I saw the gauges on the LH windshield post and thought they were tubo boost gauges for the diesel.

Mine only has 25,000 miles (4.7) and with 3500 mile oil changes I never see it go down on the stick but it is too new.

But with the manual transmission I get 18.4 MPG so I will likely be driving it a long time.

If it was a chain why would you change it? Timing belts, yes.

I usually wait on water pump changes until that first drop or two appears. Since I keep my vehicles in the garage I can see stuff like that on the garage floor.

I haven't had to disassemble a dash since my first Corvette. It took 9 hours the first time and less than three by the time I got around to the third time. So think how quick it will be the next time you do it.