how much play (or slack) should there be in the throttle cable on a 5sfe? mine seems to be loose and sloppy and ì'm wondering if it could be at the origin of a low/sluggish idle. how much vertical deflection (play) should there be in a NORMAL cable? and of course how the heck am i going to adjust it if it is too loose?

theres a little bracket right on the side of the intake manifold pointing to the front of the car.
its got 2 14mm bolts you loosen the appropriate one, and tighten/loosen the cable.
it should have very little play, but not be pulling the throttle plate open.