so far, the hesitation and rough idle are 90% better but still present... again, I'm planning on having the problem come back again.

I might have a shop check my catalytic converter if the problem comes back in full force (my exhaust still smells rich), but if it doesn't, I'm just going to except the fact that my car is old (200k miles) and is never going to run like new without some major work... so if I can get another 50k out of this car without major maintenance even if it has a crappy idle, so be it... As of now, I probably only drive 7k per year, which will get me 6 or 7 more years out of her... then I'll buy a reliable, low-maintenance japanese or Korean car... I never thought I'd say those words...