How bad is it?
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 50
Likes: 0
How bad is it?
Got 00 cpe with 24,000 miles and want to change the plugs. Just how tough is it and what tools do I need. Is the plug on the drivers side rear really that hard? I thought I remembered seeing a post that showed step by step, but can't seem to find it. What's your thoughts?
Advanced
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs CO
I did mine at 50k. No problems here 2 - 3" extensions one universal joint. Make sure you don't forget the band-aids. I got a few cuts pulling the wires off. It's tight in there but not impossible. I found it easier that my f-150 5.4L.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 1,226
Likes: 3
From: Lakemoor IL
The stock plugs are garbage so go ahead and change them out. This job should take no longer than 30 minutes. I use NGK tr-55.
Those of you complaining about the difficulty of changing plugs, have you ever done them on an f-body? After you've done it a few times on an f-body the C5 is like a dream come true.
Those of you complaining about the difficulty of changing plugs, have you ever done them on an f-body? After you've done it a few times on an f-body the C5 is like a dream come true.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 889
Likes: 0
From: DFW tx
At 7 years old, you are probably ready for new plugs. I suggest the NGK TR55-IX (Iridium).
The worst are the back 2 on the drivers side. I can get the other 6 done in 20 minutes and those 2 take me another 20.
The worst are the back 2 on the drivers side. I can get the other 6 done in 20 minutes and those 2 take me another 20.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
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
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 146
Likes: 13
From: San Jose CA
It's a pretty tight fit in there, so consider buying some spark plug boot pliers - that'll make sure you're pulling on the spark plug boot, and not damage the wires. You can get them from Snap-on or even Sears.
With the right tools (boot pliers, long extension, universal joint), it shouldn't take you more than 30-45 minutes.
With the right tools (boot pliers, long extension, universal joint), it shouldn't take you more than 30-45 minutes.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,041
Likes: 4
From: Rockford Illinois
Changing the plugs isnt hard, you just have to have patience for some of the rears. Otherwise its not as hard as you think. I change my plugs once a year regardless of what GM says. Plugs are plugs and wear and work the same way in my eyes.
Just remember to use some Anti-Sieze on the plug ends, and dont pull the plugs out until the motor/heads arer cool. Otherwise you can risk pulling out the threads in the head.
Just remember to use some Anti-Sieze on the plug ends, and dont pull the plugs out until the motor/heads arer cool. Otherwise you can risk pulling out the threads in the head.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 893
Likes: 38
From: ATX
Hell, do the plugs+wires on an LT1 fbody....
It still took me more than 30 mins to do my C5 plugs&wires, tho
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,472
Likes: 18
From: Lake Ozark, MO
Your hand will look like a bobcat got ahold of it when you're done. Put some of the silicone stuff on the boots with a q-tip when you put the plug wires back on. If you have stock wires chances are they will pull apart in you hand when you try and take them off.
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 77
Likes: 0
From: Chicago IL
I used Magnacore Red 9mm wires on my 2000 and was very pleased with the results. I'd recommend changing the wires while you're at it!
http://www.ultrarev.com/home.php
http://www.ultrarev.com/home.php
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,788
Likes: 139
From: center of Kalifornia
I would change them because of the age factor. I have seen cars with stuck plugs @(150,000) and that is a problem. Just changed my wife 00' Camry plugs at 92,000 no problem and the kids 99' Chev 87,000 was easy. My 01' has 45,000 and I will change real soon. I pulled one out and it looked OK, just a little sticky to get out. Once a year what a waste, just my opinion.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 31
From: Silver Spring MD
spark plug changing
See my post about 3 or 4 weeks ago on changing plugs a few tips. I did my 98 with 74 k and taking my time it took under 5 hours. The worst is #7 near the brake booster. Look at my post for detailed instructions. Was the first time for me on the C5. Get new red Performance wires too. Got em from Bill Curley for just over $50. Used Delco Iridium plugs gapped at .040. Car now runs like a rocket ship.
BIGHANK
BIGHANK
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,170
Likes: 0
From: BROOKLYN PARK MN
