Replacing sensors, fuel pressure regulator?

[NicTLg]

How hard is it to replace the sensors and fuel pressure regulator? What about the thermostat, PCV valve, Fuel Tank Vent Valve, and things like that. I looked up all of the sensors on Ford Parts Online, and they are pretty cheap. They do add up though, so is there any that I shouldn't bother with, I was going to go with all of the ones related to air/fuel delivery, and throttle/emissions/cooling system, etc. Basically most of the sensors I guess. I don't even know what some of them do, like the Cam Shaft Position Sensor?? How would I replace that, and where is it?? Inertia Switch?? Man, any advice on this would be friggin' sweet! I have no clue, I just know my car didn't adjust well to lower octane, and a much different climate, and especially...city driving, stop-and-go traffic, and all that bs.
Anyways, hopefully someone has some advice. I am still leaning towards fuel system or computer. (Need to get a Dyno and custom tune still!)
Thanks all!

From my other thread:
CEL Thread (http://www.fastcougar.com/forums/messageview.cfm?catid=10&threadid=72610&STARTPAGE=1)
Could either my Unorthodox Racing UD pulley or the ST200 UIM/SVT TB swap that I did at the same time, a few months ago, be causing my problems? The CEL has been on for almost a week now, even after resetting the computer and Superchip a few times, it comes back on after like 50 miles after reset. I also have that whining noise in the engine, that someone told me sounding like a worn bearing? Possibly the UR pulley, or another pulley, but it sounds like it is down further though. I am still clueless on this. My car goes nowhere when I first take off, then explodes with acceleration at higher speeds. I was thinking fuel pressure or sensor issues maybe? I was thinking of replacing the fuel pressure regulator, and all of the sensors that have to do with air/fuel/throttle/etc. They are pretty cheap, so does anyone think this would be worth it? Are they hard to swap? Any advice, again, would be really appreciated!!!
Thanks again everyone!
Nic
nictlg_7@hotmail.com

[DanG]

Nic:

Quite a list... A lot of what you specified is computer controlled and checked, so a CEL will be your indicater to change any malfunctioning part. Otherwise, they are mainentance-free. (Note: CC means computer controlled- Malfunctions cause a CEL)

-Fuel sender: CC
-FPR: if bad, you'd see bucking on acceleration or a general lean or rich condition, which would throw a CEL.
-T-stat: Maintenance-free, 100k interval, unless it fails (in which case, it should fail open, and your engine would never heat up, causing a CEL)
-PCV valve: An actual wear item! Usually check every 10-15k miles, and replace if the valve does not move freely when you shake the valve up and down.
-Fuel Tank Tent Valve: CC
-Cam Position Sensor: CC
-Inertia switch: Item that shuts off the fuel pump if there's an accident. You don't have to replace/reset it unless you're in a serious enough accident to shut the fuel pump off.

Regarding the CEL thread:

First off, the general consensus is that any type of non-damper pulley is not worth the miniscule gains you would glean from its installation. Installing these items increases stresses on the engine's internals and can lead to premature failure of bearings, rods, or the crank itself.

Any UIM switch must be performed with the utmost care- Forgetting even a single vacuum line can cause the engine to run like el crapola.

Get us a DTC code from your check engine light. The EEC-V is an awesome stock engine management system, and it will tell you what's wrong without you pulling out your hair looking for something that's not obvious.