POLL: Easier way to change spark plugs???

[racersedge52]

I was wondering if it would be just as time consuming to actually pull the heads to change plugs as opposed to moving all the junk out of the way that one normally has to do!

Besides, pulling the heads would also allow for easy cleaning the heads, installing new gaskets, etc. that one wouldn't normally do during a plug change!

Either way, it'll keep one busy over the weekend!

But what do you think the time difference would be?

PULL HEADS = YES

 

[RedRagTop]

Maybe the 94 is a lot different than an 88 but all I have to do really is move the air conditioner pump out of the way and the job still takes only 1 hour or less.

 

[madstacker]

i can change plugs in the 91 vette pretty easy but when it comes to my 94 trans am with lt1 it is anouther story. i have to take off alternator powersteringpump and y pipe. the lt1 is a maintenance nitemare.the wires are also time consuming on the lt1 . after you do it a few times it isnt as bad and you can pick up some shortcuts.

 

[vettered91]

In my 91 was a hard work but in the LT1 is really something else, but still not so hard like taking out the heads!

 

[John-C5]

Did the plugs in my 94 last year. Not too bad at all. Got all but one of the back plugs on the right side with my 3/8 plug sock on a univeral drive. I did have to move the cruse control on the left side for a little room. In all took less than a couple of hours.

John

 

[tyrel]

I can't imagine anyone pulling the heads over one weekend, unless you worked non-stop, had a helper, and got three hours of sleep. I've changed my plugs before, and it is difficult, but not nearly as difficult as pulling the heads. Of course, if you have to pull them anyway for some reason, I could see the rationality of changing your plugs while you're at it.

 

[zog]

I changed the plugs on my '86 last month...the left side took about 15 minutes, but the right side was a bear. My hands looked like they went through a meat grinder, but it was not hard, just tedious and tight. I woulc not imagine pulling the heads for anything but a valve job or bad head gasket...certainly NOT to change plugs...the whole job took a little over an hour.

 

[Ken]

I was wondering if it would be just as time consuming to actually pull the heads to change plugs as opposed to moving all the junk out of the way that one normally has to do!

Besides, pulling the heads would also allow for easy cleaning the heads, installing new gaskets, etc. that one wouldn't normally do during a plug change!

Either way, it'll keep one busy over the weekend!

But what do you think the time difference would be?

PULL HEADS = YES

This is a joke right? :confused

 

[vettered91]

:eek :eyerole :L

 

[Da Hawaiian Punch]

Racersedge52 try doing this, remove the dust sheild thats surround's your a arm assembly, 5 small, easy to reach bolt's and the sheilds off.
You'll have way easier access to your plug's.
Also you might want to us a long exstention and universal elbo/joint for your ratchet to help the process along.
I do have a '91

which has the L-98 and I know it's a different engine and all, but I think that you'll be able to handle the spark plug change if you remove the dust sheild.

 

[hawaii-5-lo]

hey,
hope you had a good weekend.i never had an LT1 either,but if none of those suggestions work,jack up the car,maybe you can get some from undernieth and some from the top,good luck,
later,Todd.

 

[Neepawa]

Wow, and I was complaining about changing my plugs. It is a real pain, takes an hour or so lying on your back under the car, but it does not seem so bad now.

 

[Vettelt193]

Any of you out there responding without an LT1/4: The engine compartment and engine is set up much different than the L98's when you look at all the details.... L98 motors are simple to change plugs. LT1/4 are not easy at all.

With the LT1/4 engine, you really need a lift for a couple of the plugs, to get to them from the bottom. Also for all you L98 owners out there, the LT1/4 setup is harder on the drivers side. on the L98 it is harder on the passenger side (because the engines in C4's are offset to the passenger side) So, imagine having your hard side be the easy side, then go from there.

 

[Da Hawaiian Punch]

Any of you out there responding without an LT1/4: The engine compartment and engine is set up much different than the L98's when you look at all the details.... L98 motors are simple to change plugs. LT1/4 are not easy at all.

With the LT1/4 engine, you really need a lift for a couple of the plugs, to get to them from the bottom. Also for all you L98 owners out there, the LT1/4 setup is harder on the drivers side. on the L98 it is harder on the passenger side (because the engines in C4's are offset to the passenger side) So, imagine having your hard side be the easy side, then go from there.

Sorry my friend, just trying to help.
I have a friend with a LT1 and plan on changing out his plugs in a few day's or so, I'll keep you posted on the results there and pass them on.

 

[bossvette]

sometimes they can be got at from below, I dont know about a C-4 but some of these new cars it does seem easier to change the motor then the plugs.

 

[KOPBET]

On my 96 LT/1, removing the ASR motor and bracket makes 1,3,5 a snap with 7 being just a little tougher. 2,4,6 are not too bad but 8 is a little tough, especially if you have big mitts, but not as bad as it first looked. All done from topside.

Removing the heads is like shooting a fly with a shotgun.

 

[kenwa]

Okay, I haven't changed the plugs on my '96 LT1, but having just taken a look, I agree with Kopbet. The ASR is held in place with only 2 bolts, then it's out of the picture. The brake booster doesn't help on #7, but I've seen worse. 2, 4, and 6 look like no problem at all. #8 could be trouble.

I don't even own a u-joint, but I have a whole bunch of different length extensions, and sockets of varying depth. I've found that this makes all the difference in tight spots.

Of course, when the day comes to change my plugs, I may eat some words!

Ken

BTW, I noticed that the boots on #6 and #8 are different (straight) from the others. Whats the deal?

 

[KOPBET]

The ASR is held in place with only 2 bolts, then it's out of the picture.

Actually it's three. One on a supprt bar on the side toward the engine.

I don't even own a u-joint, but I have a whole bunch of different length extensions, and sockets of varying depth. I've found that this makes all the difference in tight spots.

I gave up trying the u-joint. Didn't need it anyway. Just a short extension.

BTW, I noticed that the boots on #6 and #8 are different (straight) from the others. Whats the deal?

Don't know. But mine is the same way.

 

[vettl83]

Easier than pulling the heads would be to trade it in for a ZR1. The LT5 plugs are a 15 minute job to change with no skinned knuckles and can be done with the engine at operating temp. Now the rest of the stuff is another story i.e. starter, thermostat, coil packs, etc. 84 CF 91 ZR1