Well after lots of down time (only get to work on the car on leave) I officially lost to my car. No idea how you guys can pull the guts of the sequential setup apart like it's nothing but after trying I'm incredibly impressed by all that have.

In summary
Removed lots of stuff, put it back on, my downpipe leaks exhaust I'm sure there's other problems but didn't let the car run long enough to find out.

Going to order a new gasket and hopefully that'll fix it; Ray to the rescue yet again.

 

practice makes perfect, my friend.

and for the sequential stuff, thats why we remove it, so you dont have to keep tearing into it to troubleshoot and replace solenoids and vac lines

 

it gets easier and easier the more you do it. having a good print-out of the color-coded vacuum hose diagram (check the FAQs) will save your soul as well. i actually have one that doesn't leave the car.

 

If you're reusing the stock studs, be careful because if they aren't put back into the same position a couple of them will not get fully tight. You could try slipping a 10mm lockwasher under the head of each one and that should get them all tight.

I'd do that before paying Ray over $100.