EGR vavle is clogged go to "you tube" search "clean EGR "
the idle air controll valve is broken. You will need a new one.
My Aurora had a slight hesitation or rpm surge at about 1500 rpm. disconnecting the electrical connector from the EGR valve and the problem went away.
The PCM limits the top speed of the vehicle by cutting back on the fuel if the engine RPM's are high enough to damage the engine
I have 2002 Aurora with the same problem.
If the 1998 Olds Achieva will not rev over 2500 rpm there may be an issue with the idle control valve. A bad or unplugged valve will not let the car accelerate over 2500 RPM.
600 to 1000 rpm, will vary by what the computer is aiming for.
I have a 1998 olds Intrigue and mine started doing that it was the crank shaft position sensor
Could be a vacuum leak.
rev limiter will only let the RPM's get so high then it cuts back
The rpm required for an alternator will depend on the result that you want. At the very least, you will want 1200 rpm. The rpm's can go as high as 5000.
On your tachometer RPM stands for Revolutions Per Minute ( it indicates how fast the engine is turning )
200 horsepower at 4600 RPM and 260 lb-ft torque at 2800 RPM - according to my 2001 Consumer Guide book