Blk98Bird

I've determined that the ls1 trans am engine bay was designed by mentally challenged 8 year olds.

I've tried 3 times now to change the passenger side plugs, but I simply can't get at them. I can barely slip the socket over the plug, but I have absolutely no room for my arm to get in there and wrench it free. To make things worse, I can't even get any penetrating oil in there to help me out because the bottle is juuuuust a bit too big (of course).

What did you guys do to change your passenger side plugs? I'm getting about ready to just start removing random **** until I have room...

Blk98Bird

Forget to add, I tried removing the AIR pipe, and while that helped, there's still not enough clearance to get a good enough angle to break them loose.

2_wacko

iTrader: (2)

You might have to drive the car on ramp's or jack the car up and try from the bottom.

Baluchitherium4

I use a 3/8 ratchet with a small breaker bar to get leverage on the third plug back on the passenger side. However, don't go crazy with the bar and snap the plug.

I always go from underneath on the last plug.

My first time changing plugs took me about 3 hours. I can do it in about an hour now.

Hope this helps.

Later,

Dale

FEAR THE LS1

iTrader: (1)

Just get rid of your AC and AIR stuff.. makes working on the car a breeze

Other than that changing the plugs can suck.

strippedSS

Try moving the coil packs on that side. Dont remove completly. Just take the bolts out and pull it up slightly and slide it over a little. Usually this will give you enough room to get at the third plug on the pass side. Sometimes a 1.5 extension helps.

99SSragtop

remove the air tube and remove the coil pack.

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

Like they said, remove the coil packs too. It's held on with 5 bolts, and that will give you lots of room. I used a deep spark plug socket, 1" extension, and 3/8" ratchet and it gave me just enough room to get the #8 plug easily from the top.

jrp

iTrader: (16)

by some LT's, makes plug swaps snap. number 8 can be reached from the bottom with your hand

foff667

iTrader: (2)

takes about 45 mins to change both sides that includes 15 mins taking off & putting back on the air stuff.

Blk98Bird

I'll be going longtubes eventually when I scrape together the cash for pacesetters. Just spent about 750 building up my suspension though so it might be a bit :gags:

I'm removing the coil packs (98s are separate) once I get farther back, but the problem is I need clearance on the back side so I may have to pull the air conditioning to get at it all. Already pulled the AIR pipe to get at the front plugs easier. I'll try ramps and going from the bottom first though after work tomorrow when it cools down a bit and go from there. I'm using a 3" extension which may be a bit too much as well, so i'll have to pick up a 1.5" since I can't seem to find mine .

If I pull the air conditioning to get more clearance, will it have to be recharged? I've never had to pull the air to swap plugs on a car before so I wasn't sure....

Ferocity02

iTrader: (60)

Your making it too complicated. It's not that hard really, as long as your flexible, have somewhat skinny hands, and have the right tools. A 3" extention is definitly too long. My 1" extension fit in perfect, any longer and it wouldn't have fit. Remove the coil packs, they should give some room.