Need Spark Plug Info For C5
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 2
From: So Cal
Need Spark Plug Info For C5
My buddy needs some info please. For a 2000 C5 how long do the spark plugs generally last? The car doesn't burn any oil and is not run hard at all.
Thanks in advance.
Robin
Thanks in advance.
Robin
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 8,812
Likes: 2,029
From: eastern NC
Depending of course on how the Corvette is used, I think most will tell you that you'll notice a difference if you change them with 40k on 'em... some will do it even sooner.
Good luck... GUSTO
Good luck... GUSTO
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 752
Likes: 1
From: Tulsa OK
Platinum and Iridium spark plugs last a long time (100k easy) but if your friend is only driving about 12 - 15 k per year, you don't want to leave the plugs in the head for 4 - 5 years. They may sieze in the aluminum heads.
Even if the plugs don't require changing because of their condition they should be removed more often than every 100,000 miles. And, if you are going to go through the trouble of removing them then why not install new plugs.
Many people have said that they switched from the Platinum or Iridium plugs to NGK TR55 V Power. They last about 20,000 miles but then you would want to change them at that interval anyway. Plus you would save a lot of $$$ if you DIY.
Even if the plugs don't require changing because of their condition they should be removed more often than every 100,000 miles. And, if you are going to go through the trouble of removing them then why not install new plugs.
Many people have said that they switched from the Platinum or Iridium plugs to NGK TR55 V Power. They last about 20,000 miles but then you would want to change them at that interval anyway. Plus you would save a lot of $$$ if you DIY.
Last edited by EStreeter; Oct 18, 2006 at 04:41 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 4,827
Likes: 351
From: Albuquerque NM
Don't leave them in that long. I pulled one to check it after 15,000 miles, found the platinum "puck" on the end of the electrode was gone. Not only was the gap huge with it gone, but the metal puck hadda go through the engine, hopefully without damaging a piston or valve. I pulled the rest, 6 of 8 had MIA pucks. I put in NGK TR-55's.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 319
Likes: 13
From: Macomb Michigan
St. Jude Donor '12-'13-'14
99 mm6 coupe 79,000 miles original owner. Changed out original plugs at 60,000 miles with A/C 41 - 985 Iridium's. All pucks were in place. Plugs all looked like new. New plug gap spec changed from .060 to .040. I have not noticed any change whatsoever in any catagory of performance/ idle,etc. I changed them so as to have the latest plugs designed for the LS - 1. That's my 2 CTS. Good Luck ! 
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 2
From: So Cal
Originally Posted by 6Speeder
Don't leave them in that long. I pulled one to check it after 15,000 miles, found the platinum "puck" on the end of the electrode was gone. Not only was the gap huge with it gone, but the metal puck hadda go through the engine, hopefully without damaging a piston or valve. I pulled the rest, 6 of 8 had MIA pucks. I put in NGK TR-55's.
That's a frightening thought.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 3,067
Likes: 2
From: So Cal
Originally Posted by The Big Guy
99 mm6 coupe 79,000 miles original owner. Changed out original plugs at 60,000 miles with A/C 41 - 985 Iridium's. All pucks were in place. Plugs all looked like new. New plug gap spec changed from .060 to .040. I have not noticed any change whatsoever in any catagory of performance/ idle,etc. I changed them so as to have the latest plugs designed for the LS - 1. That's my 2 CTS. Good Luck !
Thanks this is good info. So it sounds like the spark plug specs have changed since the year 2000?
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,361
Likes: 1,592
From: Western NY
Originally Posted by Exterminator
That's a frightening thought.That's why I changed mine out before they had a chance to blow off. My car probably 1800-2000 miles on it at the time. I put in Bosch platinum +4s. A lot of people don't care for Bosch, but my car runs fine.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 9,909
Likes: 1,858
From: Hot Springs AR
Changed out mine after 100K miles (I bought the car with 90K). All the pucks were there ('00 FRC), car had been autocrossed and tracked.
I'm with you on the plugs getting tight (wouldn't go so far as to say "siezed"). Put a drop of oil on the threads (not antisieze, that can ground out the plug if it gets on the electrode) and you won't have that problem in the future.
Performance? You'll notice an immediate improvement, which will go away very shortly as the plugs break in.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
EDIT: BTW, I changed to NGK TR-55s (copper) at 100K miles, still going strong!
I'm with you on the plugs getting tight (wouldn't go so far as to say "siezed"). Put a drop of oil on the threads (not antisieze, that can ground out the plug if it gets on the electrode) and you won't have that problem in the future.
Performance? You'll notice an immediate improvement, which will go away very shortly as the plugs break in.
HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
EDIT: BTW, I changed to NGK TR-55s (copper) at 100K miles, still going strong!