Changing plugs on an 87
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 422
Likes: 0
From: ERIN Ontario
Changing plugs on an 87
I was thinking of changing my plugs on my 87. (75000Miles). I was wondering if they are all reachable by a novice or should i bring it in for my mechanic to do them ?
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 40,156
Likes: 45
From: San Pedro CA
it's not bad.
The hardest plugs are #6 and #8 on an L98.
I suggest using an old school plug socket with a nut cast into the end. Then use a 3/4" offset wrench to break it free.
Otherwise, just use care and some extentions, it won't be bad at all.
I recommend NGK Platinum plugs.
The hardest plugs are #6 and #8 on an L98.
I suggest using an old school plug socket with a nut cast into the end. Then use a 3/4" offset wrench to break it free.
Otherwise, just use care and some extentions, it won't be bad at all.
I recommend NGK Platinum plugs.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
and I do it the same way. My 87 seems to love the ACDelco #41629, that's the new number compared to the old number in your owners manual. Mine also seems to run better at 8 degrees, rather than 6.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 6,130
Likes: 2
From: seattle WA
Oh hey, forgot to tell you, it's alot easier and safer (we have aluminum head so you won't cross thread)-use a short piece of rubber fuel line, place it on the end and use it to start the plugs, once you've got them started tighten them down snug and give them about a 1/2 to 1 turn-basically they require 14-15 pounds torque-but I'm bad and never use a torque wrench on plugs.
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,088
Likes: 0
From: Poop land
I took out the whole AIR system, except for the pump. Also took out the EECS, less vacuum lines to worry about breaking off. Ever since then, removing spark plugs for inspection has been as easy as cheese. Not to mention a slightly cleaner engine bay. Weight-wise, the car is about 90% emissions control free.
RAGE ON!!!
RAGE ON!!!
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 125
From: Dunstable MA
St. Jude Donor '05
I've heard mixed comments about the use of anti-sieze on plugs. One thing for sure, the plugs must be anodized. I used a cheap set of Champions in a car with aluminum heads once, and along with the bill for the heli-coil job afterward, I was offered that advice by the mechanic. Any of the quality plugs you've been recommended will qualify.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 96,443
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From: Fort Knox, KY
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Don't forget the thread compound on the new plugs!
You will more than likely utter a few choice words before you're but it ain't nowhere near as difficult as replacing a heater core or a CDM tuner module!
You will more than likely utter a few choice words before you're but it ain't nowhere near as difficult as replacing a heater core or a CDM tuner module!
