If You Could Only Do One Thing.
 

I have an engine with almost 170,000 on it. Im starting to hear clicking and experiencing an oil leak and loss of power, now that being said, and assuming there is no other "serious" things apparent besides the obvious items like tune up and tires, what would be the singlemost important thing to maintenance, rebuild, or replace on this car? I have for the time being a $1,000 to work with if that helps, and I do all my own work. An open ended question it is, but the input is greatly appreciated.

Thanks

I would start with engine overhaul. But first take compression and leak down reading so you get an idea how urgent your mission could be.

front engine seals. big $$$ job, but if you can do it......do it. the seal kit is only about 50 bux. but that should cover the oil leak.

jay