Spark plug and wire combo question-====
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 175
Likes: 0
From: Gainesville va
Spark plug and wire combo question-====
I want to replace the stock plugs and wires. I have read a ton of threads on this in the past. I am now ready to make the move to replace them both. What are some opinions for wires and plugs.
Also, is this a home project or should I let someone else deal with the hard to get to spark plugs?
Thanks
Also, is this a home project or should I let someone else deal with the hard to get to spark plugs?
Thanks
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 836
Likes: 0
From: Lake Norman NC
I went with the NGK TR55ix - with MSD wires. I put them in the garage - took less than an hour. I noticed a slightly smoother running engine! Just make sure the engine is cool before you go playing underneath the hood. 
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 4,208
Likes: 2
From: Rochester MN
CI 5-6-7-8 Veteran
St. Jude Donor '04-'05-'06-'07
NCM Ambassador
L.A.P.D. has them on sale - look for their thread in C5 Parts for sale.
Depending on how varied your tools are you may have difficulty with the front and rear plugs on the driver's side of the engine - they are difficult to get at.
Last edited by ptdrummer54; Mar 30, 2005 at 10:12 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 21,234
Likes: 19
From: Freestate Corvette Club! Elkridge, MD
St. Jude Donor '17
I agree about the NGK plugs - But I went with the far thicker Thundervolt 10.5mm wire - It looks a whole lot better IMHO...
It really is not a bad job - just take your time
It really is not a bad job - just take your time
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
From: DFW tx
The spark plugs are fairly easy to change, you can remove the air tubes and/or coil packs to give you more clearance if you can't get to it with the swivel socket. I use copper antiseize compound on the threads, and di-electric grease on both ends of the plug wire.
I run NGK tr55's (copper), some have had good luck with the irridium type plugs but I have not tried them.
In my opinion, the stock wires with heat shields are sufficient and there is no need to waste money on expensive wires. I ran the MSD's (until they melted) and noticed no difference in performance. I have yet to see anyone post gains by running expensive wires over the stock ones.
I run NGK tr55's (copper), some have had good luck with the irridium type plugs but I have not tried them.
In my opinion, the stock wires with heat shields are sufficient and there is no need to waste money on expensive wires. I ran the MSD's (until they melted) and noticed no difference in performance. I have yet to see anyone post gains by running expensive wires over the stock ones.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 3,517
Likes: 529
From: Tampa, FL
Cruise-In III Veteran
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Originally Posted by Jeff Jeff
The spark plugs are fairly easy to change, you can remove the air tubes and/or coil packs to give you more clearance if you can't get to it with the swivel socket. I use copper antiseize compound on the threads, and di-electric grease on both ends of the plug wire.
I run NGK tr55's (copper), some have had good luck with the irridium type plugs but I have not tried them.
In my opinion, the stock wires with heat shields are sufficient and there is no need to waste money on expensive wires. I ran the MSD's (until they melted) and noticed no difference in performance. I have yet to see anyone post gains by running expensive wires over the stock ones.
I run NGK tr55's (copper), some have had good luck with the irridium type plugs but I have not tried them.
In my opinion, the stock wires with heat shields are sufficient and there is no need to waste money on expensive wires. I ran the MSD's (until they melted) and noticed no difference in performance. I have yet to see anyone post gains by running expensive wires over the stock ones.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 1,149
Likes: 143
Originally Posted by MHVette
I went with the NGK TR55ix - with MSD wires. I put them in the garage - took less than an hour. I noticed a slightly smoother running engine! Just make sure the engine is cool before you go playing underneath the hood.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 36,836
Likes: 244
From: Dear Karma, I have a list of people you missed.
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
A piece of cake! (Or is it a piece of pie? 
) Pick your favorite quality plug wire set and install some NGK's. The swivel u-joint or socket for number 7 plug is needed. HTH
Robert
) Pick your favorite quality plug wire set and install some NGK's. The swivel u-joint or socket for number 7 plug is needed. HTHRobert
