no bov. so, nope on that idea. and all hoses are new on/around manifold. so I don't think they're leaking, but maybe. I'll try spraying carb cleaner on everything to test for leaks.

mattback presented another idea. possible bad ground wire to maf? working, then not working?

also gonna try unplugging my o2 sensor on the way to lunch, matt says it might cause some of these issues. he's gonna take a look at it at lunch.