1MZ issues? (fuel problem?)

[Serial]

Hey guys

Today I've picked up a relatively cheap 1998 Camry, V6 Manual.
However I've recently discovered there seems to be a slight engine problem.
Driving around on flat ground seems okay (at first) however on the way home (a 3 hour trip from melbourne) I've discovered a problem driving up a hill. The car at first didn't seem to powerful (I thought it'd have a bit more grunt being a V6 and all... I've driven a 4cyl 2003 model before). Up the hill it seriously labored. I could only go up it doing about 60 in second (and not gaining any speed). On this hill starting from a stop in a VX commodoore V6 you can generally get upto 120-130 quite easily (for a comparison).
Sometimes it starts to shudder a bit.

Could this be something as simple as a block injector, shoddy fuel regulator\pump or something else. Apparently it has had Iridium spark plugs put in it (afaik these aren't normal... its a 1MZ-FE engine so yeah.).
I'll probably take it into town on Monday morning to see a mechanic as I'm not really that experianced with fuel injected cars and camryes in general however I thought I might aswell check my luck here to see if anyone knows what else it could be. Apart from this, the car seems quite awesome (Good for a first car, in my perspective anyway!)

Thanks ya'll.
Sorry if this post doesn't make much sense.. Just got fback from the pub
Thanks again!

Cyas!

[Dale]

Timing, has the timing belt been done? Probably a tooth or more out.. put a timing light on it and find out

Iridium plugs are normal, the rear bank only get done every 100,000km as you have to take off the inlet manifold to get to them

[Draven]

first question... is the power there on the flat you'd expect, or does it just seem ok because there is less load? check it by manually selecting a gear and revving it out a bit.

Slipped timing belt, clogged fuel filter and spark plugs are the first culprits I'd check

[2jzhilux]

also check egr system they are shit on these motors
is the engine light on

My money would be on timing belt being set wrong
Also if you do plugs dont remove intake manifold
they can be done with out taking it off
its just a little fiddly

[Andrew162]

my first thought was EGR or fuel related issues as it happens conditionally (ie. up inclines). timing & plugs definitely should be looked at though.

[3sgte]

Airflow meters are known for getting dirty, causing a lean condition and a total lack of power.
Monitor the fuel trim values from the data list in the ECM to confirm this.

Second (less common) option is a knock feedback issue.
Watch the ignition timing to see if it is being retarded under load. If so, figure out if it is bad fuel, wrong plugs, ring ridge, bad knock sensor(s) or wiring.