16v idle/cold start problems

[mk3newbie]

Hey I've got a valver and I recently changed the distributor and plugs and had the timing done by my local garage after the change - ran really lethargic with a 400rpm idle. It needs a bit of throttle when starting from cold - so maybe csv? Having had the the timing done it runs much better when warm and gets better mpg but it jumps to 3000rpm when it eventually starts and drops to 1100 ish after 15 or so seconds. In that time it sometimes drops but then suddenly rises. I'm baffled, does anyone know what it might be?

[stupot115]

I had a similar problem. It turned out to be one of the sensors on the side of the head. Try swapping them around  and see if it helps.

[pigbladder]

was the timing done with the red/black wire at the coil undone ?

whats the idle speed warm with that wire undone