replace spark plugs
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
You will be surprised in the new idle smoothness when you get those new plugs installed. If you have never changed the wires, now's a very good time to install the GM Red Performance wires. Excellent plugs wires for the money! They fit right and will last a very long time! Very good quality wires!!
I did mine at 35K and the gaps were out of spec wide and two of the iridium pucks were missing on the electrode straps.
I did mine at 35K and the gaps were out of spec wide and two of the iridium pucks were missing on the electrode straps.
Last edited by Bill Curlee; Jul 11, 2019 at 11:13 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 1,377
From: Orange County, CA
I'd say this is debatable. My old plug wires gave me hell, 6/8 came apart at the spark plugs, requiring huge force (with special pliers) to tear the boots off, and subsequent retrieval of the inner metal bits. Not a major problem for me since I was prepared and am mechanically inclined, but I have several "car friends" who would have given up.
Old plugs and wires were probably original from 2001, with about 62k miles, except for one random unique wire.
Also I feel like I should mention: didn't really notice any difference after installing NGK 7397 TR5IX plugs and red GM wires.
Old plugs and wires were probably original from 2001, with about 62k miles, except for one random unique wire.
Also I feel like I should mention: didn't really notice any difference after installing NGK 7397 TR5IX plugs and red GM wires.
Last edited by MetalMan2; Jul 11, 2019 at 11:23 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
Holy Hell.. Im surprised that you didn't feel an improvement as some of those wires are seriously toasted!
OP,, Make SURE that you remove the plugs on a COLD engine!
OP,, Make SURE that you remove the plugs on a COLD engine!
Racer
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 285
Likes: 119
From: Central Fl.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 86
Likes: 25
I just did this job a couple weeks ago.
1) AC Delco 41-110 are the recommended factory plugs. Cost about $40 for a set of 8 on amazon. Keep a look out for fakes that are cheaper.
2) GM Red Performance wires are an easy Amazon purchase as well. $78.
3) Job took me about 4 hours to do casually. I have giant hands, which was surely part of the problem. I heavily suggest unbolting the coil packs as a first step, as this opens up a ton of room to get to the plugs. Only takes a few minutes to unbolt, with the most annoying bolt being by the alternator. I did not use plug wire pliers but i realize they definitely would help and would suggest them unless you are really cheap.
4) Honeslty, I didnt notice a substantial benefit from doing the job. I have a 2002 coupe with 70K miles. It ran well before and well after. Looks like the previous owner changed the plugs at some point as they were an aftermarket manufacturer. I did, however, notice that my coil wires tore apart really easily. I cant imagine trying to change just the plugs, as the wires would definitely tear when trying to get them off the plugs.
1) AC Delco 41-110 are the recommended factory plugs. Cost about $40 for a set of 8 on amazon. Keep a look out for fakes that are cheaper.
2) GM Red Performance wires are an easy Amazon purchase as well. $78.
3) Job took me about 4 hours to do casually. I have giant hands, which was surely part of the problem. I heavily suggest unbolting the coil packs as a first step, as this opens up a ton of room to get to the plugs. Only takes a few minutes to unbolt, with the most annoying bolt being by the alternator. I did not use plug wire pliers but i realize they definitely would help and would suggest them unless you are really cheap.
4) Honeslty, I didnt notice a substantial benefit from doing the job. I have a 2002 coupe with 70K miles. It ran well before and well after. Looks like the previous owner changed the plugs at some point as they were an aftermarket manufacturer. I did, however, notice that my coil wires tore apart really easily. I cant imagine trying to change just the plugs, as the wires would definitely tear when trying to get them off the plugs.
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Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
I just did this job a couple weeks ago.
1) AC Delco 41-110 are the recommended factory plugs. Cost about $40 for a set of 8 on amazon. Keep a look out for fakes that are cheaper.
2) GM Red Performance wires are an easy Amazon purchase as well. $78.
