Mk2 GTi wouldn't wake up from repairs

[shaolindan]

re jump leads if positive is connected to negative and neg is connected to positive then it will blow the ecu. I know it sounds daft but you will be amazed at how many times it happens

Had me worried there, but no that's not something I would do. I used to put bad red to good red then good black to bad black. (or positive and negative whichever you prefer) I have done that for years but was recently told that the last connection from the good negative/black should go to an earth point on the car not to the bad negative.
/shrugs always worked for me.

[russ-vdub]

Yeah this sounds like there is a major air leak somewhere, check all inlet hose like stated above and then report back

[cooperR]

Hurray! My car is finally sorted out.Seems the distributor is the bug, the magnetic brush contacts are worn and goes nuts intermittently, thus had the entire unit replaced. Dizzy caps and arm were rather new. Runs perfectly again. In the process, I had the fuel pumps changed which may be a good thing in the long run. While waiting endlessly for the cure, had new engine mounts ordered and replaced as well. Seems like the old lady just wanted everything new. Cheers!