C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Sparkplug replacement

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 01:17 PM
  #1  
82Red's Avatar
82Red
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Default Sparkplug replacement

I will be replacing the sparkplugs on my 82 this weekend. I have never done this since I acquired my vehicle 14 years ago, so I stuck my head under the hood to inspect and see what to expect. GASP! Looks soooo tight in there!!!!

I guess my question is, is there anything I should expect, trick I should know, special tools? Do I access any of the plugs fron underneath?
I would greatly appreciate any input!

Thanks guys!!
RON in Houston

Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:36 PM
  #2  
HeavyMetalHawk's Avatar
HeavyMetalHawk
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Asuncion
Default

I don’t know but you have a sweet ride! You know which sparkplugs you will use?
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:43 PM
  #3  
MelWff's Avatar
MelWff
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 18,597
Likes: 2,540
Default

be carefull when pulling the boots off the plugs, twist side to side first to break bond and then pull. Reinstall with boot silicon grease. If the plugs dont loosen easily spray them with some penetrant and let them sit for a day. The new plugs have to be gapped to .045.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:45 PM
  #4  
Easy Mike's Avatar
Easy Mike
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Default

Originally Posted by 82Red
...GASP! Looks soooo tight in there!...
That is not an optical illusion. It is tight in there.

...is there anything I should expect...
Expect things to go slowly.

... trick I should know,...
You have to hold your tongue in exactly the right spot.

...Do I access any of the plugs fron underneath?...
#2 and #4 can sometimes be hard to get to from up top.

You need a good plug socket and a gap tool.

Good luck.

Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:48 PM
  #5  
82Red's Avatar
82Red
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by HeavyMetalHawk
I don’t know but you have a sweet ride! You know which sparkplugs you will use?
I havent decided quite yet. Likely stock. But I am currently researching aftermarket plugs and wires. I dig the yellow on your car, by the way.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:52 PM
  #6  
my 76 ray's Avatar
my 76 ray
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
Default

I would go under the car FIRST and get all the ones that are easy from the underside. I think some that can be done from the top are still easier from underneath.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:55 PM
  #7  
Roco71's Avatar
Roco71
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
Default

A/C makes a little harder.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 04:55 PM
  #8  
82Red's Avatar
82Red
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 125
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Default

Originally Posted by MelWff
be carefull when pulling the boots off the plugs, twist side to side first to break bond and then pull.
I take, I dont need any "special" ratchet wrenches?
Thanks for the input.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 05:27 PM
  #9  
HeavyMetalHawk's Avatar
HeavyMetalHawk
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: Asuncion
Default

Originally Posted by 82Red
I havent decided quite yet. Likely stock. But I am currently researching aftermarket plugs and wires. I dig the yellow on your car, by the way.
Thanks! I bought the accel 8.8 wire set and works fine to me! also the ACCEL 8172 Performance U-Groove spark plugs if helps you in something
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 08:41 PM
  #10  
richardttu's Avatar
richardttu
Instructor
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 130
Likes: 1
From: Wylie TX
Default

On my 69, I can get 1,3,5,7 from above with little problem. Since my car has AC, I can only get to 6 and 8 from underneath. I have to loosen and move the AC compressor (large A6) out of the way first. my car has manual brakes. If you have power brakes, 5 and 7 may need to be done from underneath as well.
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 09:07 PM
  #11  
7t9l82's Avatar
7t9l82
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Conversation Starter
Photogenic
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,900
Likes: 833
From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Default

i get 1&3 from above the throw a packing quilt underneath and have at it. it is a pain but it really isn't that bad
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 09:58 PM
  #12  
maxmachz's Avatar
maxmachz
Racer
10 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 319
Likes: 12
From: South Chase WI
Default

Underneath for most, some front ones from above; extensions and wobble end help. Just did my '81, I had it up on blocks and stands. Did alot more as well....oil pan, trans pan and filter, rag joint, diff fluid, new dual exhaust, trans shift shaft seal....to name a few...
Reply
Old Feb 7, 2012 | 10:02 PM
  #13  
7T1vette's Avatar
7T1vette
Team Owner
15 Year Member
Community Builder
Community Influencer
Top Answer: 5
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,112
From: Crossville TN
Default

For 'difficult' plugs, you can sometimes remove the wheel and get much better access. And, it's [almost] always easier from underneath.
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2012 | 06:30 AM
  #14  
MrJlr's Avatar
MrJlr
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Default

Originally Posted by Roco71
A/C makes a little harder.

Understatement !


On my '74 w/AC I can still get them all from the top.....but it is a major PITA !


Reply
Old Feb 8, 2012 | 03:58 PM
  #15  
Duane4238's Avatar
Duane4238
Burning Brakes
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,124
Likes: 140
From: Western New York
Default

All these tricks and suggestions are why I so much enjoy my '72 with no AC, no power steering, and no power brakes. Takes me about 30 minutes to change my plugs and all from the top. If I want all that grief, I just have to open the hood of my Silverado and gaze at all the hoses and wires that are in the way.
Duane
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2012 | 08:51 PM
  #16  
qwank's Avatar
qwank
Le Mans Master
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
Default

On my '81 they were much easier to get from under the car. Use only ACDelco plugs
Reply
Old Feb 8, 2012 | 09:01 PM
  #17  
tyancey00's Avatar
tyancey00
Burning Brakes
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,019
Likes: 18
From: St. Louis MO
Default

Get an open end wrench and a spark plug socket with a nut on the end of it and you can get to them all. May go slow but you can do it...
Reply
Old Feb 9, 2012 | 06:26 AM
  #18  
MrJlr's Avatar
MrJlr
Race Director
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 12,239
Likes: 19
From: Chino CA
Default

Old school trick 101

To re-install the new plug, stuff the contact end of the plug into a piece of rubber vacuum line about 6" - 8".....gives you a nice flexable "extension" to get the threads started...


Reply
Old Feb 9, 2012 | 10:07 AM
  #19  
69 Chevy's Avatar
69 Chevy
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 3
From: Lehigh county Pennsylvania
Default

Originally Posted by 82Red
I will be replacing the sparkplugs on my 82 this weekend. I have never done this since I acquired my vehicle 14 years ago...
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Sparkplug replacement





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 03:11 PM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE