So, his car has the same KE ignition system as your CE and could have the same trans. How do you have your plugs and oil changed. Maybe you can help the old man out and do this for him next time; bet he has a few stories to tell while ya'll are out there.

A couple of contractor trash bags to catch the oil, oil filter, plugs, trans oil, gasket, trans filter, couple of bolt and washers would probably be less than $100. Guess you will not have to replace those seals again in 30,000 miles. Then you could wash it for him too and then go for a nice ride.

Then you would not have to give that shop a fU(#ing dime.

Oh, and see if it has that diagnostic plug like yours that you can put a multi-meter on and set the duty cycle. Look at the rotor and dist cap as someone mentioned above and maybe even replace his coil and wires. No need to let a shop do that either.