Magyver

I've change many spark plugs in my time for Ford to Hondas. I need to know how long it's going to take me to install new plugs on my 98 LS1. Any tips you guys can give me would be appreciated. Tell me which plug is the hardest, so I can do it first. Any tool out there that will help? I've seen this one socket wrench at PEP BOYS that is pretty neat. Well I need to know, soon...getting NX kit install Friday morning, so if it's a 2 hour job I will do it that day, before I head to the track.

NightHawk

iTrader: (1)

Here are some links that detail the entire process, including some different techniques. I'm on the verge of doing my first LS1 plug change, too, so I know how you feel. I'm planning on at least 2 hours. Hope this helps.

http://www.fbody.com/tech/details.cgi?id=48

http://www.installuniversity.com/
(under install documents)

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by chikn:
<strong> Remove passenger side EGR tube, I remove drivers side too because it only takes 20 seconds yet saves me time when getting the drivers side out. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">I think you meant AIR tube? <img border="0" title="" alt="[Wink]" src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" /> The EGR isn't really in the way at all...

flyin red TA

It takes me about an hour for my 98, and I take my time. I use a spark plug socket with a swivel and a 3in extension. I also have macs without AIR tubes, so that saves time. #8 is by far the worst.

NX†C

since its your virgin LS1 change prepare for a 2-2.5 hour job. #8 will give you the most difficulty in which you might find it to work out in your benefit to remove the coilpack bracket enough to give your hands working room. best of luck, you'll have it soon. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Cool]" src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" />

unit213

2.5 hours would've been great. It took me about 6 or 7 hours literally. I have very big arms and hands which made the job very difficult. The hardest part for me was removing the #8 coil pack bolt. Now that I know what I'm doing, I'm confident that I could do them in about an hour or so.

Does the #8 plug on 98's have to be removed from the bottom? I broke that plug loose from the bottom but I pulled it from the top.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

I'm pretty sure that '98s don't have coil rails, so that b*start back bolt shouldn't be an issue. Not sure how hard it is to remove the coil though...maybe it's worse than the rail?

1slowCamaro

I paid GM to do it twice and they charged about $100. <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> But then I put on the headers and it made it 4000% easier to get at them. That #8 plug sucks though even with the headers. That is unless you take it out from the bottom in which case its extremely easy. I could do it now in 45 minutes I'm sure.

TaTommyWS6

Took 1 hour my first time thanks to www.installuniversity.com There instructions are great!

smokin' joe 00 ss

I'll give you one good tip it's to remove the rear hood seal and the push buttons that clip it to the firewall cowl. Those buttons are what sticks down and will cut your arms up. Just take a srewdriver and pop them up and out and remove the seal.

FreightTrain3

A first time spark plug change can take you while. It took me like 9 hours between two days. 8 hours on the first 7 cylinders, and then an hour the next day on the number 8 cylinder. Make sure you got a little 1 1/2 inch extension handy, universals arent any good. And move the coil pack rail on the passenger side, and get that last bolt out and ditch it. Most people say they do it from the bottom and I found it impossible, doing it from the top is you best bet, just follow install university's instructions. Of course, once you do it a couple times you could do it in 15 minutes.

<small>[ February 11, 2003, 09:19 PM: Message edited by: FreightTrain3 ]</small>

FreightTrain3

Oh yea, you shouldnt have to remove any hood seals or whatever. I followed install universities thing and it worked out alright. I wouldnt let any shop do it either, 95 percent of the time they dont touch that number 8 cylinder.

smokin' joe 00 ss

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by FreightTrain3:
<strong> Oh yea, you shouldnt have to remove any hood seals or whatever. I followed install universities thing and it worked out alright. I wouldnt let any shop do it either, 95 percent of the time they dont touch that number 8 cylinder. </strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">9 hours <img border="0" title="" alt="[Eek!]" src="gr_eek2.gif" /> now I didn't say you have to remove the seal BUT if you take the 2 min. to remove it you'll save some blood. This is a tip I've learned for changing my plugs and trying different gaps many times, and after you lean the tricks and which tools to use a complete plug swap takes under 1 hour.

unit213

</font><blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">quote:</font><hr /><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Originally posted by smokin' joe 00 ss:
<strong> I'll give you one good tip it's to remove the rear hood seal and the push buttons that clip it to the firewall cowl.</strong></font><hr /></blockquote><font size="2" face="Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif">Good tip! I cut my arms up pretty good on those trying to remove the #8 coil rail bolt.

sited12

Let me tell you the swivel was my best friend for the passanger side back two plugs. I do it in an hour now without removing the coil packs. Just get creative with extensions and tools. The coil rail was a bitch to get off when i tried it so i figured screw that.