You didn't replace WIRES when you did plugs? I tried that once, never again any car that needs PLUGS needs WIRES.
I learned that LONG ago. Changing Cam and Crank sensors is NOT a bad idea anyway, I just dont'[ think that's the issue.

I mean, to blow a hole in the INTAKE manifold? That sounds pretty extreme, back in the day, we had cars backfire a lot, never did damage like that.

No, no other reset procedures. I would ask, "backfire" or "misfire"? THis just seems very odd to me.