3) Job took me about 4 hours to do casually. I have giant hands, which was surely part of the problem. I heavily suggest unbolting the coil packs as a first step, as this opens up a ton of room to get to the plugs. Only takes a few minutes to unbolt, with the most annoying bolt being by the alternator. I did not use plug wire pliers but i realize they definitely would help and would suggest them unless you are really cheap.
4) Honeslty, I didnt notice a substantial benefit from doing the job. I have a 2002 coupe with 70K miles. It ran well before and well after. Looks like the previous owner changed the plugs at some point as they were an aftermarket manufacturer. I did, however, notice that my coil wires tore apart really easily. I cant imagine trying to change just the plugs, as the wires would definitely tear when trying to get them off the plugs.
1) AC Delco 41-110 are the recommended factory plugs. Cost about $40 for a set of 8 on amazon. Keep a look out for fakes that are cheaper.
2) GM Red Performance wires are an easy Amazon purchase as well. $78.
3) Job took me about 4 hours to do casually. I have giant hands, which was surely part of the problem. I heavily suggest unbolting the coil packs as a first step, as this opens up a ton of room to get to the plugs. Only takes a few minutes to unbolt, with the most annoying bolt being by the alternator. I did not use plug wire pliers but i realize they definitely would help and would suggest them unless you are really cheap.
4) Honeslty, I didnt notice a substantial benefit from doing the job. I have a 2002 coupe with 70K miles. It ran well before and well after. Looks like the previous owner changed the plugs at some point as they were an aftermarket manufacturer. I did, however, notice that my coil wires tore apart really easily. I cant imagine trying to change just the plugs, as the wires would definitely tear when trying to get them off the plugs.
I agree,, The AC Delco OEM Plugs..
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 247
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From: Vancouver Island British Columbia, Canada
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 3,275
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From: Miami FL
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 1,377
From: Orange County, CA
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
I'd say this is debatable. My old plug wires gave me hell, 6/8 came apart at the spark plugs, requiring huge force (with special pliers) to tear the boots off, and subsequent retrieval of the inner metal bits. Not a major problem for me since I was prepared and am mechanically inclined, but I have several "car friends" who would have given up.
Old plugs and wires were probably original from 2001, with about 62k miles, except for one random unique wire.
Also I feel like I should mention: didn't really notice any difference after installing NGK 7397 TR5IX plugs and red GM wires.
Old plugs and wires were probably original from 2001, with about 62k miles, except for one random unique wire.
Also I feel like I should mention: didn't really notice any difference after installing NGK 7397 TR5IX plugs and red GM wires.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 34,479
Likes: 532
From: Central PA. - - My AR15 identifies as a muzzleloader
I believe in the Beer Fairy
I bought a dump truck recently with a 366 Tonawanda. The wires on that we're in bad shape. Made the ones in that picture above look like they had a lot of life left.
I expected a major change in the way the engine ran after replacing them and putting in new plugs. I honestly couldn't tell. That's almost inconceivable but somehow it was still sparking.
I expected a major change in the way the engine ran after replacing them and putting in new plugs. I honestly couldn't tell. That's almost inconceivable but somehow it was still sparking.
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 403
Likes: 64
I'd say this is debatable. My old plug wires gave me hell, 6/8 came apart at the spark plugs, requiring huge force (with special pliers) to tear the boots off, and subsequent retrieval of the inner metal bits. Not a major problem for me since I was prepared and am mechanically inclined, but I have several "car friends" who would have given up.
Old plugs and wires were probably original from 2001, with about 62k miles, except for one random unique wire.
Also I feel like I should mention: didn't really notice any difference after installing NGK 7397 TR5IX plugs and red GM wires.
Old plugs and wires were probably original from 2001, with about 62k miles, except for one random unique wire.
Also I feel like I should mention: didn't really notice any difference after installing NGK 7397 TR5IX plugs and red GM wires.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,641
Likes: 1,377
From: Orange County, CA