Looking for some direction here.

Recently purchased an '03 STR, and it seems to suffer from some of the typical issues that seem to plague this type. I have a bit of the lurch (thought it might be poor brake modulation on my part at first, but having lived with it a bit, it is the car - mostly in a "california stop" type scenario), I've also got a bit of the torque converter tug (oddly at low speed here, around town in the 35mph range) with it locking and unlocking, and I have an engine code (not sure of the number), but P.O. and his dealer were going to replace the MAF sensor next (MAF code was also confirmed by a second dealer).

My first order of business is to address the MAF, it has been cleaned with MAF type spray, but code still comes back. So, I'm going to put in a new one and follow the "reboot" scenario as outlined by the tech I chatted up at P.O.'s dealership.

I'm hoping that whole process may clear up some of my ills, but in the event that it does not, where to begin?

I'd like to start with making sure the battery is in good health and check water level.

Next, as most of my issues seem to be electrical/signal path in nature, I'd like to check all the grounds - are there multiples, and where might they be located?

The P.O.'s dealer also says that the TC has the "latest, greatest" programming, which was done once before when PO had the locking/unlocking issue - at higher speeds.

Is there a way to find out what program version our black boxes have, and what, indeed, is latest greatest flash?

From some research here at the forum, it seems some have had a bit of success in changing out trans fluid with regard to the driveability issues. Should I have knowledge of programming/flash status before I embark on a fluid swap (car has 85k and to my knowledge, original fluid), or should I just drain and refill and worry about programming status later? As far as ATF fluid goes, seems the Pentosin ATF has been popular, anyone try the Castrol Import MultiVehicle ATF (suppose I could search, but figured I'd ask while I'm in this)?

Does it make sense to be concerned at all with the IMT gaskets?

Lastly, the lovely TPS sensor, and from what I gather from the forum a "no clean" the throttle body directive from the factory. I've already had the pleasure of experiencing "limp home", which was cleared, the TPS cleaned and dried, silicone sealed, and returned to service. I'm still a bit concerned. Water drainage seems to be functioning as required, and I'm curious if this TPS unit can actually be serviced, it's just that the factory says not to? Can I at least replace my existing TPS with a new one, seal and boot it? Or, is it indeed a new Throttle Body ($1300?!!)? I'd also like to clean that thing (the TB), and I'm wondering if anyone knows anything about the "uncleanable" magic coating that is supposedly in the bore?

Also, where is the best place to get the shop manual? I've seen various on Ebay, and I'm wondering if anyone here picked up a good copy from somewhere that seemed reliable that they were satisfied with? The links here are nice, but seem a bit hit or miss for me as far as functionality.

Thanks in adavance, sorry if some of this stuff seems "searchable", but I move one post closer anyway.....