2.7 stick stalls when cold

The bolts that fasten the head are TTY (Torque To Yield) and cannot be reused. Should you decide to reuse them you will be sorry for it. That aluminum head expands and retracts under the tension of those TTY bolts. Make sure that you find out how to de torque properly so the head doesn't warp out of shape or snap bolts during the removal process.

 

As quoted by the OP

"the stupid motor has shim and bucket and is a PITA to adjust
a valve adjustment might help but i am not sure why the mechanics are saying it cant be done, when I ask the just shrug and say theyve never considered it but the manual tells how maybe they know that enough shim cannot be removed to get the valves seated or some such"
Don't give up hope! Adjusting the valve lash by sanding down shim buckets is possible. You can achieve the correct valve lash. I did it but it took some time. Shops prefer not to do this task because of the amount of time to do the work. They can change out different thicknesses of shims but this is still time consuming.


Maybe I missed something but did you pull codes at the OBDII ?
A shot in the dark

If your engine is difficult to start when cold would you think that your ECT engine coolant temp sensor might be out of action? Your check engine light should illuminate on the dash. Anyway there is an ECT sensor at the back of the head. The engine's computer needs this input signal and when cold interprets this as a cold start and will apply more fuel. Think of that sensor like a choke on a carburetor. No sensor = not enough fuel at start up.

Another shot in the dark
Quoted from the OP
"about 4 weeks ago the AC compressor clutch melted so I disconnected the belt , IIRC the cold stall started before this but not 100% sure , I know there is an idle-up circuit for the AC but havent investigated it yet"
Look for a ground terminal close to where the the ignition coils are, they are at that location and just towards the front a bit. Check for serviceability. Use a multimeter and set it on ohms. Check the terminated wire against the engine block. You should not be above .02 ohms. If you are then remove the terminal, clean it and reinstall.