had that problem with mine to, throwing it into corners is ok but the ecotec has a crap crankcase and you look preccious oil presure or it rattles like a bugger, an external oil resivware?? (spelling is not my best thing ) helped solve that problem. can be bought at most online auctions, re the AFM sencor it is as mentioned in the bottom or the air intake box itself. if you have a pod it you will probibly find it mounted sumwhere on the air intake pipe just behind the AFM itself (air flow meter). adding a pod helps with power BTW,, just make sure you ad a heat sheild. also to help your cause,, a set of brock injestors are cheap and easy. you can lay some coin in and get a better chip etc.. also a cheap $70 can get a larger throttle body and can be installed at home. there a many "home jobs that help" removing factory "middle" muffler, cadi also. even the type of oil you run makes a difference in these cars. as for the actual how to do.. i found with mine instead of flooring it just pump the throttle to get it spinning otherwise she bites and takes off. hope this helps