just got my car on the road today and was still experiencing the hesitation problem - not suprising since i hadn't done anything to try and resolve it. on a lark, i bought some fuel injector cleaner just to see if it would have any effect. i'm happy to report that the problem has stopped - the car now accelerates smoothly throughout the entire rpm range with no hesitation whatsoever. thanks for everyone who read my post and offered feedback - you guys are great. thanks again