Engine throttle response feels lethargic

[glynlucas]

I have recently purchased a '94 Chimaera with 40,000 miles. I really love it!! But:
The throttle response feels laboured and it is a complete dog when cold! Just refuses to rev feeling like it is holding back... Once warm, the engine feels great although there is still a tendancy to be reluctant to rev. If pushed there is no problem but it feels like something is not quite right.
I have changed the HT leads, Distributor cap and rotor arm. Cleaned the Stepper Motor and checked the vacuum advance is working and reset the ECU. My gut feeling is that the timing is retarded. The running temp' seems to be about 90 is this correct? I do have a timing strobe but was wary about adjusting the timing becuase of the warning's in Steve's book about unreliable markings... any thoughts?

>>> Edited by glynlucas on Tuesday 7th October 17:36

[joospeed]

Get it booked at a rolling road .. the only reliable way to alter ignition timing and get max power. General timing figures are just that, something close for 75% of cars, but not necesarily spot on for your own particualr car..

[ATG]

The running temp will vary a lot with speed. If you're sitting in a queue or not getting much aboue 30mph you can expect the temp to go up to about 90 and be held there when the fans cut in. Once your average speed goes up, you should expect the temp to come down. A-roads and motorway temp is normally 70C.

[glynlucas]

Thanks for your input. from what you say, I think it is running a little hot. Rarely goes below 90 degrees although it never really gets any hotter either.

Car is due to go into Christopher Neil for a service so I suppose I should wait and see what he finds.