So I bought the multiport upgrade from GMPartsdirect.com. Thank you to all that have contributed such very useful information to threads on the process. It was awesome to have the pics, too. But...

It seems too easy. Is it too good to be true?. This may be a dumb question, but do I leave the plastic covers on the ends of the "legs" and just slide them in? I mean, really. That's it? There aren't any clips like there were on the central port poppets.

 

OK, I'm going to say "yes, it is that easy" since it all went right back together, started and runs that way. There were no leaks or fires or anything. I'm still getting the dreaded check engine light, though and the idle is still rough (well crap). At least it should pay for itself with better gas mileage and improve the throttle response a bit. Anyway, back to the drawing board. I think it's time to pull the distributor for a look now.