98 cavalier not getting full revs

i have a 98 cavalier, (2.2 - auto)and when reving the engine in neutral, about half way up the RPM's the engine seems to almost miss fire --- it doesn't die, but it really hesitates. When in drive (2nd or first) it seems to have all the power in the world. I just replaced the fuel filter and plugs and it's got more pick up and acceleration....but I'm just worried that there is something wrong. Oh also when the car has been sitting overnight and I go to move it, sometimes it stalls.

Any thoughts on this??

Thanks in Advance!!

dont worry, i had that same prob with my '98 cav 2.2 auto. its a rev. limited. i even took it to a shop cause i was paranoid. its in there to prevent you from over working the engine. If for whatever reason you should hit the 98mph mark, your engine will cut off till your RPMs lower. there isnt anything wrong with yuor car, its built like there. there is chips and stuff you can get to override it, but if your dont need to, then dont worry.

Replace the igniton wires as well, that way you know all your ignition parts are new. I only hope the spark plugs are gapped right. The rev limiter comes into play only when you rev in park or neutral over 3000rpm.