Remember, its not just the timing belt, but there are also balance shaft belts to change while you're in there.
Also, keep an eye on the lower heater core hose, the distributors love to leak oil on them and they'll blow out with little warning.
D&F the trans, Valvoline Maxlife, Castrol, one of the Honda substitutes or real DW1, doesn't make a lot of difference, if the box is going to go, it is usually one of the bearings and not from fluid.
Also, while you're in there, buy the $10 dorman (or other brand) balance shaft seal retainer. For some reason, the balance shaft seal likes to walk out on the F23 motors, no rhyme or reason, they sometimes do, and sometimes don't. If they do, the car will gush oil and you'll make it about 2 miles before the sump is empty. It happened to my wifes 2000 a couple months back and she continued to drive it. It survived, but who knows how long it would have lasted (was totaled a month later by an inattentive driver). Its a cheap part and it will ensure that it never happens and if you're in there anyways, why not. It is actually a dorman part that works.
https://www.dormanproducts.com/p-28216-917-006.aspx <-- Looks like that