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FWIW i definitely noticed a difference in idle quality after changing plugs and wires (Magnecor's). At first it "trembled" quite a bit (low milage too) but was extremely smooth after changing plugs and wires. It trembles a little now, but not anything like it did.
I changed the plugs and wires hoping to smooth out the idle in my 29,000 mile 99. Ofcourse I have much lower miles than you but I noticed NO difference at all. Dont get your hopes up too much about smoothing it out after plug/wire change. Chances are it will do nothing for you as far as smoothness goes. How you are explaining is just how the LS1 engine idles. Its perfectly normal.
What guys are saying about the MAF could be worth it. Remove the MAF from your intake below. If your car still has the screen in place you will need to remove the 4 torx bits and disassemble the unit (still very easy only 3 parts to it). What I do is use a carb type cleaner or alcohol and slightly soak a couple q-tips and VERY gently wipe the sensors and metal bars. I then do the same process with dry Q-tips for a final cleaning. Make sure you are GENTLE!! you can actually see the dirt come off. Hope this helps.
JT
thanks for the advice man! i am actually excited to get under the hood of my C5...i gave up working on fast cars 3 years ago, and finally am back into it. any books a manual recommendations?
With 70K miles, if those are the original plugs definately change them.
Oh yeah, with those miles you may want to seafoam the vette as well. I did that, then later down the road did the plugs and the idle smoothed out much better!
While you are changing the plugs, may I suggest cleaning your maf sensor as well. You can easily do it by spraying carb cleaner or electric contact cleaner. I have seen dirty maf sensors cause a rough idle but otherwise normal running conditions.
As far as the metal covers go, you'll find out what they are when youstart changing your plugs.
Bought a 97w/ 85k, tuned and replaced everything possible and it still has a little rough spot in it. Everyone including the dealership says it is the nature of the car. The car never reported a misfire. Enjoy the car as I do.