it's an 8 valve. the distributor is at the back of the block and it has the TDC sensor in there , not on the bellhousing. no turbo, Its a Bosche system.

i have other cars with the newer system with the TDC sensor on the bellhousing and the little box to to check the codes. this is an 88 so it does not have the code reader box. I seem to recall there still being a way to check codes but you had to make up a little part with an LED?

it seems quite sluggish when cold especially. after running a couple of tanks of new gas it might be a wee bit better..
when it idles it seems to vibrate more than it should. It seems to shake the exhaust and that seems to sort of vibrate too but I dont think there is anything loose or abnormal with the exhaust..
head gasket is ok. temp is normal. I can' t seem to find any air leakage around the intake.

i dont think the cat is plugged I can get tit o rev up and go up hill and stuff but it just doesn't feel very strong or responsive.

I have a parallel post about the head gasket on my 240 , it has the TDC sensor but most of it is the same otherwise, different ICU. maybe I can swap the injectors or some other parts , maybe the fuel pressure regulator, to see what difference that makes.