weird problems

ill toss out what i can. congrats on the new ride. :)

some aftermarket IAC's mount upside down. is that what you are referring to?

do original TB's have holes? mine dont. some guys do it to help the IAC, but i thought it swas done by individuals on oem parts.

a stockish healthy motor should have 15-20" of vac at idle. it still sounds like you have a leak (hanging idle till you stab it).

my two cents. good luck.