The sputtering is not consistent - happens sometimes and does not other times.it is like it back fires or something.any help is greatly appreciated.

It sounds like it could be a cylinder misfiring. It could be as simple as a cracked spark plug. Take it to your mechanic and have him/her diagnose your problem correctly. good luck

go the cheapest route first. change the gas filter. it could be getting dirty and slowing down the flow of fuel.

l guarantee that a dizzy cap and rotor is not the problem.

That 4.6L v8 has coil packs.

l love distributorless ignition.

You are due a shop visit. Someoen with the proper diagnostic tools can figure this out for you.

if you do your own work start with removing each plug you might find that one of them is fouled out if so either wire or a bad coil pack easy cheap fix either way. Its not going to be a fuel filter do not even waste time on that could be some sensor so if all the plugs look good go to a salvage yard and get some replacement sensors and start replacing them. if all this is to much trouble take it to the dealer.

low fuel pressure, bad MAF sensor

Sounds like a cylinder is misfiring. Is the check engine light on? If so, take it to your local Auto Zone or Advance Auto and have them read the code for you at no charge before you take it to a mechanic and risk being ripped off. How often is it happening?

You could put on a new set of wires or coil packs and fix it inexpensively. It probably needs these anyway.