Need help diagnosing engine issue, stutter, shake, electrical discharge sound? Options

[narino]

I apologize for the long post.

First the info on the engine, low mileage rebuild done a few years ago. Originally a 1.7 that's been bored out to 2.5. It has dual weber IDF 40s.

I was headed down to meet up with a 914world member in San Diego when my car started to lose power. I had been on the road for about an hour when this happened. When I gave it more throttle the engine would do a stutter/shake, while simultaneously make a sound like a lot of static discharge (could that be the engine pinging?).

I pulled over and checked the engine bay. Every thing looked OK wire-wise. When I took the carb hats off I saw a cloud of "fine mist" in the throats. I blew it out and worked the throttle arm, it shot a strong stream of fuel into the carb throats and instantly misted up. I'm assuming this is normal?

After fiddling with the spark plugs I started her back up and got back on the road. The car ran fine for a few miles then the same thing happened.

Pulled over, blew out carb jets with cleaner, reassembled then got back on freeway. Again, drove fine no power issues for a few miles and then again the same stutter/shake.

Pulled over, I removed the 2nd fuel filter I had right before the Tee fitting for both carbs lines. Drove, a few miles later same issue.

Call AAA, tow home.

I don't have a temp gauge on the car so I can't tell if it's over heating. Though considering the engine is low mileage I wouldn't think that's the issue. Could it be an air leak in the manifold or somewhere that occurs when the engine reaches a certain temp?

I was so frustrated with this damn car when AAA showed up. Then as they were pulling her onto the flat bed I couldn't help thinking, "Man, she looks great in this light".
(IMG:style_emoticons/default/lol-2.gif)

TIA for any insight.

j