Final update, I installed the coil pack and the misfire is gone! His car still had rough starting, I had a hunch it was a dirty or defective MAF sensor.

Before I touched the MAF, I explained some cars have a default mode, by running on different inputs in the event of total MAF failure.

I explained if I unplug the MAF and the condition improves, your MAF is 90% likely the culprit.

Turned car off, unpluged MAF, turned car back on, car run MUCH better and started immediately. I redeemed myself and got a lifelong client.

Against everyone's advice, lets so how far down the rabbit hole I go, I'll make money off of it while it lasts.

__________________
1998 Ford Escort ZX2 5 speed - 279,000 miles My Daily

1992 Mercedes 300D 2.5 202,000 - Pure junk
2000 Mercedes E320 Black - 136,000 miles - Needs repair

Don't forget to grease the screw and threads on the spring compressor.