Very much questions for a newbie

[Guru Evi]

Hello, I am a newbie in most car-related issues but I want to learn more off course and do a lot of stuff myself.

I recently bought a 1992 Chevrolet Blazer Tahoe (4-doors, 4WD, 6cyl W 4.3L cpi). The first thing that was wrong with it: the gas tank had leaks, I replaced the gas tank, filters, ascending unit, pump and some fuel lines and a brake line that was rusting. I also replaced the spark plugs, cleane d out the air filter (FRAM) and sprayed a cleaner in the intake as well as a fuel system cleaner.

The dude never told me, it was only leaking when the gas tank was filled an he cut off the end tail pipe, he said because he likes the sound but apparently he didn't want it to blow up.

Now I am looking for a new end pipe and muffler (maybe a full exhaust system, it's quite rusted). Should I get an old one or is it better to give some extra bucks for a new system? The catalytic converter looks quite new, so doesn't need replaced. Is it worth it putting a so-called "performance" exhaust system? Will it help my mileage (currently between 20 and 25 mpg)? Where should I buy such system and should I install it myself or let the garage bother?

Another question: I am going to need new tires. Currently they are off-road tires but they are starting to wear off and one leaks. Should I get new off-roads (we have a lot of snow, ice and later on dirt and mud here) or should I get others? What size (and width) is optimal? Should I get winter and summer tires or just all-round? What should I take in mind when buying tires? Is bigger better?
I heard some fuzz about certain tires with grains of industrial diamond in the rubber to make them longer lasting. Is it worth their money? (http://greendiamondtire.com/) Are they really that good?

Further on... my ABS and Parking Brake lights turn on (always). I unplugged a connector so it doesn't do that anymore. What is a possible solution or how can I see/find what goes wrong with it? I don't think the ABS works anymore though.

And finally: Where can I find a (free) manual of the car (online or elsewhere) or are there other good books you recommend.

[OverBoardProject]

Welcome to Automotive Forums

You may as well get a new cat back muffler. It'll give you a nicer sound, and better performance. Probably better mileage as well. You can probably do this job yourself, unless the cat was welded on.

I'd recomend a tire that I've heard of, like BF goodrich, All Terrains, or something along that line. Then if you get a flat they'll fix it on waranyt in 90% of the tire stores without any hastle.
Stock size is 235/75-15. You can get as big as 30"x9.5"x15. These tires are about 1" taller and 1/2 inch wider.

don't know much about ABS, so I'll pass on that 1.

The Library probably has a manual for you to look at, but with the amount of money that you've already spent on it you should just buy 1. Walmart should have them in the US.

[Guru Evi]

Another question: I have an OBD connection under the dashboard. Since it is a 1992 one, I think it has OBD1. Is that a correct assumption?

If so, could I use a performance chip or a performance re-programmer for that? Is there an option to read out the settings and information with that connector by a computer (I would like to build in a media center) and/or are there schematics available or are the specifications open to those connections?