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Old Apr 16, 2022 | 07:02 PM
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Default 1982 spark plugs

82 owner. First of all, what spark plugs do you all recommend? I got Delco platinums, idk if that’s good.

also, how do you take some of these plugs off?? I don’t see how I can fit a wrench in some of these spots
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Old Apr 16, 2022 | 10:31 PM
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Have you downloaded your vehicle info kit from the GM Heritage Center? It has a huge amount of info.
Stock plugs would be R45TS. Going fancy platinum, iridium etc isn't generally advised - just regular old fashioned spark plugs. I prefer the NGK brand; it's easy to cross reference online from the Delco numbers.
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Old Apr 16, 2022 | 10:41 PM
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As per removal. Do you have good tools? A flex head ratchet? Universal joint in 3/8th's drive? Wobble extension?
Some of the plugs are much easier to get at from underneath. put your car up on ramps or jackstands and crawl under and have a look. On my 77 I can do all from above. But I have all the cool tools.
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Old Apr 16, 2022 | 11:05 PM
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81 is a pain in the ****. up, down up again.
I am amazed at plug life of AcDelco plain plugs.
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 12:14 AM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
Some of the plugs are much easier to get at from underneath. put your car up on ramps or jackstands and crawl under and have a look.
Through the wheel wells is also an option but you'll need a very long extension.
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 10:25 AM
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Originally Posted by 67:72
Have you downloaded your vehicle info kit from the GM Heritage Center? It has a huge amount of info.
Stock plugs would be R45TS. Going fancy platinum, iridium etc isn't generally advised - just regular old fashioned spark plugs. I prefer the NGK brand; it's easy to cross reference online from the Delco numbers.
thanks a lot. This doc has so much info that im missing. My local Advance has the r45ts I’ll pick it up and return these platinums. They’re cheaper too win-win
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 10:26 AM
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Originally Posted by calwldlife
81 is a pain in the ****. up, down up again.
I am amazed at plug life of AcDelco plain plugs.
how do u get to the ones in the back, behind the shield?
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 10:27 AM
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Originally Posted by 4-vettes
As per removal. Do you have good tools? A flex head ratchet? Universal joint in 3/8th's drive? Wobble extension?
Some of the plugs are much easier to get at from underneath. put your car up on ramps or jackstands and crawl under and have a look. On my 77 I can do all from above. But I have all the cool tools.
i don’t have a flex head ratchet. I have a universal 3/8 swivel joint and wobble extensions tho, but I thought you’re not supposed to use those cuz u can’t get proper torque?
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 10:32 AM
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Plugs shouldn't have much torque on them. Hand tight and then a 1/4 or 1/8 (?) turn. You just want them snug. I use NGK plugs too.
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 11:15 AM
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My '67 is a breeze to change plugs but the '72 is a test of flexibility, tool creativity, and most of all pain tolerance. Like all things on C3s, the engineers didn't make any of these common maintenance tasks easy.

You ain't gonna get a torque wrench in there anyway, so tighten them until snug+ like resdoggie said. A bit of dielectric grease on the spark plug boots will help with the install and removal down the road so the boot doesn't get stuck to the porcelain.
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 04:29 PM
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Originally Posted by 67:72
Have you downloaded your vehicle info kit from the GM Heritage Center? It has a huge amount of info.
Stock plugs would be R45TS. Going fancy platinum, iridium etc isn't generally advised - just regular old fashioned spark plugs. I prefer the NGK brand; it's easy to cross reference online from the Delco numbers.
^^^THIS^^^
On a stock motor, the 45s work just fine.
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Old Apr 17, 2022 | 04:32 PM
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Originally Posted by Buccaneer
^^^THIS^^^
On a stock motor, the 45s work just fine.
thanks buck. Picked em up. Im about to do a crank of the engine with plugs removed (to make sure there’s no coolant inside the cylinders). Should I crank with starter, or by hand??
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Old Apr 18, 2022 | 08:56 AM
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I posted this last summer - hope it helps...

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...s-learned.html
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Old Apr 18, 2022 | 03:01 PM
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Take the platinum plugs and bury them....best use for them.

They are TERRIBLE.
Electrode too small
Gets covered in carbon 'splash' and fails to fire.
They are platinum 'plated' not actually platinum.
Not designed for your car.

Research BEFORE buying.
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