Spark Plug Change?
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 579
Likes: 130
From: Chaska Minnesota
Spark Plug Change?
2001 Coupe-Stock. I am looking for advice on if or when I should change out my spark plugs. I have just over 50,000 miles on the car. It is driven pretty easy with occasional hot runs down ramps or long stretches. It runs great. Since my car is not driven year round like a normal car, i wonder if the owner's manual is a good reference for this maintenance. I drive it April thru November and then park it for the winter. I am interested in the opinions of folks a lot smarter than me on these matters. And how about plug wires or other related items I might consider to change out performance related. Thx for your time and advice.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 239
From: Missi'ppi... no mo' MO for me!!
If they're the originals I'd change the plugs just because they've been for 14 years. I'd recommend a change just so you can start the clock over again. I changed mine out when I installed headers (at 12 years and 75,000 miles) and it took a breaker bar to break mine loose. I was praying and sweating each plug I removed. At least six of mine were in *extremely* tightly.
Coat each new plug with anti-seize and each boot with electrical grease so the wires don't stick to the plugs. Everything I've read says that the vast majority of owners tear at least one plug wire and the general recommendation is to replace the set with the plugs anyway.
Coat each new plug with anti-seize and each boot with electrical grease so the wires don't stick to the plugs. Everything I've read says that the vast majority of owners tear at least one plug wire and the general recommendation is to replace the set with the plugs anyway.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 5,375
Likes: 328
From: CA.
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15
Your car is 14 years old---I would deff. change the plug wires----I like the GM RED wires the best
As for the plugs---These new material plugs can last 50-100K miles--
The problem is if you have never taken them out yet or if you wait til 100K miles to change them-- the plugs get stuck in heads--They sorta get carbon welded into the holes---Often you will break them in two when removing them OR strip the threads
As for the plugs---These new material plugs can last 50-100K miles--
The problem is if you have never taken them out yet or if you wait til 100K miles to change them-- the plugs get stuck in heads--They sorta get carbon welded into the holes---Often you will break them in two when removing them OR strip the threads
Racer
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 283
Likes: 16
Good choice, review the post on how to, the rear plugs are tough to get to be patient and use a good spark plug socket with a knuckle. the sponge in the socket will help you hold in the plug when you go to replace them. Definitely us anti-seize on installation of new plugs.
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
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 579
Likes: 130
From: Chaska Minnesota
I don't want to turn this into a gun thread, but since you brought it up I am kind of a Glock head. The Gen3 23C for off duty and the Gen4 23 for duty. And then there are the Smith revolvers. Vettes and Guns for hobbies--Ain't America GREAT? USA! USA!