Running like crap

Well....after quietly lying dormant since the fall the 355 was started yesterday. The sunny blue sky (and warmer temps) motivated me to change the oil. Not having a lift, i did it on my back but honestly it wasn't that bad. I then took it for a ride and noticed the *Slow Down 4-8* light flashing on and off but wouldn't stay on and the car wouldn't rev past 3K (definitely hitting some sort of rev limit).

I checked all the fluids and everything was a the right levels....but then I noticed a red light on the water temp gauge (but the temp was 190?)

Any thoughts? I figure I should start by scanning the codes. I have a couple of friends with scan tools but am curious, do they need anything special (adapter) to scan a '95 F355?

Thanks,
Michael (dusting off the month balls)