2nd Gear loss of power

I have a 1998 Jetta 2.0 that experiences a severe loss of power when going from first to second gear. I have changed the spark plugs, spark plug wires and complete distributor. The timing is set. The coil was replaced last year. The engine will rev fine in first gear and reverse there is no problems, but as soon as the speed picks up and I shift to second the engine stalls and sometimes dies.

I have been talking with other people and the cat may be clogged. Any ideas would be helpful.

If you havent found the problem yet, you could unscrew the oxygen sensor (but reconnect it to the connector) and try driving the car. This would let some exhaust escape, and if the car ran better, you would have a good idea its a clogged exhaust. If your car has an oxygen sensor after the catyltic converter, the one that is 'ahead' of the cat. conv. would be the one to temporarily remove.

have you cleaned the intake, throttle body and mass air flow sensor?