sometimes, i get a loud pop coming from under the hood if i've given it enough gas before turning it over.

You really can't give it any "gas" before it turns over. The pedal just opens the throttle, letting air in (once it starts turning and sucking air).

But that "pop" may be a clue — a backfire. I'd suggest a quick check of the Timing Belt, if you have a 22mm socket and can crank the engine (CW as viewed from the front) to the 0° timing position for #1 cylinder.

At that point, the dimple on the Camshaft pulley should be aligned with the mark on the Cam cover, and the distributor rotor should be pointing about 45° to the right of straight ahead.

NOTE: If neither the Cam or Rotor are correct, you may be set at the #4 cylinder 0°. Give it another revolution and check the Cam & Rotor again.

My 1st guess it that the belt may have stripped some cogs.

--
Bruce Young,
'93 940-NA (current)
'80 GLE V8 (Sold 5/03)
'83 Turbo 245
'76 244 (lasted only 255,000 miles)
73 142 (98K)
'71 144 (track modified--crusher bound)
New 144 from '67 to '78
Used '62 122 from '63 to '67