I have a Ford Crown 1988, 8 cylinder.

I don't recall the specs at this moment, but I can get them if it is necessary to answer this question.

When I accelerate, it is slow and sluggish like my pedal isn't providing anymore gas when I push it down. I have to get almost all the way to the floor for the engine to kick in and get going. I have done auto work, and am prepared to do this, but it's been a while and I've had my head in other business for the last ten years, so I will understand what is being said, for the most part.

It almost feels like I'm operating on 4 cylinders until I gun it.

I have noticed a couple slips of the tran.

One time I was at 55 mph on the interstate, and it shifted down by itself, and then back up. I did not change my accelerator peddle. I know auto trans do that, but this was like I shifted down to slow down, and then shifted back up, all in about 3 seconds.

If it is the tran, and I were going to repair it myself, what would I fix on it?

If engine, same goes.

I don't expect a guaranteed answer, but would appreciate possibilities.

Any help would be appreciated.

I would start with Fuel filter, and transmission fluid, they will slip when low, and the fuel filter never hurts.
Is Engine Lite on?

Thank you.

I was thinking about the fuel filter a while back, but I keep disregarding it. I'm procrastinating. I had cause to ignore because of the freezing temp of winter, but it's getting warmer, so I have no excuse now.

I like to start with the easy(and cheapest) things first, and these 2 items can't hurt and can only help. Trannys will slip from lack of fluid. Trans filter and gasket is a good thing and may show condition of tranny by the metal particles present.

The symptoms could indicate a clogger catalytic converter. A free check for that situation would be to temporarily remove the O2 sensor ahead on the converter and see if the performance improves. Good luck, and let us know the final fix.