thank you both for your input. I will be ordering asap the oil pan , gasket, and front disc /pads at the same time...yes, i will also be working on my front brakes....my short term weekends are going to be interesting...

Earl:
depending on what I find inside, I may go for chain, tensioner, rail replacement in the near future...you will be hearing from me..i hope you do not mind. my car is at about 150,000 and not sure if the chain has been replaced..( ie i have owned the car for 4 years, and some 30,000 miles ago..)

thx,
emmy