I would love for someone to give me a detailed description of how to change the plug wires on the drivers side of a 96'. I have never done it and am not really sure how to get to them. I know it is not easy so I would like a detailed description. Thanks for the help.

 

Take the ac compressor off, but leave the lines connected. Take off a battery cable and then take the alternator off. Take the ASR bracket and unit loose and move them aside. Loosen up the p/s pump and slide it forward a little and you are there. Some say to also remove the center inner fender section as well.

 

Here are couple of pics of the engine an a stand. It is easier to see how they are routed.

 

Remove the seal gasket from the fender, with a 10mm take the inner fender cover off (in front/above of the upper wish bone). Use an extension with your rachet.

 

You don't need to take the AC compressor or alternator off, too much work. Jack it up about 18" - 20" and pull the wheel as well. Also buy new wire clips as they will be quite brittle and will break.

 

Changing the plug wires on an LT1/LT4 Corvette is not a lot of fun, but it can be done. Here are a few tips:

1. Raise the front end of the vehicle to a more comfortable working height.

2. Remove the inner fenderwell center panel on the driver's side. This will allow you to both see and do the job much more easily on the driver's side. You may also find it helpful to remove the wheel.

3. Unbolt the ASR bracketry from the frame, so that you can slide the ASR unit around to get it out of your way.

4. Unbolt the power steering pump so that you can move it forward around a half inch. This will make it much easier to sneak the plug wires in/out behind the pump.

5. Remove the serpentine belt and tensioner.

6. Use dielectric grease in the boots at both ends of the wires. Be sure to "burp" the air out of the boots after you get each of them pushed firmly into place, so that the trapped air doesn't try to push the wires off later.

Some guys report that they've had decent success accessing the Opti-end of the plug wires from underneath of the car, and that this saved them the trouble of removing the belt and tensioner. I haven't tried this, so I can't comment.

Take your time, work with care, and pay attention to what you're doing. The OEM replacement plug wires from your Chevy dealer are high quality parts, and will route (and fit into the wire looms) correctly. Run the new wires properly, and make sure they stay away from anything that moves, is sharp, or gets hot.

The passenger's side is not such a bad job. The driver's side is a Queen Royal Beyotch (mostly because all of the belt-driven accessories are hanging on the driver’s side of the front of LT1/LT4 engines, and they leave little room for you to work or see what you’re doing). With plenty of patience, beer and Band-Aids, you'll get it done.

Be well,

SJW

 

SJW gave some good directions. Definately pull the tensioner after you take the serpentine off (which is a one-person job if you do it reaching in from the passenger side and only takes a couple of minutes on and off). The only thing I would add is to tape the end of the old wire to the new, then pull it thru (after releasing - or breaking in most cases - the wire retainers). Take your time and do it right.