Ford Repair: 93 Ford Taurus 3.8L, vacuum leaks, maf sensor

Question
Hi, I have a 93 taurus 3.8l automatic 160,000 miles. car was running fine 1 day and the next I have a severe rough idle I checked for loose anything, changed cap and rotor as well as plugs still no fix. I thought ctalytic converters(there are 2... 1 on each manifold) might have clogged so i removed 02 sensors(these are between manifold and catalytic converters) to see if back pressure was gone. wasn't same bad rough idle. I disconnected each spark plug wire 1 at a time to see if rpms dropped it seems like the front three cylinders did but the back three was barely noticeable. I also pulled the wire at the plug side of the back 3 cyl. thinking bad wires but as i put the wires back on the spark would arc to the plug (yes I got zapped a few times)Its almost as if somthing broke or gave out because like I said ran fine one day and bad the next if the wires were no good wouldn't it be a more gradual failure? I bought a code reader and if i did it right during the engine off key on a code of 157 which indicate a bad MAF or MAF circuit.How bad could a defective MAF or Maf circuit really affect the engine performance? If you drive the car it will go but has like no power what so ever. I put the pedal to the floor and almost no response.Something else that may or may not be working is the spark advance when I disconnect it again it seems like a minimal change in rpm if any.The other thing i did was listen to the injectors. I took a long screwdriver and put the blade on the injector and the handle on my ear to listen for the clicking and all 6 were. I guess my question is what could cause the sudden rough idle and loss of power? Any info would be great thanks in advance, Kevin

Answer
Hello and thanks for the question...I'll try to help.
The MAF sensor and or circuit can greatly affect the condition of the running of the engine. What I would suggest to you is that you check for vacuum leaks and also note the condition of the spark plugs that came out of the engine. The 3.8L has been notorious for having a head gasket problem. Check the coolant level in the engine. See if it has dropped.
Erik