Thanks for the reply, plugs were fitted new by Graham Goode about 3000 miles ago, I remember they threw the NGKs away saying they were no good but I don't know what they replaced them with. I have not checked the gaps but will do tomorrow. I have put all the standard kit back in for now and it is flying again. However Since it was running 220BHP on standard equipment set up a long time ago it has always cut out for what I have been thinking is overboost protection when driven really hard but we are taking holding it at about 4500 rpm and dropping the clutch type of driving. (doesn't get driven like that very often though).

I had a Renault 5 Turbo years ago and when I bought it, it had been overboosted so went off like a kangaroo down the road, The old fashioned Severn Valley Motorsport guys sorted it by turning boost down and it was great after that and this feels the same.

In this situation it cuts out so early the turbo has not really started working. which makes me suspect it is not ignition but I am a novice at these sort of things so I appreciate all your help.

Is there a way of checking the integrity of the ignition system?

This car has been a daily drive for the last 12 years and still is. It's just I have hit an age and financial situation that I can up the spec of it (without going stupid). However, I cannot afford to replace loads of other stuff to get this kit working so it may have to sit on the shelf for another few months before I can get it working.

Trouble is when you take it to a specialist you are somewhat committed.

Many thanks for your help so far Martin and 'Oldford' that sound like a good plan if I am going to take it there ignition system dependant.

Craig