the only thing i can think of it being is my throttle body elbow as i took all the restrictions out of it and have melted a rubber grommet onto it to stop air coming in through where the hole was. anyone else have an idea what it could be, flooring it in 2nd does nothing and struggle to hit 45 where as it usually does just over 55 in 2nd gear?

I guess it would make a little sense - since unmetered air would be entering the system. If you think this is the problem - spray some carb cleaner onto the TB elbow whilst the engine is running.

Apparently if there is an inlet leak - the revs should rise due to the chemical content of the carb cleaner.....

Don't think i've actually tried that, mind.

I take it that's all you've changed... Bear in mind, these older cars to tend to get the arse when you move stuff about - so it might be something random but in close proximity.

ok I've checked the throttle body elbow and changed it over for a standard one, checked pipework from the throttle body, afm connected and all seems in order. Theres a big increase in noise on the induction as i put my foot down but no go, would a shagged inlet manifold gasket cause this? just in a process of elimination and wanted to see if anyone knows commom problems as i dont get time to mess apart from the weekends, bit vexxed really seems like one thing after another, changed the brake cylinders last night but i suppose thats what you get for owning a 30 year old car

anything that lets unmetered air into the engine (i.e. any air that isn't passing through the air flow meter) will cause problems. So any knackered gasket or leaky hose can cause problems.

right think i might have found the problem, i was ruinning a downpipe with a cat on just temporary whilst i tweaked my de-cat down pipe. The one with a cat has a lot of bashes in it (on the cat) so i asked my dad to rev the car whilst i stood by the exhaust to feel for pressure, fuck all was coming out, so I'm guessing the cat was fucked, will find out sunday but will change the inlet manifold gasket for good measure

Arite mitch how u doin mate?I too have removed the pink air temp sensor for the tb elbow, and i reckon its the cause for the revs taking ages to drop on mine sometimes. In hinesight i dont think its a good idea!

not bad mate, how are you? I didnt think that pink sensor would make much difference but i had the revs taking ages to drop before but only once. Might put it back in i think