2003 2.3 mazda eng. 5speed man-----under strong acceleration at around 3,500 rpm it loses about 500 rpm then winds up strong again-----? thx

 

Welcome to the forum

Not sure I understand the question

At 3,500rpm it suddenly drops to 3,000rpm
Then comes back up to 3,500rpms an goes up

No, wouldn't think clutch on that, slipping clutch would cause RPMs to go higher without much speed increase, then an rpm drop with increased speed as clutch stopped slipping

With foot off the clutch pedal and transmission in gear any change in RPM should cause instant change in speed

Some 2003 Rangers with 2.3l Duratec engine still had IMRC(Intake Manifold Runner Control), a problem with this might cause what you describe

 

thx, slipping clutch, thats right, was guessing, hadn't seen this before, been driving sticks for 40 years, is my 4th ranger 2.3 stick. luv em wind em up and they go do like the ford 2.3 better cept for the timing BELT New to-- me intake runner control, ----does jump on the gas. will get on it.

thx a ton