Civic loses power in 3rd gear?

Mazda B2200 1987 Is hard to start, has little power in 1st and 3rd gear, have to rev it high to get it going?

• I know the timing is off a little, just waiting to get my light back from a friend. A mechanic suggested taking off the catalytic converter to give it some more power. I took the cat off and the problem remains. It has a hard time starting especially after I shut it off for a couple minutes. For example I had to refuel so I turned it off and when I was done it wouldn't start because it was flooded. Right now the only way it will run is at 1500 rpms the regular idle speed is at 800 rpms. When I get it going I have to rev it up to 2500 rpms to get enough power to take off, and when i need to change from 2nd to 3rd I need it to be at 3500 rpms. But when im stopped and I put it in reverse I don't need any kind of excessive power. Im not the best at troubleshooting so if someone could help me out that would be great.

• Answer:

  Sounds like it needs a good tune up and the timing adjusted correctly. Change the plugs, wires, cap, rotor, fuel filter, air filter and coil and fix the timing and it should be better. A good rule of thumb is: If it runs better at high RPM's, then it is likely ignition related, if it runs better at low RPM's then it is most likely fuel related.