for starters i've never had a clutch make the engine cough as i pull away from a stop, nor a transmission. a 90 maxima's engine is a very strong motor with a long and respected history. th same engine was put in the 300z in 90. when you did the complete tune up was the fuel filter replaced? do you always use regular gas, or do you use mid grade? unless your car has 300k miles, because i'd bet you don't use super exclusively (not that most would at the prices these days). i'm not accusing or scolding you (i can't remember the last time i put super in my truck) at all, but if you can afford to put a full tank of premium, preferably at chevron (techroline is arguably the best of the present fuel detergent additives) and maybe also get a bottle of "marvels mystery oil and top end lubricant", found at all chain auto part stores in a red bottle with a long skinny neck,and split it half in the gas tank(while filling the tank with at least 8 gallons) and the other half in the engine oil, it will definitely not hurt your maxima in anyway and i'd be suprised if your problems at the starting gate would be reduced and if we're lucky it could no longer be a problem.and if the fuel filter wasn't replaced, and you have over a 100k miles on the odometer, replace it at your first opportunity. my guess is you have carbon deposits in your cylinders and on your valves, and that reducing thosebdeposits can bring your maxima's engine back up closer to par.
hope it works and i'd love to know if it does, so feel free to let me know how it goes... good luck!