Does not tick in neutral. only when accelerating and if i keep my foot on gas it almost backfires and starts to decelerate. When i lift my foot off the peddle i can get it to go again. but freeway speeds and hills are impossible. Help this car means a lot. THANK YOU

 

Lots of possibilities. First check that the choke is fully open when the symptoms are happening. Look around for a leaky vacuum hose. Also posslible, an obstructed exhaust. Does your year have a CC? If so it could be blocked. I don't know what you mean by ticking. If detonation, could be the EGR valve is stuck open. Feel under the valve to see if it can move.