Must be the plug wires then PDX. Did we change those with the plugs? I can't remember. As far as your IMRC goes, you can see if the box is working by watching under the intake and reving it up. That doesn't mean they're actually opening as the cable could be frayed, as in the case of my car. Supposedly bicycle cable will fix this, although I haven't looked up the how-to.
I'll likely be driving my Malibu again. It's doing much better now after the 60K service. It's actually pretty peppy! Well, for a Malibu anyway. I can't complain though. It's been a good car so far.

'98 SVT Contour, in at least 639 pieces 4 Speed MTX...synchro and shift fork replacement in progress