....and does she ever run smooth now!!!
It was the IMRC Vacuum solenoid valve. $60 incl taxes from Ford.
With the aid of a $30 vacuum gauge from Canadian Tire, we (my dad and I) checked for vacuum pressure before and after the solenoid.
First we checked vacuum right at the UIM and got a reading of 20 for reference.(the units escape me right now)
The solenoid was receiving vacuum, there was a reading of 19 in the line connecting to the solenoid... but the solenoid could not deliver the vacuum to the IMRC actuator. There was no reading on the guage when connected to the hose that leads to the IMRC actuator
By the way, the solenoid is not bolted onto the block but actually clips onto a blue plate that is bolted to the block. With a coat hanger wire, I was able to push back the tab on the solenoid and push it down and off the blue plate. If you have a new solenoid to put on you will see what I mean.
Anyway - after confirming there was no vacuum after the solenoid we checked the electrical connector. With a volt meter and the car on, we were able to confirm that full voltage was reaching the solenoid.
Also, we checked to see if vacuum was present after the solenoid with no electrical connector attached. And still there was no vacuum. Therefore confirming without a doubt that the solenoid was toast.
Once we put the new solenoid on and checked vacuum, we got 19 on the gauge for the solenoid. I hooked it all back up, started the car and the secondaries CLOSED!
I took it for a spin and there was absolutely NO hesistation on my low rpms and I get oh so smooth acceleration.
I HAVE MY CONTOUR BACK!
So after that, I gave her an oil change and a wash.... Its actually a real pleasure to drive again! ..and I actually trust my car again. Not that open secondaries will leave you stranded at the side of the road, but when you don't what is causing stumbling and hesitation you tend to think the worse.
Well - I hope this information helps someone.
GO BABY GO! 
