at that mileage plug wires wont hurt though. I had the same fears and confusion you had. I bought a haynes manual, I read it, I learned. Try to watch your friends while they're working on there cars. you said you are academic, well the best place to learn is not in a book, but in real life situations. In your car sits lessons of combustion, electrical currents, aerodynamics, etc, etc... just take your time, do your homework, and have fun!!!!
BTW, the only things to worry about when changing plug wires 1. make sure the engine is cool, the back three ow! 2. DO 1 AT A TIME 3. push the boot down on the plug hard and straight, you should hear or feel the clip go all the way on. good luck!!
