Mark, I have the exact same problem with my D, and mine is also an automatic. When I started it today for the first time, it idles fine. But when I step on the gas, it hesitates and makes a very soft back-firing sound. With a little warm-up time and a little coaxing, it runs almost like it should. I describe the problem as having trouble 'breaking the idle threshold'. Once it's running faster than 1500 RPM, then it accelerates fine after that. Other symptoms I have: When I am sitting at a light, take my foot off the break and put it on the gas, the car will give the same hesitation. Basically, the car will barely crawl forward. When I switch the a/c off, it accelerates much better after that. Since I installed a 'John Hervey' edition 140amp alternator and a Fanzilla, the car accellerates much better now. But still all is not right. Another symptom that I have which may or may not be related: While I am accellerating, the center a/c vents on the dash close so that only the door vents work. When I am maintaining speed, then the vents come back on. I hear that it is normal for some loss of vacuum especially on automatics under heavy accelleration, but on my car this happens under ANY acceleration. I'm thinking maybe I have a bad vacuum tank and/or the vaccuum advance isn't working on the distributor. Are you having the same vacuum problems that I am? Also, does the Delorean even have a vaccuum canister? And if so, where is it and how can I check it? Thanks y'all Walt