Did anyone notice the pics of the suspected leak? flip through the album there at the end. Does it look like something I should even worry about?

Yes, I would suspect that'* a leak. Need more pics and information to tell if it'* an elbow or the intake.

Any info or pics in particular? I've got my camera ready!

Does it look like the intake is leaking or just the elbow? Clean it down and run it for a while to try and determine where the leak is coming from.

I'll try that, Bill, but I'm getting pretty close to just taking it in an letting the pros do it. I got a couple of quotes right $ 400- 420.

I can't argue that one either. There'* another thread where the guy was fighting a stud to change the belt. The stud was winning. In 10 minutes the mechanic made it lose.

Okay, after some good soul searchin(and pockets), I have come to the conclusion that I can do this. I wont take on a road trip, I'll get a rental. I bought this baby for a cool grand, to spend close to half the amount I paid for her on something that with the right tools and patience I can do myself seems pointless. This is my first car that I have gotten attached to, so I'll start gathering the parts and tools and get busy when I get back. I'll need all the help I can get so I'll journal along with pics. Wish me luck! Any advice or look fors concerning preparation will be greatly apprecaited at this time. I have basic tools but, are there any special tools that are needed or that will make the job easier?

Ok.. others please toss in ideas as well...I'm going on what I do and know.

You will need 3/8 drive metric sockets and a nice ratchet.
I've found that if you buy 6 point sockets instead of 12 point you will only be happier in the long run. They grip and hold better because there'* more surface turning the bolt.

Basic 3/8 extensions. like a 3", 6" and 12"

From Sears I picked up a flexible head ratchet. It'* not for everyone but it makes those odd angles easy to deal with...you just bend the head at the pivot point and go to town.

Your basic screwdriver set. Small screw driver or a pick is a must for some of the tabs on connectors. You don't pry the connector..just use the driver/pick to lift the tab on the connector.

A torque wrench. Again..Sears .. the one that clicks. Read the directions to ensure you use it properly.

Gasket scraper is always nice.

3 or so cans of brake clean. It is the best for cleaning oil and other residues off mating surfaces where a gasket is going to be.

Needle nose pliers.

And no doubt the best tool in the world when you need it. A magnetic pickup tool. (usually looks like an old radio antenna) Sears

Some of these things you can get at lower cost places. We have a place called Ocean State Job Lot here... pliers, needle nose, magnetic pick up tool, pick set... I'd buy most of that there.

Things like the sockets and torque wrench..you'll have forever...don't overspend..but buy quality.. like a craftsman with lifetime warranty. Anything happens and you walk back in, they hand you a new one.

Some will call me things. I picked up some gloves..like surgeons use from my local parts place. They sorts suck in the hot weather but keep you much cleaner. Having a desk job I don't want to come in w/grease embedded hands.

Some rags and things to catch fluids.

Thanks Bill, I've got some of those things but not necessarily quality most second hand from my mechanic friend. I'll start gatherin while I'm out of town (black and decker and sears outlets). Well, for the moment I will continue to look over the details and instructions. I probably won't begin until the 1st of Aug.

If you have stuff from your mechanic buddy..it'* probably good quality to begin with...