RE: "...it will crank a couple seconds and then finally start, once it does, it acts like its going to die and the idle is rough and loping like a massive cam. "
I have higher lb injectors in 1993-245, and when cold starting, LH 2.4 "dumps" the fuel, so it runs rich, and I must elevate RPM for a minute or so, then O2 sensor informs LH 2.4 to back it down.
After reading thru, I'm wondering if your cold start injector is pissing away....only way to evaluate is to pull it out, and have it checked out, or via doing a pressure test, which may be a PIA for your vehicle.
As I indicated before, I took all injectors on a 1990 240 and had them cleaned/tested...iirc, fuel rail sits above cold start injector, so any debris in line could drop down into cold start injector. Also, cold start injector is used less in your climate.
Evaluating CTS at ECM's plug via ohm meter might be prudent.