Well.....took it to the dealer.
On my way down there the "rattling" noise became a knocking.
Told them when I got there, guy said it didn't sound like a clutch because no over-revving.
Jumped in and went for a drive, hooned it round the little country roads....or at least tried to
The knocking got worse, but I could feel the secondaries a lot more now.
We went back to the dealership and he told me it sounded like there could be water in the gas, lowering the octane, causing the knocking sound which had just occurred. Run a bottle of water remover through and fill up on higher octane for a few tanks. If it persisted then to bring it back.
He mentioned too that the incorrect ignition could lower my hp for revs.
I threw in a bottle of STP water remover, filled up on 91 and it's definitely feeling better. The knocking is really dying down a lot now, nearly gone today. The HP is feeling better for the revs and she's driving more like she used to. I'm still not entirely happy yet, but it's a great improvement, and I only did this all yesterday too.
On a side note, I always check the pump before I fill, and wipe snow/ice off if I see any .... but .... I did lend the car to my wifes ex-husband (long long long story), and he put in a little less than 1/4 tank. Could be something happened there. I also had just run a bottle of Motomaster "premium, all-singing, all-dancing, so good it makes you coffee in the morning" cleaner through the tank, and the tech guy told me this could have contributed somehow to the problem, although would not be the cause.
I also reset the computer too before hand, that really made a difference in second. Totally unbelievable, I went from hitting 6K revs at 30~35mph to ~50mph. Definitely fits in with the ratio ScottK put in here. No idea why that could be, but it sure did make a big big difference.
Also have to quickly mention that the Check Engine Light never came on once.
Ahh well, it seems a bit better now, and $5 instead of $1,500 is much easier on my pocket. I just hope it really does fix it. I'm going to get the plugs and wires checked sometime soon too. Not something I'd do myself, I know enough but wouldn't dare tinker !! LOL I'm a coward when it comes to fixing cars.
Thanks for the great replies, be sure I'll post again if this doesn't fix the problem.
Rabbit.
