my eagle talon is backfiring or missing

my 94 eagle talon 1.8L non-turbo backfires or misses (not sure if that is the same thing or completely different (backfiring or missing)) Any way when i start it in the morning i have to sit therre reving the engine so it wont stall on me until it warms up,...then i will put it into first gear and start going and it will putter like sound with low power,,,i have to keep the clutch halfway in so it doesnt get to much of a load and die. when i drive it for awhile and it is at its normal temp it will be fine except that every once in awhile it will putter only once.
I have changed the spark plug wires, (spark plugs were gapped right. bosch platium spark plugs didnt need gapped) and im having people tell me that it could be the O2 sensor,...i want to know if that is the problem cause im on a very low budget and cant buy tons of parts...Thanks

arent platinum spark plugs like the worst??? that could be your problem?? i dont know can anyone help me out?

i thought platnium was the best.? i dont know im just gonna buy a O2 sensor and see where that puts me

no i think irridums are the best.... thats what i heard any way and also why i have them lol

Are you sure they didn't need to be gapped? I have never bought a pair of spark plugs that didn't need atleast a little tweaking...

Platinum will get eaten up in a turbo car, in a N/T they are fine. Iridium is the best, and the most expensive. Iridium is great in a N/T. Turbo cars should just use the regular stock plugs that are one range colder.

Do you get horrible gas mileage? Is a CEL on? An o2 sensor could be your problem, that's a good start since you've already taken care of the ignition. Might still want to check the gap on the plugs, and check the coil to make sure it's putting out enough power still.

yeah the gas mileage does suck. I havent checked the coil though,...i will now that u mention it. Its wierd though like in the morning i will give it gas and it does the reverse effect instead of rmps going higer its almost like im choking it,...lol thats whats happening though

If you had a backfire it would sound like a loud bang or a pop out the exhaust. Just thought I would clear that up for ya. :2cents:

oh it backfires, a lot in the morning but after it warms up, it stops if i dirve it differently,......with the clutch halfway out so not to get to much of a load,....it will die if i realese the clutch out fast going up a hill. different story going down hill, (it is fine)