[mufftang66]

first, thanks for all the suggestions, everyone.

and in the interest of posterity i thought i would update...
car kept stalling at a stop, check engine light came on again, so i got the code read and it was...

P1507, which was Idle Air Control underspeed error - ECM detected an engine speed less than desired.
solutions
1.engine vacuum leak
2.Failed IAC valve
3.open or short in electric
4.air inlet plugged

so i checked for signs of a vacuum leak on the lines, nothing... then i popped $87 for a new IAC valve, installed it this evening and now everything is back to normal. idle is all good and no more stalling or dieing at the stoplight.

I didn't put the IAC mod plate back in, i may do it next time i'm under the hood