and if so, a lot or a little? my motor is built pretty stout, but it just doesnt seem as fast as it should be. pretty sure i have a vacuum leak, because i have to keep the idle set about 8 or 850 or it will choke and die if i put it lower. any thoughts?

 

yeah it can be a vacum leak... infact i am sure thats what it is.. when i had my cutless supreme (lowrider) i had to put in park at stops and revs the engine or it will die.. so finnally after 3 days i looked and looked then i found the disconneted hose on the carb that was hissing. then it went away after i pluged it. so look around or better yet listen for a leak.(PRETTY NOTICEBLE).


Hope you Find the problem.

 

a vac leak will raise your idle. you're on the right track.

 

well i knew that, but can it cost my engine not run as strong as it should?

 

of course. especially on a fuel injected car. your computer will be constantly trying to richen the burn from all of the unmetered air entering. This will reduce throttle response, gas mileage, and acceleration. You're also shortening the life of your spark plugs (to an extent) and catalytic converter, but that's not really a big deal. You're not HURTING much with a vacuum leak, but you're not running at 100% potential. In short answer to your question- yes.