Hey I'm a newbie too! I just picked up a 98 Silver CSVT a couple of weeks ago. It has 135,000 miles and it's share of problems, but I love the car anyway (it's my second 98 CVST). Slowly, I'll be doing a rebuild of everything and will document my work via the forums.
Anyway, I live in Newport News but make trips to the DC area frecently. If you're ever down in the Tidewater area, let me know!
Mike