wht would cause when shifting into D to be so sluggish as though its in 3rd

Check pcm (computer) numbers to see if they are the same between the 2 years. Dealer or salvage yard should know.

Just in case------double check all connections!

The crank and cam sensors tell the engine where top dead center is. Though these sensors do not usually cause a no start, if they break, the computer will go into "limp home mode," which allows you to get the car to a service station. The car will run badly, and may stall out on you. If the plug wires, plugs or coils are bad and are causing the engine to misfire, the engine will run rough. This may also cause the car to stall when driving. www.lightdeal.co.uk