Upcoming - valves, brakes, and carbs

This originated as an email to Len, but I realized it makes more sense to just post this and get everyone's opinions on everything.

I have a couple (or more) projects that I want to complete in the next couple weeks but I have a limited budget. I have some specific questions, but I'm also hoping that you can:

a) steer me straight as far as letting me know exactly what I'll need
b) let me know if there are other jobs I should tackle while I am doing these and
c) let me know if there is a cheaper way to go about what I'm doing.


Project 1: Valve Clearances
Here are the parts that I think I need (thanks to Chacal):

HCP2093 OEM fiber paper VALVE COVER GASKET, fits all 1980-81 XJ650 models, '82 XJ650 Seca, and all XJ650 Turbo models:
$ 21.95

HCP1619 Reproduction valvecover gasket rubber CAM-END PLUG, fits all 1980-81 XJ650 models, '82 XJ650 Seca, and all XJ650 Turbo models, each:
$ 3.00

HCP1242SET20 Aftermarket valve cover MOUNTING BOLTS, set of 20:
$ 19.95

HCP247A Aftermarket valve shim BUCKET RETAINER TOOL:
$ 16.95

HCP3445 Aftermarket metric FEELER GAUGES SET.
$ 12.95

HCP9640 Aftermarket OPEN-END WRENCH, 6" forged steel "engineer's wrench" has only one opening, and smooth black finish. Fits all XJ engines.
$ 12.95

I will obviously need the gasket, the bucket retainer tool, and the open-end wrench. Do I really need to get replacement mounting bolts? Do I need the cam-end plugs? Aren't the feeler gauges something I can pick up at my local hardware store? Last but not least - is the only way to do this to find out what size shims I need and THEN order them, leaving the bike out of commission for a week or so?


Project 2: rear drum brakes rebuild
HCP1710 Aftermarket EBC brand organic rear DRUM BRAKE SHOES, enough to do one bike. Fits all XJ550 Maxim models, and XJ650 Maxim and 650 Midnight Maxim models with rear drum brakes. Comes complete with a new pair of new return springs.
Each set:
$ 37.95

Is this enough to rebuild my rear brakes? Will I need more? Is it impossible for you to tell me this without seeing them? They work right now, but are a little light. Am I going to have to clean off the drum and spray some sort of covering on it? If so, what do I need?

Project 3: carb bench-sync and colortune
HCP95C Aftermarket Gunson COLORTUNE TUNING SPARK PLUG KIT, for 14mm plugs. NOTE: NGK plugs that begin with the letter "B" are 14mm, and are used on all XJ650, XJ700 non-X models, all XJ750, XJ900RK, and XJ1100 models.
$ 49.95

I already rebuilt the carb (with a kit) last year. It has run satisfactorily (not tip-top, but not awful) since then. When I take the carb apart, will I have to replace the gaskets, etc. again? I don't completely understand colortuning or bench-syncing, but I'll be sure to read the appropriate forums before I start. Is colortuning something I'm going to want to do more than once, or should I just borrow this from a friend and not worry about owning it?