HELP
I converted my 1988 orion to an rs turbo in the summer
since getting it on the road ive had nothing but problems
the engine was rebuilt new shells bearings pistons conrods valves tappets ect ect everything was replaced.
the head gasket went a couple of weeks ago, the vaccume hose from the inlet to the ecu wasnt connected so i put the gasket blowing down to that,
i replaced the gasket and hooked up the pipe, since then the car would start and drive fine but it would hold back under load.
if i put my foot down in 3rd it would pull well and boost ok, 4th would be ok too but i could feel it holding back slightly, in 5th if i build it up slowly the car would cruise fine but if i put my foot down to say overtake it would just hold back and there would be no power
I drove the car the other day maybe about 10 miles and it started pinking when i even slightly put the foot down and still holding back
the next day i went out and started it at first it seemed to lock then it fired up, usualy starts with the first turn of the key.
i let it idle for about 5 mins it was idling quite fast about 1500rpm
it started missing every 5 - 10 secs then a loud rattle started.
switched the engine off. since then it struggles to start, when it does it runs ruff and the loud knocking or rattle is still there
im new to all of this
any help would be great
im starting to wish i had kept the original 16i in her
cheers

 

I would start with the basics, ie your igntion timing, then ensure you have a decent fuel supply(renew filter).
Turning over sluggish could be a starter/alternator/wiring fault, but also ignition too far advanced will cause this, and pinking, loss of torque in higher gears, and possibly engine kicking back when trying to start, if bad enough.
tabetha