$2200 later after a new MAF, EVAP system seal, O2 sensor (to clear that code) and new timing belt kit.....it's still doing it!!!!

It's not as bad, granted I've only had it for a week. But the cold morning starts are solid (except for one day) and the afternoon startup from work to home sputters for 3-4 seconds. In the last two days it's now taken two key cranks (mainly because I won't let it sputter longer than 5 seconds).

well shit...everything else was fine except the valve clearance. They were all out of whack from the machine shop...but none were zero lash. Could those really cause this? What about something else we didn't discuss...the ignition cylinder in the steering column, or anything else from key to start?

I'm so frustrated.