If you are a computer geek, and work on computers then you shouldn't have any problem working on a car. You've got the aptitude, now you just need a service manual and the tools.

Do you know how to remove and put in screws? How to twist and pull? How to run a wire from one location to another? How to measure the distance between 2 points? If you answered yes to these questions....you can do it.

EchoSSEi,

so how much time are we talking about.......say from someone like you who has done all this before........

???

Ha!!! I am not even sure what all is involved with the prescribed 90,000 mile service (without looking in the owners manual), but I assume it is at least oil,lube, and filter, air filter, plugs and/or wires. It probably includes inspection and replacment of one or more of the following: Fuel filter; PCV; Transmission fluid and filter; Coolant drain and fill; Drive belt, Tire rotation, Vacuum lines, may as well clean the MAF sensor.......what else am I missing gang? It all depends on how much of the above you want to do.

Now, before I give you my answer, I will tell you that I am careful and methodical (interpret that however you wish). Also, if is 110* out, then it takes a little longer as well, just to cool off between activites. If I were to do all those, by myself, I would set aside 4 hours with a cold motor (so it will probably take at least 6 hours ). Could be a lot shorter or longer depending on what fights and what I break along the way, and how many times one of my three daughters interupts me (if any of them are helping, then I need to add another hour, minimum). Also, depends on the type of coolant service I am doing....just draining and filling vs. a chemical flush, where the motor needs to be warmed and chemical drained and refilled can add quite a bit if time.

That time estimate is a pure guess, though, because usually, I would break these items up and do them over a couple of days or a couple of weekends, just so I am not rushed.

Also, I tend to do a few extra things that are not always necessary....if I am rotating the tires, may as well wash and scrub the backsides of the tries and rims.....oh, and clean up the wheel wells good.......coolant flush? May as well clean and detail the engine compartment and the underside of the hood (Ben, big_news_1 can attest to my little side projects, right Ben? )

Ok this is what a local shop says that they will perform for the 30,60, 90,000 mile tune up:

Premium oil change (up to 5 quarts)
Install new oil filter

Check and fill

Transmission fluid
Differential fluid
Coolant
Power steering
Battery (where applicable)
Washer fluid
Check brake fluid level

Inspect

Belts and hoses
Air filter
Wiper Blades
PCV and breather (where applicable)
Check tire pressure
Clean front and rear windshields
Vacuum front and rear floorboards
Lube chassis (where applicable)

then

Visual Inspection

All belts and hoses
Brakes (where available)
Emission controls
Exhaust system
Power steering system (where applicable)
Plug and wires

Tune-Up and Replace

Spark plugs (platinum extra)
Distributor cap (where applicable)
Distributor rotor (where applicable)
PCV valve (where applicable)
Fuel system service
Adjust idle speed
Adjust timing (where applicable)

Replace

Air filter
Fuel filter
Breather (where applicable)
Rear differential fluid (where applicable)
Front differential fluid (where applicable)
Transfer case fluid (where applicable)
Transmission fluid
Coolant/antifreeze

all for around $150.00

is this list missing something major?

Daughter helping to work on car=Priceless. Yo go Dad.

Clark:
For a start plugs, wires and an oil change allow 3 hours. Long by a lot of standards but the first time takes a little longer. Next time will be less than 2 hours.

A lot of that stuff doesn't even apply to Bonnevilles. I'd really suggest trying it yourself. You don't have to do it ALL at once either. Take your time, tackle the basic maintenance items (plugs, wires, air filter, oil change, trans fluid change - easier than you think!, etc) and you'll be WAY ahead mentally and financially.

Absolutely. You can do that all yourself for much cheaper than that. Plus you gain the technical expertise to do it again and the peace of mind that its done right.

There are actually a few more things that you can do that will help your car run even better.

Oil Change:
Synthetic Oil: $20 & Filter: $8 = $28
Spark Plugs: $1.99 x 6 = $11.94
Spark Wires - Autolite Professional: $42.99 - Optional
PCV Valve: $1.89
Air Filter - Fram to Purolator PureONE (rec) $7.99-20.99
Fuel Filter: $11.49
Transmission Filter: $20
6 qts transmission fluid: 2.19/qt x 6 = $13.14
Total: $109.26 or $66.27

Much cheaper this way.

just so you know. if I can teach myself to do my own tune-up... ANYONE can do it I am not kidding. I actually kinda did my tune-up gradually over the summer (for money reasons, but I also was learning as I went), and started with pulgs/ wires... then 02 sensor... if you don't want to allot all that time to do it in one day. Cause it is slower your first time doin this kinda stuff and it should be... don't get hasty or you might mess stuff up :P but yeah dude go for it

I agree with pretty much all of the above. My only suggestion is that you take your time, and do one to three things in a day. A complete tuneup and coolant/transmission drain and fill might be a bit much for an inexperienced wrencher to tackle in one day. Take baby steps, start with the easy stuff, and your confidence and experience will grow and help you tackle the more involved projects.

That said, these cars are easy to work on. And you have a great support system here in the forum. These people can talk you through virtually anything.

I myself was once in your position, not trusting myself to work on my own car. Now I've come full-circle, and I trust nobody but myself to work on my car. Take the jump, you'll be glad you did.