as time has permitted, I've been reading threads try to catch up so as to not ask too many rookie questions... (overview in the sigtag below...) I've already located some good information and I'm about to start getting a few things done, and I'd appreciate any suggestions along the way... also, I've had a couple mechanical issues come up recently that I'll detail below... (sorry about the long post... I'll try to keep it organized...)

and, my apologies, with envy, to you motor heads... I'm an electrical guy and a computer guy, but when faced with a mechanical job, I often get to the hammer in the tool box a bit too soon... please bear with me...

first wave to be done is plugs, wires, pvc, T180 and fuel filter... (any plug suggestions...? can the other items be generic from a local parts store...?) I'm going to get the timing checked and switch to synthetic oil as well...

my idle had been rough and I've been getting about 19mpg... (I expect that to get better after the above is done...) I've added injector cleaner the last couple of tanks and did get over 20mpg for the first time over the weekend, but yesterday (9/1) I experienced a power problem for the first time...

problem #1... I bog down and lose power when I kick in the SC... below+3 on the boost, it seems to run normal... above that, it'* gagging... ??? how do I check my SC oil and where is it...??? it'* been running great until yesterday...

problem #2... recently, I've been noticing a fanning or flapping noise from the right front as I turn to the left... an occasional metalic clunk as well... the steering feels completely normal... any clues...?

these are the things (above) I need to address ASAP... allow me to get a little more frivolous below... (and btw... dollars are an issue... I need to do the important stuff first before some of the stuff below...)

the rear view mirror shakes... how do I tighten it up (without using the hammer)...? kind of makes your tummy turn...

I have a left side dash light out... I read on a thread that you need to be good with little tools to get into the dash... should a person like me (that owns a hammer) attempt to change a dash light...?

my ABS/Traction lights come on occasionally, though it seems more so when the weather is wet... I've read the threads about this and the 'suspect' seems to be the ABS sensor wire connection to the wheel possibly being rusty... is this something that a rookie like me can get to with a can of WD40, or should I leave it alone...?

I have the air compressor in the trunk, but I don't have the hose that goes with it... does it work well enough to make it worth ordering an air hose...?

how would I check to see if the EGR valve is working correctly...? (I know this is not a frivolous item... it could be an expensive one... hopefully the tune up above will clean up the performance a little...)

how much does my gas milage suffer if I use the 'Performance Shift' mode...?

should I get a shop manual...? if there are more than one, which one is best...? (I paged through one in Advance Auto and it seemed pretty sparse on detail...)

everything still works on my drivers seat, but the leather is worn through and a piece of plastic is sticking me in the side... I'd like to get a fitted sheepskin cover... I've found them ranging from $100-200... has anybody dealt with this before...?

I have some minor damage to the rear plastic bumper... I'm missing one of the exhaust collars... it was posted on the newbie board that the replacements come in pairs... since then, I've seen a Bonnie that had collars that looked like twin chrome pipes... I have no clue what year Bonnie it was... are vanity mods like that available for my `92...?

I have the fuel gauge problem others have detailed in this forum... I am an electrical guy, so I'll be connecting the resistor as recommended... hopefully, I'll find the right wires the first time...

ok, I've caused enough trouble here for now... any and all replies are greatly appreciated... these are great cars... I'd like to keep it nice...

thanks

Once you tune it up (pugs, wires), the */C problem may go away. */C oil procedure is in Techinfo. Don't use Bosch items for the tune-up.

Is the dash light out in the instrument cluster? That has a million screws. I would leave it to a professional because you may break something when you open the instrument cluster up (can't do it with a hammer).

I use the air pump in the trunk once in a while. Do you blow up bike tires and beach balls frequently?

Best manual is the Pontiac repair manual available on eBay or new at www.helm.com

ok... no Bosch items... what'* with platinum plugs...? is there a particular plug I should go for...?

I'll leave the dash alone... I'd be afraid to know what a dealer would charge to do that...

no bicycles or bb'*, but hand trucks and my mother-in-law'* Gimpmobile Geriatric Scooter... (derogatory terms used in a loving way...) if it'* not a POS, sure I could use it...

thanks for the tip on the manual... I'll be clicking the link as soon as I post this... then TechInfo for the SC oil...

thanks...

at Helm, the book is $90... (a bit steep...) on Ebay, there is one by AutoManualWorld listed for $22.85 with no bids... (any good...?) there was an original shop manual for a `92 Bonne, but it specified SE, not SSEi... that was $24 and had one bid...

Unless it has a picture of the real shop manual, it is probably something else. Some others have purchased the CDs, I don't have any experience with them. I do have the Pontiac service manual, which is the best one in my opinion. I also have a Chilton'*, which is not nearly as comprehensive.

The inflator gets good pressure, but it doesn't have a lot of quantity. It'* good for tires, bad for rafts.

I bought one of the cd'*. They're not to bad but are best used in conjunction with at least a Chiltons manual. By them self they don't do a lot of good. They do however go into more model year detail than an off the shelf manual will.

Well I've got GM Service Manuals for sale here for the 92'*! http://www.bonnevilleclub.com/forum/...pic.php?t=7731
I've got a CD manual from All-Data & it'* great to use. I've tried the Chilton'* and it lacked so much needed info.

hey DeathRat...

I'd be interested in the 3 book set, but I couldn't make you an offer without low-balling you, `cause I don't have a clue... for the most part, I won't be doing work on my `92, but want the best info available for those that do the work... lmk what a fair price should be, and if I can handle it, I'll be glad to buy`em...

I want to buy my tune up parts today... any last minute recommendations on plugs...?

*harrumph*

Speaking as the guy who wrote the TechInfo article on rebuilding the gauge cluster on a '93 SSEi (basically the same as yours), I can tell you that if your specialties run to electrical stuff more than heavy-duty mechanical work, you should be fine. You already know not to hit things with a hammer if they don't fit the first time, and not to pry hard on things that might not be detached all the way, so I can't see you having too much trouble.