I've got a 96 GSX, having acceleration and starting issues, mechanics are baffled

[96gsxin']

I'd been driving it every day w/ a bad starter for about 6 months (single click, but always started eventually). Couple of weeks ago I am leaving work and I get past the clicking and it sounds like it's ready to start, but just doesn't get there. Tried and tried, could hold the key for 10 seconds and it just sounds llike it is about to start. So I had it towed to a reputable place right near my house, guys who seem relatively honest. They replaced the starter and the fuel pump. It runs fine for a few days. Then, the starter clicks again. They got a bad starter and replaced it. Now the click is gone.
But, the car does not accelerate correctly. It jerked bad and the turbo coils up as it should, but rpm's don't climb like they should. Some times it would go through a gear fine, but mostly undrivable. I take it back, they replace the spark plug wires. I drive it for 2 blocks and find the problem isn't fixed. Now they find some chewed up wires coming from the firewall (the guy blamed it on critters, because there were some acorns sitting below where the spark plug wires connect. It sat for about 2 years, mostly outside). So after this, it accels normally up to 3k or 3.5k rpm's. When you get it on the highway, it seems to hit a wall and it doesn't accel normally. The turbo seems to coils up normally, but i am in 5th and I step on the gas and the rpm's won't climb past 3500 or so. It is drivable, but a pain in the ass. I intended to take it back tomorrow, now today I jump in and The starting problem is back! Not the clicking, but where is sounds like it's gonna go, but just won't. This is why they replaced the fuel pump. Luckily I paid by credit card!
I apologize for my lack of technical description, I am new to this game. But it's getting insane, I can't afford to miss work anymore.

What do you think gentlemen?

 

[stefanOst]

Sounds like there could be a few problems, but as far as the acceleration problem it seems like a boost leak test would be a good place to start.

IC Pipe Tester

 

[4g63tc]

Do a boost leak Test.

Regular Maintenance, which Sparkplugs are you running?
If you are running Platinum ones you're wrong...no matter how much they are "recommended"
NGK BPR7es Get those.

Check your Timing Belt Timing, It may have skipped a tooth.

Are you getting any CEL's?

 

[96gsxin']

Will test for boost leaks, but it's got to start first. Not sure of the type of plugs, but I will check. I'll get the timing belt timing checked too.

Don't know if this is pertinent info, but I've had the car for about 6 yeas. It sat for 2 years (lost license due to youthful retardation). Only mods are K&N air filter and a greddy bov. Last spring I get it going again and I was surprised it started quickly, I replaced the little hose coming from the BOV that was torn the last time I tried to drive it. I didn't drain the fluids before its hibernation, I am not a mechanic, and was away at school (don't crucify me, I've had enough nightmares for this mistake). It was over heating, I replaced the thermostat, some hoses, but I had to have the water pump replaced as it was leaking and went ahead and had the timing belt done too. Also had to get a new alternator, battery, clutch slave cylinder, tie rods...

Thanks for your quick replies dudes!

Any other ideas?

EDIT: CEL's?

 

[brandonwh64]

Doesnt need to be running to test for boost leaks, just build or buy a BLT and use a compressor or bike pump then listen for leaking air. Its also good to use something like windex so you can see the air bubbles were leaks could be

 

[96gsxin']

Doh, that's brilliant will do sir!

 

[beihl304]

CEL = Check engine light.

 

[96gsxin']

Yea the guy that worked on it checked the CEL and code was for a fuel line solenoid I believe, don't recall the code number though. The just did the spark plug wires and thought that fixed it, but obviously did not.

 

[WickedBlk95GSX]

Yea the guy that worked on it checked the CEL and code was for a fuel line solenoid I believe, don't recall the code number though. The just did the spark plug wires and thought that fixed it, but obviously did not.

Did you replace the fuel line solenoid? Is it jumping any when you are trying to get on it? Lack of fuel could be the problem.

 

[96gsxin']

Did not, but I will. The guy working on it seemed to think it was running so f&%!ed up that this couldn't possibly fix the issue.

Again thanks for the replies, all more welcome.

I'll post more info as it breaks...

 

[WickedBlk95GSX]

Yeah man hopefully that will help, the clicking in the starter tho idk