thanks for the replies guys.

as far as HPT, aside from buying it, the only way i know to get my truck hooked up to it is to get it tuned right? i've been thinking about this, but with 190k miles, i wouldn't want to push it too hard as far as performance tuning goes, and can't really see myself spending 3-400 for small timing adjustments. i may be wrong though, what do ya'll think?

as far as the intake gaskets, i replaced those when i did the knock sensors. worth double checking them for leaks though.

is there any validity in suspecting the o2 sensors at this point? they one of the few things on the truck that i have never replaced.

thanks again everyone