2.3L ('83-'97) High RPM @ startup

[scotts90ranger]

Dumb thought but it might be worth it to half the surface area available to the IAC as an air source... If you can drive 20 in 2nd with the brakes on there's plenty of air available, reducing it wouldn't hurt

 

[ForgedCrank]

I just jumped in my '97 to load some pallets at lunch and wouldn't you know it, did just what you describe, turns out I just don't pay attention and go driving...

Well, since my last post, the problem got even worse. Was getting real bad rev hang between shifts and a 2800 startup RPM warm or cold. I decide that last hail-mary was back to basics, the most common source for this problem is the IAC. So I returned what I believe is the grey market Motorcraft under warranty and got a replacement of the same from AutoZone.
Well, wadda ya know, the freekin problem went away.
The only question left is... will it stay that way?

 

[scotts90ranger]

With the way my '97 works if you get bored I would probably reduce the vacuum source to the IAC by some, since you obviously know how to drive a manual and don't need the IAC to help too much it doesn't need as much authority... now that I thought about it once I get to changing the valve cover gasket on my '97 I'll probably make a restrictor plate out of a beer can or something cuz why not...