Spark PLug Change
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Joined: Aug 2004
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Spark PLug Change
I just purchased this Corvette and it has 36000 miles on it. Should I change the plugs. I have most of the service records and the plugs have never been changed. The Owners manual says change at 100,000. Runs real smooth, no missing. I am changing the fluids, and fuel filter, not sure if I should do the plugs. Do most change out the plugs when you first get one? 
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
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St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Changing the plugs is a major pain. I wouldnt do it considering the mileage and the fact that the car is running well.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 18,726
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From: Bergen County, NJ
Originally Posted by longhorn_C4
Changing the plugs is a major pain. I wouldnt do it considering the mileage and the fact that the car is running well.
But throw that 100,000 out the window. Maybe about 50K at the latest.
Pro
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 519
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From: South River N.J.
I know someone who went that 100,000 mile route (not on a vette) and one of the electrodes wore down, fell off,got wedged between the piston and cylinder wall and now is looking at a new motor. Even though you have a low mileage vette the plugs have been in there 11 years. Steel threads/aluminum heads/frozen plugs. Change them and use antiseize on the new plugs for piece of mind.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 16,795
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From: Lake Havasu City, AZ
I agree with BillyD. the plugs have been in there a long time if not miles.
I'd change them. The issue is you don't want them seized in place when you do come to change them. So buy some new ones coat them with anti seize and enjoy the ride.
I'd change them. The issue is you don't want them seized in place when you do come to change them. So buy some new ones coat them with anti seize and enjoy the ride.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
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I am almost in the same situation: I just got an '85 with 40K on it and changed the plugs and wires(both probably all orig). I just wanted everything clean/new from scratch. The hardest part are doing the wires, you'll never get them exactly the way the General did it, very tight around the back of the dist. I also changed the air filter, really cheap price on Fram at Wal-Mart. Dist. cap n rotor, also changed the anti-freeze to new 5 year type. This is all the fun stuff 
Good Luck
Good Luck
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Lake Mary Florida
Couple options to consider... first if its running ok now you'll be fine but if you like to wrench on your Vette you will get intimate with it changing plugs. The first time it can take up to 8 hours, second time half that. The engine should be cold.
Next the stock plugs and wires leave much to be desired. The wires have lots of ohms of resistence somewhere between 230-300. And the AC-Delco Platium plugs have a little puck under the grounding strap that has a tendency to come off.
If you plan to do it in the future do some searches here for all the tips to make the job easier. Remember its an aluminum engine and your putting steel plugs into, so use anti-seize and proper torque is important.
If you don't have the 'red' Helms GM Service Manuals invest in a set. They are worth their weight in gold. And you will need them to properly route the wires, that is a brain teaser and a half.
I elected to go with Taylor Spiro Pro 8mm with NGK TR-55ix Iridium plugs. Based on the info and suggestions here, very happy with them.Taylor's have about a 30 ohm resistance.
Next the stock plugs and wires leave much to be desired. The wires have lots of ohms of resistence somewhere between 230-300. And the AC-Delco Platium plugs have a little puck under the grounding strap that has a tendency to come off.
If you plan to do it in the future do some searches here for all the tips to make the job easier. Remember its an aluminum engine and your putting steel plugs into, so use anti-seize and proper torque is important.
If you don't have the 'red' Helms GM Service Manuals invest in a set. They are worth their weight in gold. And you will need them to properly route the wires, that is a brain teaser and a half.
I elected to go with Taylor Spiro Pro 8mm with NGK TR-55ix Iridium plugs. Based on the info and suggestions here, very happy with them.Taylor's have about a 30 ohm resistance.
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Cruising
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Williston Vermont
I changed the plugs on my '86 last weekend, and it took about an hour to do. The last plug, I believe Cylinder #8, took 1/2 hour by itself.
But it was worth it. Starting and idling is much smoother.
But it was worth it. Starting and idling is much smoother.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Kerrville, Texas USA Hook 'em Horns!
CentralTX Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Originally Posted by 93JetJocky
I elected to go with Taylor Spiro Pro 8mm with NGK TR-55ix Iridium plugs. Based on the info and suggestions here, very happy with them.Taylor's have about a 30 ohm resistance.
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2004
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Spark PLug Change
Thanks for everyone's advice, I think I will change all my fluids, fuel filter , S belt now and then change my plugs and wires in the next couple of weeks. I have only had this Corvette for about three weeks now. LOVE IT! 
