Spark Plug Installation With LT Headers
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Forney Texas
Spark Plug Installation With LT Headers
I was hoping one of the benefits of installing LT Headers would be easier access to the spark plugs. Since that does not seem to be the case, I am embarking on buying/designing a tool or tools to tighten the plugs on my L98.
Before I start I would appreciate some input from those who have dealt with this problem in the past and how did you solve it. I don't mind cutting, grinding, bending or welding on existing wrenches, sockets, extensions or universal joints to make whatever configuration it takes to torque the plugs.
I am hoping to use your experience to save me some time and heartache.
Thanks.
90Indy
Before I start I would appreciate some input from those who have dealt with this problem in the past and how did you solve it. I don't mind cutting, grinding, bending or welding on existing wrenches, sockets, extensions or universal joints to make whatever configuration it takes to torque the plugs.
I am hoping to use your experience to save me some time and heartache.
Thanks.
90Indy
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 25,295
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From: I'm the walkin dude I can see all of the world...
St. Jude Donor '03
Nice wrench there strick! I like that almost as good as the oil pan gasket method!!! 
Headers only help me with spark plugs. I have much more room now. I can get every plug except one with a regular ol ratchet now.
Headers only help me with spark plugs. I have much more room now. I can get every plug except one with a regular ol ratchet now.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 4,763
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From: Connectivette
I don't remember it being particually difficult to change my plugs on my L98 with my oem exhaust manifold not do I think it is difficult with my TPIS LT's. Any specific plug giving you fits? Although I suspect you will say somewhere on the passenger side.
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 90Indy
I was hoping one of the benefits of installing LT Headers would be easier access to the spark plugs.
Thanks.
90Indy
Thanks.
90Indy
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
What kind of headers do you have? That can make a big difference.
I've got hooker 2149's and only have mild aggravation with #2,4 and 8.
2 and 4 because of egr pipe and AC lines and compressor, and we all know about 8.
Thats where I use a little swivel with rachet and extension.It's still much easier with headers than with stock manifolds for me
.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jan 2004
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From: Forney Texas
The hardest side is definately the passenger side. Plug #2 and #8 are the real bears. I thought about getting under the car for #6 and #8 but it was late last night and I didn't try it.
I will try the socket welded to a wrench. Looks like that might work. My biggest problem is my plugs protrude from the head too far to use a deep socket as it would hit the header pipe. I bought Hedman's as Hooker told me they didn't make an emissions legal header for my car. But that's a topic for another thread.
Thanks for the help.
90Indy
I will try the socket welded to a wrench. Looks like that might work. My biggest problem is my plugs protrude from the head too far to use a deep socket as it would hit the header pipe. I bought Hedman's as Hooker told me they didn't make an emissions legal header for my car. But that's a topic for another thread.
Thanks for the help.
90Indy
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Large Impressive Member
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 90Indy
The hardest side is definately the passenger side. Plug #2 and #8 are the real bears. I thought about getting under the car for #6 and #8 but it was late last night and I didn't try it.
I will try the socket welded to a wrench. Looks like that might work. My biggest problem is my plugs protrude from the head too far to use a deep socket as it would hit the header pipe. I bought Hedman's as Hooker told me they didn't make an emissions legal header for my car. But that's a topic for another thread.
Thanks for the help.
90Indy
I will try the socket welded to a wrench. Looks like that might work. My biggest problem is my plugs protrude from the head too far to use a deep socket as it would hit the header pipe. I bought Hedman's as Hooker told me they didn't make an emissions legal header for my car. But that's a topic for another thread.
Thanks for the help.
90Indy
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,174
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From: NW MN
Originally Posted by Corvette Kid NC
The Hedmans are the worst for plug changes. Some can only be gotten w/ a 5/8" offset box end. Forget about torquing them.... Don't go overboard tightening them, you'll be fine.
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From: Good health is merely the slowest possible rate at which one can die
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
Originally Posted by 86Pacecar
Only tough one I have with my Hedmans is #6, like stated before only way is from below with the exact same tool as Strick showed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,524
Likes: 10
From: Lufkin Texas
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
Originally Posted by 90Indy
I bought Hedman's as Hooker told me they didn't make an emissions legal header for my car. But that's a topic for another thread.
90Indy
90Indy
Well whats done is done, but Hooker told you they didn't make any for your car with emmission legal?? Thats crazy! 
Well, maybe in Cali but I think all longtubes are illegal there. Thats assuming you have a 90 like your name states. I know you said it was a "topic for another thread" but here's my 90 with Hooker 2149's with emmissions. I think someone lied or was dumb. 
