Ok to update this, other than the voltage issues I can't fix and don't understand as its the same on 2 looms with and without the computer plugged in, the issue is now isolated to a hesitation below 3000RPM. Normal driving RPM between 2000-3000RPM (possibly lower but hard to test conclusively), the engine just seems to load up but really struggles to accelerate, then as the revs increase the engine noticeably surges and hesitates as it passes 2,500 and 2,700RPM with a great surge of power at 3000 and away we go. The engine itself sounds like its really struggling, heavy labouring and the exhaust sounds really deep and drony. The throttle also becomes very touchy around 2500-3000rpm (harsh on and off), clutch slip has also become very difficult at running temp, the engine needs at least 1200RPM to slip the clutch smoothly, any less and the engine shudders quite heavily. When under light throttle it's not as noticeable but I think that's more of a perception and load than the severity of the fault (as the clutch slip issue would indicate)
The issue is, this has now just come back. I had managed to sort this out somehow, the car drove perfectly for about 20 min, pulled from 1500RPM like a SCed engine should, power delivery was smooth and consistent with a constant increase in torque then hard pull from 3000. I turned the engine off, checked a loose wiring on the battery for a temporary boost gauge, started up and the problem was apparent as soon as I started to drive (couldn't clutch slip).
I'm planning on replacing the leads however I've inspected them all and they're all around 8kOhm (might be leaking though), I've checked the coil and its within limits the plugs, cap and rotor are brand new (less than 50km since the engine was first started). Replaced the AFM with a spare which looked in better condition, replaced all vac lines (except the front line to booster), new fuel filter, checked timing again, added temporary earth straps. TPS couldn't be adjusted better, ICV is functioning.
I've noticed when running the timing light on the primary lead it misses every now and then and the revs, timing and sound alter fractionally but it doesn't sound as if the engine has a big miss or anything sinister, if it wasn't for the light it would be almost imperceivable. Trying to work out if this is a dead coil, ignitor or maybe just an earth or lead leak (or normal)? I haven't noticed it on the No1 lead but it might be a chance thing.
Anything in there that I could have missed to cause this hesitation issue?
Cheers,
Nick