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I checked the distributer cap today and one of the "nipples" was really rusty. Could that cause a loss of power?


Thats a good sign it's time for a tune up. Have you even looked at the spark plugs or under the distributor cap?
I have a cousin that was ready to replace an engine once when all it needed was a tune up and some gas in the tank. Check the simple things first. New gears won't help a clogged cat. do or have done a compression check. holy moly man. Check the cat like mentioned above.

I think you can have gears put in for 350 to 400 dollars per axel. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />