91 tune up 1st timer
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
91 tune up 1st timer
New to site...have 91 vette...would like to do tune-up myself...26,000 miles...only drive 2-3 months per year. Would appreciate insight and suggestions for how to do...your personal experiences...websites. Do I just replace plugs, wires, rotor...is it that simple or more complex.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland fl
If you only have 26k on the odometer you probably dont need much. It wouldnt hurt to change the plugs, and the cap and rotor too. The wires are probably fine, unless you want nicer performance type wires. Plugs usually come gapped, or close to what you need. To be correct you can get a cheap plug gap tool for about a buck or two. Take out the old, put in the new. Do one at a time so you dont accidentaly put the wrong plug wire on the wrong cylinder. As for the cap and rotor, take the new cap and hold it directly next to the old on, in the exact same orientation. Mark every plug wire, and mark where it needs to go on the new cap. Use tape, or a marker or something. No pencil- lead is a conductor. Remove the plug wires, remove the cap. change the rotor, and pu the new cap on. Put the coil from the old cap into the new one. A Haynes manual might be nice to have for this and future maintenence and they run $15-$20. Theyre not the best books, but it will have all the info you need for this type of work. Basically its just a simple R&R, but pay extra care in keeping your plug wires routed to their respective cylinders- dont mix them up.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
exactly what i wanted to hear
Thanx for the info...it was exactly what i wanted to hear...i am game to try almost anything and i have good hands and my brain works most of the time. Any tips on whether i need a torque wrench for the plugs? I am new to all of this and looking under the hood...well, it's a jungle to me.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 1,088
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland fl
You shouldnt need a torque wrench. You probably have aluminum cylinder heads, and I believe the plugs should have a small amount of anti-seize applied to the threads prior to installation. I never had aluminum heads (I have an 85) but I think thats correct. The plugs should be a little over "snug".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 5,818
Likes: 2
From: Alive and well in Burlington NC
SBNova has some good advice. I'd like to add that you remove the inner fender on the PS. You'll need the room for the #2 plug (the one under the AC compressor). Make sure you are working on a cold engine. Use a short piece of fuel or vac hose to start the plugs into the holes. This will help prevent cross-threading the aluminum head. As stated, use some anti-seize on the plug threads and some dielectirc grease in the plug wire boots.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Thank you
Thank you for tips and great help...7 plugs went in fine...broke 2 off though...the last plug was a B_t_h...it took as long as the others. The test drive went fine...will replace distributor, rotor and wires next week.
Now, must figure out what this tunercat is all about...seems to be the buzz here.
Now, must figure out what this tunercat is all about...seems to be the buzz here.
