1st ever tuneup - Opinions?

Greetings.

By the end of the month I should have a sizable quantity of cash saved up, and consequently, I want to give my Stang what it's been needing for a while.

Since I bought it Jan 31 of 2004, it's had two oil changes and a new air filter. I have no service records beyond that. Due to that uncertainty, I want to change out everything that could possibly lead to a problem, within reason and budget. My budget for this is about $500. I can adjust that upwards if I need to.

I searched the forum for all threads relating to tuneups, thoroughly read my Haynes manual, and have compiled a list of everything that I *think* needs to be done.

Additions, comments, deletions, and general encouragement are welcomed.

---- Begin List ----

All fluids are Valvoline unless specified otherwise.

- Replace spark plugs (Standard copper)
- Replace spark plug wires
- Replace PVC valve
- Check and repair EGR system
- Replace air filter (Stocker to K&N, and possibly a CAI)
- Replace fuel filter
- Trans fluid/filter change (MaxLife ATF with Stop Leak)
- Engine oil change (MaxLife synthetic)
- Replace distributor cap and rotor
- Flush out radiator and cooling system (Zerez Super Cleaner and MaxLife antifreeze, 70/30 mix)
- Add fuel injector cleaner (MaxLife Fuel Sytem Cleaner)
- Carb/TB cleaner down intake while running (SynPower Carb, Choke & TB Cleaner)
- Change power steering fluid (MaxLife Power Steering Fluid with Stop Leak)
- New brake fluid and bleed (SynPower DOT 3 & 4 Brake Fluid)
- Change differential fluid along with friction modifier (SynPower Full Synthetic Gear Oil)
- Pull rotors and put new wheelbearings and pack with grease, new wheel seals
- Check and adjust air in tires
- Check timing and replace timing belt (if needed)
- Replace drive belts (if needed)
- Check/clean/adjust TPS/IAC system
- Run codes from ECU
- Check all light bulbs and make sure they're working properly
- Inspect suspension and lubricate chassis
- Replace o2 sensor
- Fill WW reservoir with water and RainX concentrate
- Rotate and balance tires
- Check and adjust front end alignment
- Have battery/charging system tested
- Clean/replace battery cables
- Have brake system inspected and repaired as neccessary, including e-brake
- Adjust and lubricate A/T shift linkage

---- End List ----

Opinion on Valvoline MaxLife Engine Protector
Opinion on proper oil viscosity (Chart in Haynes suggests 10W-30)
Opinion on friction modifier in 7.5 - What's it for?
Opinion on automatic battery shutoff below certain voltage - Possible?
Opinion on EGR system - Does it help or hurt mileage?

Any other tips that would increase my mileage, short of dropping the A4LD and changing to a T-5 (someday!) are welcomed.

Here's the thing...

First, a rundown on the car's current condition.

- Takes 5-10 seconds to start when cold. (Should start right up, as far as I know).
- 8 out of 10 times, it will bog down and almost stall either when backing out of driveway first thing in the morning, or within a tenth of a mile. Feels like fuel starvation, as it bogs down even if I try to give it gas. After that inital episode, it's fine.
- Sometimes, when revving it, the car will shake (like a low rpm near stall condition, lasts for just under a second) then it clears up and revs ok.
- Annoying high idle (Sometimes up to 2k in Park - TPS/IAC, I think)
- When it hits the road after being first started, it'll rev to about 3k, and the tach needle will move erratically within a range of about 100-150 rpms as the engine refuses to rev higher. If I take my foot off the gas completely, and then give it gas again, it's fine.
- Severely crappy mileage, as I'm only getting 200-220 miles out of a tank, and I *should* be getting about 300-380. I expect about 350.
- Annoying shimmy that visibly shakes the car at speeds between 45 and 55. Shimmy lessens above that speed, but does not go away. Below 45, no shimmy.
- With 30 seconds of starting the car, a minor clattering sound can be heard from underneat the upper part of the timing belt cover. A friend tells me this means the belt is loose, meaning it has slack, and that my timing is off as a result.

If I could fix all these problems with some targeted repairs, I'd be more than happy - However - I may soon be moving to another state - CA - 3,000 mile drive - And I would hate to be starnded on the side of the road by some routine maitenance item that didn't get done!

While I'd love to do some of this work myself, currently I have no tools to do it with (or jackstands) nor do I have the mechanical knowledge beyond that required to change my oil and filter. Car savvy friends that know what they're doing, that are not all talk, are rare here.

Further, I may have to move out sometime between August 1st and Sep 1st - That being the case, I may be wasting my money on tools and stands, since I'd have nowhere to do the work.

I'd be paying a shop to do this work - I'd screen the shop as best I can - Warranty, AAA/ASE certification, previous customers that I could talk to and ask about quality of work, etc...

So there you have my situation! lol

Ok, an update. I went and bought a few things for the car, and if/when I move, I'll just haul it with me I guess. Probably have to find a hitch and small trailer here soon, LOL. (If 2.3 Rangers, which for the most part on 93's and older, share the same engine/drivetrain, can tow, then I should be able to as well..)

- Code Scanner (to pull codes, run KOEO and KOER tests, and test solenoids/relays)
- Inductive Timing Light (To check timing)
- Work light (Gotta have light to do my work, if my current work schedule keeps up)
- Multimeter (Testing/setting TPS, checking continuity, etc..)
- Timing belt (Maybe to replace the old one with? LOL)

I'm still short of jackstands (or ramps) - Which is better? Do jackstands just slide under each corner and the you raise each one up, or do you have to do some contortion of jacking each corner up and setting jackstands?

Also, I used to have a decent tool set - Had full set of sockets, allen drivers, screw bits, spark plug socket, hydrometer, battery cable/post cleaner, rubber mallet, circuit tester, wire tires, etc.. Until some jackass stole it. Since I am unable to find a similarly equipped set now (all in one place, nice molded case) I suppose I'll have to buy a toolbox and start getting tools a few at a time.

Beyond the other misc things that I can think of - oil filter wrench, mechanic's gloves, rust penetrant, to name a few - What else will I need, except patience and a carton of Marlboros?

Oh yes.. I do have a Haynes manual, but it is a bit short on some topics, and entirely skips others due to limited space. Not to mention, some procedures, even with illustrations, are sill confusing. As an example, I read up on changing a timing belt last night. On the ProjectHP page (forget who's site here, but whoevers it was - Good job!) it had the basics, with pics, and the Haynes manual, as usual, had the procedure, just laid out in a more complex fashion. How to find TDC, and set engine to that position.... Hmm.. A look at my Haynes gave me about zero help... lol