 solved
There was a vacuum leak in the intake manifold gasket, so they told me. Turn s out 650 dollars later (minus 90 for diagnostic and 15 for parts), they should have said, I have a leak in the plenum gasket.
A big difference in part availability and time. So the mechanic must have taken a few smoke brakes during his day.
I think it took me 5 hours to pull the tranny and this guy spent that on a plenum gasket.
Most importantly of all, the wife is happy to have a car for our vacation tomorrow.
thanks | 
