They way we went I've been down hundreds of times so I'm familiar with those curves, much easier to ride through them quick because I know them. If we go up Lemon, I would suggest holding back until you get used to the curves, at least when we go at night. I'm not as familiar with those and I hold back, no shame at all.
As for shifting, not really. The only time I notice any shifting issues is from 2nd-3rd, and that's only cause I'm trying to pop through the gears and don't let the shifter all the way down so that it fully disengages between shifts, but otherwise no. I'm changing the oil today after I put my exhaust on, I'll let you know.
Disposal. Dunno, this will be the first time I perform the change myself. I think you could take it to any garage and pay 1-3 dollars to have them take it.