What's the secret??
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
What's the secret??
Hey guys
Trying to change wires on my 95 LT1 - had no problem with passenger side (right) - can't access the Opti Spark wire connections on the drivers side....How do I do it?
Is the access below the car?
Trying to change wires on my 95 LT1 - had no problem with passenger side (right) - can't access the Opti Spark wire connections on the drivers side....How do I do it?
Is the access below the car?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,348
Likes: 2,272
From: Central Maryland
The driver's side is a royal bitch of a job on LTx C4s. Loosen the power steering pump and move it at least 1/2 inch forward to allow the wires to pass through behind the pump (obviously, the belt needs to come off, too). Removing the center panel from the inner fender well will also help, as will unbolting the ASR bracket so that you can move it around a bit. Access to the Opti end of the wires will probably be better from below.
Live well,
SJW
Live well,
SJW
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
When I did mine, I removed the alternator and moved the a/c compressor out of the way. Also removed the belt tensioner to gain access to the opti. I didn't need to move the steering pump though I'm sure it would've made it a little easier.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 951
Likes: 3
From: Placerville CA
My hat is off to anyone who has done this. I pride myself on doing all the mechanical work on my cars and motorcycles (except for an auto trans rebuild) but this job has me completely stymied. No matter how I contort my body or twist my poor joints I can barely touch some of the plug boots, much less get a grip on them, much less get a wrench on the plugs, and even less feed those wires around the various obstacles. Maybe it's my 2XL hands that get in the way, but this is one job I will have to reluctantly farm out. Or just forget all about it, since the car is running well in spite of its 97K miles.
Yes, I removed the center wheel well panel and moved the ASR unit, but I still can't get a decent shot at anything except a couple of well-exposed plugs. And I didn't even bother to worry about accessing the left side of the Opti since there was no way I would get to that point in the job.
Sometimes ya' got to know when to fold 'em....depressing as the reality is. I'm afraid that late-onset buyer's remorse is creeping in with this car.
Yes, I removed the center wheel well panel and moved the ASR unit, but I still can't get a decent shot at anything except a couple of well-exposed plugs. And I didn't even bother to worry about accessing the left side of the Opti since there was no way I would get to that point in the job.
Sometimes ya' got to know when to fold 'em....depressing as the reality is. I'm afraid that late-onset buyer's remorse is creeping in with this car.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 5,139
Likes: 482
From: H-Town Texas
There's actually alot of room in the engine bay, and the the clamshell hood makes alot of the stuff really accessible. I believe it really comes down to how many layers of stuff do want to remove to get to what you need to get to.
For example, if you remove the ac/alternator, the emission hoses, the ASR with the bracket, the belt tensior, and move the steering pump, it's all right there. Of course, it makes a simple plug and wire change an all day project...of course it could be worse...you could have a C5 where half the motor is under the dash.
For example, if you remove the ac/alternator, the emission hoses, the ASR with the bracket, the belt tensior, and move the steering pump, it's all right there. Of course, it makes a simple plug and wire change an all day project...of course it could be worse...you could have a C5 where half the motor is under the dash.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 3,323
Likes: 142
From: Green Valley Arizona
Other things to remove to get at the plugs are, the AIR line on the exhaust manifolds, and the spark wire retainers attached to each head. Get these out of the way along with the ASR and you have access to all plugs.....well.....#8 is always going to be tough to get at.
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