Screw the road test----an engine scan is in order providing you with information if anything is mechanicallly or electronically wrong---but that is what the SES is supposed to do. Checking the condition of plugs and wires,a compression check while the plug is out, fuel pressure, oil pressures, idle speed, etc. are simple checks.

Your manual should tell you the possible things that should be changed out at a 75K pit stop---not that you have to go exactly by the manual. But things like plugs, wires, lubes, coolants, radiator caps, batteries, EGR scrap---these are some of the things that should be done as a matter of maintenance. Your biggest expense, as far as the routine crap (not counting an opticrap (which may not need to be done) plus 02s if they are ineffecient, is going to be changing the plugs. I've seen some hefty numbers when it comes to changing plugs on an F-Body. So if the plugs and wires are the main things, you might check around with a local mechanic whom you trust to change out the plugs-----if and only if-----they are completely familiar with what it is going to take to do the plugs and wires and they are willing to do it (with you present) and at half the price of the dealer. This is with you providing the plugs and wires and your checking the gap on the plugs.

The reason for being present is to make sure that they get ALL of the plugs and that they don't fuc something else up in the process.

It has been know to happen----especially if you get a mechanic who decides to skip a plug if too hard to reach or routes a wire that winds up getting fried on a header. Hell, you might find someone on this who lives near you and is willing to do it for you at a good price.

----don't change the opti unless it is boogered. JMHO

 

I'll do it for airfare both ways (only if you live in a nice part of the country). I need a vacation.

 

If you are from NJ---any place is a nice place.

 

Now that's not nice.


...but in your case, I guess living in "The Beaver State" has its advantages.

 

Luv those beavers.

 

*Off Topic*
People think of NJ looking like this:


But about only 5% (even if that much) of NJ looks like that. The problem is everyone fly's into Newark to hop planes, etc. and never really get to see what NJ really looks like. Most of it is farmland around were I live (Hunterdon & Somerset about an 1hr drive from NYC) and It's even more farmland the further down you go.

 

8 hrs seems like reasonable book labor for plugs, wires and opti. 75 K is a good time to change out a 10 year old opti. Mine quit at 77K. Don't do a cap and rotor, put in a new GM opti. Accel 9000 wires work well.
You may also need a new cat, that could contribute to rough running.

 

I paid $45 for labor on plugs got my car back 2 hours later!!!!!!

 

When I did the plugs and wires on my car when it was all stock I believe it took me 4 1/2 hours to do. And that is with its fair share of sitting around and thinking about it added into that. So it was realisticly only about 3 1/2 hours of actualy work I would say. But your best bet is to find a friend that is real good with cars and give him a couple 30 packs to do it or somthing.