so It turns out the piece in the right does fit and is the correct item - I'm a rookie and I guess I was being too gentle when trying to install.
I got some help from the dealership and they confirm for me the part on the left is previous version and no longer in production. my is an 04 and I guess I still have all original parts.
problem is solved and my long starting symptoms are now quite as long as before. I will most likely go ahead and try to replace all other 3 now that I'm comfortable with the process of taking it out.... I did not even have to remove the engine covers the second time around!