 car goes into gear, but won't accelerate AT ALL
1993 Ford Escort wagon, 1.9l, auto.
I'm trying to help out my buddy find out what the problem with his wagon is.
It starts up, but it struggles. The idle surges for a little bit. When it's in park, you can fully press the gas pedal and it won't really rev up! It goes into gear fine, but it won't go anywhere even when at WOT.
I'm not new to cars. I've been working on imports for a long time now, and know my way around most things.
This is the first domestic I've worked on.
I'm thinkings its something timing related. It back fires once in a while, which makes me think cam timing is retarded a few teeth.
Another thing I was thinking was the coil pack(is that what its called? I'm used to distributors, sorry).
He said that he noticed his car losing power the past few months. His rpm needle jumped up and down a bit, while cruising. This is what makes me think that it might have something to do with that "coil pack" or w/e it is.
I'm stumped here. He said he's had like 3 "mechanics" look at the car and none could even tell him what they thought it was.
I'm sure it has to do with timing. Due to the back firing, rough idle, and the rpm fluctuation.
Any help is appreciated guys/gals, thanks. | 
