spark plugs/ wires
 

How often should the plugs and wires be replaced?
What brands would you recommend to get the most performance out of all those hamsters running under the hood?

I had a friend change mine last saturday at 48k miles. I had Denso's from the factory but changed to NGK Vpower since that's what most people said they used. NGK's are also listed in the owners manual. I don't even think you need to replace the wires. just check that they are not visibly cracked or otherwise damaged.

you don't have to change them sooner than 30k. i felt absolutely no difference in performance when i changed mine and thestock ones were really used and for a long time, 48k miles. no increase in gas mileage either. i am actualy going right now downstairs to wash and oil my k&n, we'll see what happens after i put it back in

oil K&N
 

I have not oiled my K&N yet *(cleaned and oil) I have ~50000kms on it! How hard is it when I buy the kit. Is it easy to do, or do most people end up over oiling the filter the first time. Stupid question but I am planning on a 5200km round trip to Fllorida from Ottawa Canada area and might be going in the protege. Either that or the Caravan! (waranty)

by the way, while we r talking about the spark plugs, i had a question, does anyone know whether the bosch platinum 4 plugs are good for a '00 dx (protege)

new wires will not give you any performance. you don't need to replace them unless they are bad (as mentioned before)
standard ngk or nd plugs are the best for your car.
to service your k&n you just spray the cleaner on the filter then let it sit for a couple of minutes. wash with warm water. then when it is dry your spray the oil on the filter. the directions with the recharger kit are pretty good.

andy, the only performance gain from bosch +4's is your wallet will be lighter, your engine wont gain anything.

the bosch +4's burn real hott, i had a set in my 99lx, and they burned so hot they melted my plug wires to them, so i dont recomend getting them, i changed to normal ngk v power, and ngk plug wires, and it runs fine. dont waist your money.