2001 GP loss of power

i have a 2001 grand prix with the 3800 engine. 51k miles on it. i noticed everytime i get over 3k rpm's, the engine like hesitates, big time. no power. i put it in park and rev'ed the engine and just before 4k rpm, the engine hesitates alot and sputters bad. possible catalytic converter or exhaust blockage?

Does the CEL light come on when it sputters? There are several potential causes, a blocked fuel filter, bad cat, bad fuel pressure regulator, fouled plugs due to bad cat. I would start with the fuel filter and go from their. The emission system including the cat is covered by the manufacturers warranty for 70K miles so if the cat is suspected take it to the dealer and have them check if for you.

the CEL came on and blinked for about 10 seconds but only once and never came on again. this problem seemed to come on "overnight". no symptoms prior to today. thx

Sounds like a bad Cat Convertor. See below. Note this is not a recall but your vehicle may qualify based on the symptoms and your specific year model. Even with low mileage symptoms include a stumbling around 3K - 4K rpms, random multiple misfire codes P0300, specific misfire codes P030X and other driveability problems. When the SES/CEL blinks it's a misfire.

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This is a special policy that raises warranty coverages on the converter in case you experience a failure.

Dear General Motors Customer:

As the owner of a 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; or Buick Regal model vehicle, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, your satisfaction with our product is very important to us.

This letter is intended to make you aware that some 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; and Buick Regal model vehicles, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, may have a condition where the catalytic converter is replaced due to complaints of lack of power or illumination of the Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL). This may be due to the front endcone insulation from the catalytic converter breaking away and blocking the front of the first catalyst brick and preventing the free flow of exhaust gas through the converter.

This is not a recall. Do not take your vehicle to your GM dealer as a result of this letter unless you believe that your vehicle has the condition as described above.

What We Have Done
General Motors is providing owners with additional protection for the Catalytic Converter. If this condition occurs on your 2001-02 Chevrolet Impala, Monte Carlo; Pontiac Grand Prix; or Buick Regal model vehicle, equipped with a 3.4L or 3.8L V6 engine, within 10 years of the date your vehicle was originally placed in service or 120,000 miles (190,000 km), whichever occurs first, the condition will be repaired for you at no charge .

What You Should Do
Repairs and adjustments qualifying under this special coverage must be performed by a General Motors dealer. You may want to call the service department at your dealer to find out how long they will need to have your vehicle so that you may schedule the appointment at a time that is convenient for you. This will also allow your dealer to order parts if they are not already in stock. Keep this letter with your other important glove box literature for future reference.

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http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y186/lizzywiz/gtp.jpg
Thrasher CAI, DHP v1.0 PCM, SLP Headers,
3.25 SC pulley, CAIT GMAF, 2.5 DP/Hi-Flow CAT,
u-bend delete, 160 TS, ZZP Stage 1 72mm TB,
TB spacer, MSD 8.5mm wires, Autolite 103,
Goodyear Gatorback Serp. & SC Belt,
Nitto NT555R Drag Radials
1/4 ET: 13.210 sec. @ 104.490 mph
0 - 60 ft: 1.945 sec.

Revving to 4k in neutral will cause the rev limiter to cut in so forget that issue and work on BNaylor's suggestions.

appreciate the info fellas. the wife took the car to the dealer today and tells me she barely made it there. the cel light came on and stayed on now. should find out tomorrow what is wrong. thx for all your help and i'll post what was wrong here when i find out so it may help others out. thx again

just wanted to let everyone know that the catalytic converter was the problem. picked it up from the dealer today and was all done under factory warranty. THX AGAIN for the info. u da man bnaylor!