[Smith1000]

Did you check to see if it has set any codes? Autozone will read them for free. They will hook up an OBD II scanner and check it. The symptoms sound like it could be the TPS as it determines fuel delivery per the throttle valve angle (when giving it gas). Possibly, it runs poorly, sets the code and then runs better when reaching a default run value. I would check for codes first. I have never replaced the TPS in my 97 Lesabre, but I did take it off once to check it once. It was easy to remove, but had to use a GM star head wrench to take it off and put it on. There isn't much to it. Take off the wiring and remove the sensor. The TPS in the 97 doesn't seem to have an adjustment, but some of them must be adjusted. I don't think it would cause a transmission problem. It might be something else that has set a code.