Fixit talks about the "prepump" in the tank, but he is thinking of the Bosch system with two fuel pumps. Your car has the Rex-Regina engine management system and so has just one pump, which is in the tank. I could imagine that if your pump was working, but tired, it might not be able to handle the sudden increase in need when you step on it, but you are right wondering why passing wouldn't be similar.

The car will run just fine withe the flame trap totally plugged. You will leak oil and gum things up, but it doesn't affect perfomance noticably. Good thing you took care of that even though it doesn't help with this.

I think a poorly functioning IAC would cause problems at idle, not just when starting out, but that is an easy thing to clean so I agree that you should go ahead with that. Read the 700/900 FAQ in FEATURES under LINKS at the top of this page for instructions on that and so much more.

I have been chasing a problem in my Regina car which has some similarities with yours. Besides bogging down at stop signs sometimes, mine takes a long time starting. I have been pretty much through my system and haven't found it yet.

I suggest you do a thorough check for vacuum leaks. This is easier than it sounds. Besides visually inspecting the many vacuum hoses, you can use propane or carb cleaner to help find a leak you don't see. I believe this is covered well in the FAQ as well.

If you find your problem, please let us know. It might help me, for instance.
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Andy in St. Paul. '89 244 153K mi, '91 745 Regina 202K, '88 244 184K