It does take while to turn off with lugging the exhaust, but it shouldn't be excessive, so yes, some things probably need tightening :)
Follow the tuning guide, now you're ready :):
https://www.rcnitrotalk.com/forum/threads/nitro-tuning-tips-and-tuning-flow-chart.60832/
Have you tightened the carb body screw? It's the screw that holds the carb onto the crank case, also check that your fuel pipes are attached to the nipples correctly and that the fuel tank is shut well with a good seal.
If you're talking about the rubber one on the exhaust, then yes, that could be the issue. The exhaust is actually incredibly important on a nitro RC and should not be modified (although replacing parts is fine) the exhaust is used to build up pressure in the fuel system to force fuel into the...
Do the bubble check, but that would most likely cause an inconsistent idle, not a raising one. Try taking off the air filter and letting it idle for a short time (as to avoid anything getting inside, do in a clean place, do not move the car) and see whether the gap fluctuates. If it does, see...