fired the $hit box up for the first time today. The motor runs,not very well, idles a little rough. Not much reaction comming off idle but with a little coaxing will spin up to 4k all on it's own.

year?
engine year?
fuel delivery?

b

the car is a 73

the serial# on the FI brain checks to a 73 1.7 not the original motor

I have the stock FI, pump pressure checked out ok, last three #s on the MPS are 049

I fired it up this morning it will sputter for a minute and then go straight to 3k and won't come back to idle. The throttle is closed. any tips?

check your hoses...
you could very well have a major vac leak.

also check timing with a timing light.

b

started it again, it idles now but its a little rough. I can't see thetiming mark that's most of the problem there. What may cause the high idle at first start up?

if you have a Auxillary Air Regulator that actually works, then it will tend to idle at around 2k for a bit.

the timing mark should be visible on the fan and you'll wanna time it (if you have a 2.0 or 1.7) at 3500rpm....should be around 27degrees Before TDC.

b

if you get a timing light that will advance, you can advance your light to 27 degrees and use the giant white recessed wide fin painted white for your mark, which indicates TDC. those lights are more $$ tho.

b