No acceleration uphill one way, fine going the other way uphill

Welcome to 2CarPros. First off I would replace the factory intake and see if it stops acting up. Unless the CAI you installed uses an insulated intake tube and an air-box that actually draws air from outside the engine compartment it is very likely the problem. That is because 99% of them do not draw in cooler air, they draw in the air from under the hood, just about the hottest place there is on a car. Being a small four cylinder it has to really work to make power, the turbo generates a lot more under-hood heat as well. There is no adjusting involved.

I do believe it does use an insulated tube and air-box from outside (it is the engine CAI specifically made for the 1.4L turbo Dart). I know I live near dirt roads and all so I know that can be a factor with the filter but since it's only been 2-3 weeks since I installed the intake I've checked either daily or every other day just to make sure everything is still in place how it should be and also making sure there isn't any particles whether it be dirt, pollen, etc., in the filter. The filter was still pretty clean (there's a few little specs here and there but nothing excessive). it's not the oil filter as well I probably should note that.

And as far as the factory box goes the vacuum line on the factory box was broken which was actually why I decided to finally swap out for the cold air intake so that's kinda out of options there.

But my main question is I guess how come I'm losing speed going uphill one way but the other? I can almost fly uphill no issues. Both sides have roughly the same grade and same amount of turns but it's only one side I've noticed this on. could it possibly be because one side of the mountain is closer to where I start the car at (as stupid as it may sound)?

And this issue has really only been the last three days since I've gotten back from the 200+ mile trip and I have no issue accelerating in second or third, fourth is very rarely. I have issues with but it's there, and fifth is my problem child so to speak.uphill I'm roughly shifting around 3,500-4,000 rpm (about midway) just because of the uphill factor, normally I'm shifting around 3,000-3,500 when I'm not on the mountain.

I mentioned the catalytic converter because the night this started acting up there was like a backfire type sound and I have no idea if that has anything to do with it. I run mid gas (89 here) and again this really only started the other day and nothing's changed in how I drive it or anything else.

Hmm backfire type sound. That could be something with the turbo waste gate. For that work you will want to start with a scan tool that has bi-directional control and allows testing of the components while the engine is running.