OK, I overlooked the obvious.
After putting in the first 2 sensors I took the PCV out, sprayed with gumout.

The engine light went from flashing on and off to a constant on.
It ran much better on the ride home, could almost idle, and went back to the original high idle.

BUT....a new thing has just surfaced...the shifting from one gear to the other is like a sledge hammer....NEVER had this before....what's up with that????

I'm starting to think that this is vacuum related, otherwise why would that shifting be so off now.