the "positive crankcase ventilation" vlve is essentially a device to suck crankcase fumes out of the engine and re-burn them in the cylinders.

In your car, it'* located on the left-hand side of the engine atop the plastic intake manifold (standing in front of the car) and will have a large vacuum hose leading to it. You'll have to take the engine cover off to see it.

Oh, and change your fuel filter. It'* located on the frame just under the rear passenger side door and takes about 10 minutes. And it needs changing, I promise you.

It got replaced along with the new fuel pump.

Is the PCV Valve something that needs replacing regularly? Does it hurt performance any?

I'm sure there'* a "recommended interval," because GM likes to sell parts.

My criteria for replacement has always been "if it rattles, it'* good."

As to performance, it'* a vacuum leak, but designed in.

interestingly enough the FSM'* do not give or recommend a service interval for the fuel fliter

It take me like 20mins a year ago to find the pvc.That does look dirty mine when I pulled basiclly brand new.

I would recommend checking the PCV every 6 months to a year. At that time while doing other maintenace replace it for the cost and time.

I remember when Boosty and Pat were trying to help me on the phone to find the damn thing. Was good fun. It took longer to freaking find it then it did replace it.

He said something like .. Hang on I'm grabbing my channel locks and going in! Still surprises me that he hasn't broken too much on the car yet.

Well the new PCV and Fuel filter netted me +4 MPG. A tune up is still due for sure as I am only getting 19MPG right now and I drive pretty much like a 33 yr old with a kid.