Is there a thread of a "how-to" to change out sparkplugs? I am about 76,000 miles and its starting to start a little rough so I am thinking that its about that time... Someone told me that you had to drop the back of the ls1? I dont know if its true. Thanks for your help guys!

 

The only plug that is somewhat difficult to get out is the number 7 plug (rear driver's side). A couple of extensions with a swivel will get the job done. Otherwise, the plugs are pretty straight forward as to removal.

Try taking a look at this thread:

http://www.c5forum.com/diy/sparkplugs.php

Here's another decent thread on taking the heat shields off the plugs:

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c5-g...rk+plug+change

 

Thank you!!! I love this place. Everyone is so great sharing help on fixing things! This has been a great help. I am thinking this is something I am going to do.

 

Just an FYI...It WILL take you more than 10 minutes to do, Even though there are some on here that swear they can do them in 10 minutes!

 

The last time I did mine it took me 15. Of course I do not have any of that AIR crap on there so there is nothing getting in the way of the plugs. Once that mess is gone easy smeasy

 

If you change your plugs, Change your plug wires too!

 

Definitely let the car completely cool down! I usually do them when it's been sitting a couple hours or overnight. A spark plug socket with the rubber grommet to hold the plug will help especially for the rear ones. It's not hard, just takes a little time your first run at it.

I agree, change your plug wires too. Worth it, plus you don't have to worry if you break a wire or pull a wire loose from a boot/clip because you'll be throwing them out (I always keep a spare wire or two from the old set just in case of a mishap some other time and I'm in a bind).

 

Any advice on the wires to use? I have not looked to much into that... Whole car is stock other than just a factory K&N air filter. Was thinking I should just use the same AC delco plugs that come with the car. Any advice on the wires and plugs?

 

Choice of plugs and wires is always a discussion point. I went for NGK TR-55s set at the factory gap and GM Performance Parts Red wires (part #12495519). I’d strongly recommend replacing the wires at the same time as the plugs. Maybe I’m ham fisted but removing the wires without damaging at least one of them is almost impossible.

Start by removing the fuel rail covers. They are fixed with clips and just need a firm pull to remove them. Ease the plastic apart carefully on the driver’s-side cover to get the cover free from the braided hose.

The plugs nearest the firewall are the hardest to remove so it’s a good idea to start there. To reach the back plugs you will definitely need a swivel socket or a “wobble bar”. There’s a hose which you can disconnect and move out of the way to give better access.

I removed each wire, replaced the plug and refitted the wire as I went along. So all you need to do is remove the old wire, remove the old plug and refit the new wire – easy! Unfortunately it’s easier said than done! I found it easier to disconnect the plug from the coil first. The wires are protected by a heat shield which you need to re use so don’t damage it. Using long reach pliers or your hand if you can get in there, gently push the shield towards the motor leaving the wire exposed. It’s tight in there so there’s not much room to loosen the wire. Wiggling and coaxing may not work and you may need to resort to using a screwdriver to ease the plug wire clear. Once you’ve removed the wire remove the heat shield from the old wire and transfer this to the new wire. Hopefully once you’ve done the back ones the rest of the plugs are easier to get at.

When you refit the plugs its worth coating the thread with a small amount of anti seize. For bedded-in cylinder heads, torque the spark plugs to 11 lb ft. If you have greasy hands make sure the ceramic and plug caps are clean. Refit the wires remembering to refit the heat shield. Refit the FRCs.

This should be an easy job but I found it quite tricky and lost the skin on a few knuckles. I have to admit, it wasn’t the best job for quality time with my Vette.

 

Definitely agree with DeeGee. GMPP red wires are probably the best wires out there. And they are decently priced.

 

I used AC Delco Iridium plugs and GM red wires, from Gene Culley at GM Partshouse. Very happy. Not a bad job other than getting the old wires off. That was the hardest part of the job. Plugs came out and went in no problem.

 

Just Installed MSD 8.5mm wires and NGK Iridium X plugs. I can tell you I feel a difference!