I'm being lazy here (can't be bothered to look for me RAVE disk), but how do you adjust the kickdown on the ZF auto box on a V8? Previous owner has tightened it up so it's like it's permanently in sports mode. Drinking fuel like billio, only changes up at 3000rpm and tap the throttle forces kickdown. I want it nice and lazy for economy, and if I want performance I'll use the selector to choose the gear I want.

slacken off the kickdown cable adjustment so that there is approx 6-8mm between the top of the outer cable and the crimped on lead seal on the inner cable under just enough tension to take out slack in inner cable, then fully open throttle and you should feel the cable select kickdown just before you reach full throttle travel stop IIRC you will be able to tell by trial and error if this suits your style of driving, Do not however be tempted to disconnect the cable completely. HTSH

Thanks for that. I've only ever messed around with Vauxhall auto's before and that was trial and error by tightening or slackening by a number of clicks on the adjuster. Never messed with me 90 hybrid as it was set up how I wanted