i didn't read all of the posts, i will go back and read it later...in the meantime u mentioned sticking throttle...that is prolly because your t/b and cable is prolly dirty and gunked up...i also had a (slightly) sticking throttle...after a long freeway ride when i'd stop on the offramp at the light the throttle would stick a bit before going down enough to move the car

when i cleaned the throttle body and egr ports i also sprayed the intake cleaner (b12chemtool) on the throttle cable and worked it back and forth a few times and on the spring on the t/b...haven't had sticking problems since

99 expedition eddie bauer, 5.4 v8, k&n drop-in, 3" magnaflow catback and gas mileage that makes the contour look like a hybrid