Any service manual will get you by, but there is really no need buying one unless you get it for your year. Some difference exist, and while it might work for the engine, other things could be amiss if you tried to refer to it later.

I have the $15 chilton book, and it's somewhat helpful, the pictures suck but I used it to pull my motor and put it back in so it can't be that bad.

Would everything be the same for the gasket replacements from a 97 manual?

So i got a copy of a Haynes manual on how to change the valve cover gaskets so i am going to do that today. I got the rubber gaskets so i won't need a sealer because it will form to it. I was thinking about painting the valve covers red while they were off...

any suggestions as to how to clean and paint them? It is only 50* outside so should i attempt to paint them? I kind of need suggestions quick because i need to go to the store soon so they will be dry by later tonight.

If you want them to look good tonight might be too soon. I would check out like autozone for some paint. I know DupliColor good for under the hood but not sure if it is good for the plastic covers. Some break cleaner and some mineral spirits would help to clean them. Most would say powercoat, but you don't have the time. You don't need to RTV the gasket in or anthing like that.

Does the Krylon Fusion come in high temp? If it does couldn't i just put on 2 or 3 coats. I actually don't need them dry until tomorrow morning.

High temp paint only needs to be used on pieces that will get too hot to actualy touch ie engine blocks, heads, exhaust parts. Everything else under the hood is safe to use a standard type paint. If you can touch the part with out getting blisters then use what ever paint you want.