when its on its way out the door. Get your hands on a hair dryer and when the engine is cold point the dryer at the coil packs and see if it will do it again.

Interesting! I will try that and see what happens! Does a hair dryer reach that temp? I checked the plugs and wires last night.. replaced them for the first time in what looks like a few years. Noticed much better response when cold, but same problem once it got hot. Coolant looks pretty gross so today I will flush and fill and see if that keeps the temp down. I'll post later today how its going. Thanks again!