Intercooler2

iTrader: (24)

Picked some up yesterday at NAPA for header install tomorrow. So what is the best gap to run on these? Is everyone using a little anti-seize on the threads and torquing to a spec? I don't know if room exists to get a torque wrench in there so I was going to use my calibrated hand. Never had a problem in the past but thought I would see what people did on these cars.

BlackScreaminMachine

iTrader: (17)

In my LT1, I didnt know if the Aluminum was different or anything but never used anti-seize, and I gapped to stock specs. I changed NGK every season or 10,000 miles, which ever came 1st So they never sat in there long enough to possibly seize.

In my LS1, again didnt use the Anti-seize and again, stock spec gap. BUT it seems like the LS1 doesnt like over tightening and when I have removed a set of plugs, some tight and some not so tight.

Honestly, dont be a gorilla about it and make it tight. It should be fine, Mine have been for quite a while.

IF you dont mind the mess of anti-seize, then get some on the threads.

Intercooler2

iTrader: (24)

Just a dab on the threads. What is the stock spec for gap and on these cars do people tighten it up a little or is that just on a FI application.

Z28/2002

iTrader: (27)

I believe stock gap is .060

Formulated

iTrader: (16)

Stock gap is 0.060", and torque is 11 ft*lb (15 Nm)..... not a lot of torque. I used a dab of antisieze on the bottom on the thread.

JBIRD02

iTrader: (4)

I use a touch of anti-seize and tighten them by hand. As soon as they feel snug, I give it about a 1/8 turn. No problems here.
Like BlackscreaminMachine said...."dont be a gorilla about it"!!!

RevGTO

iTrader: (12)

Gap .055 - .060, a little anti-sieze, and turn 'em by hand till they're snug. No need for any tighter than that.

Lithium

iTrader: (47)

I always went .055 with no issues. like everyone else said as well, nice and snug

Deerhunter-Z28

This is bad advice, you need to give them a small turn w/ the wrench after they are hand tight. I just do like 1/4 turn and never have had a problem. I know someone who hand tightened them and thats all and he had a huge problem while on n2o.

JScamaro

iTrader: (6)

I've always done a 1/4 turn with a wrench after hand tightening. Used anti sieze on the threads as well.

Formulated

iTrader: (16)

1/4 turn is a lot !!!

Don't be lazy. Get out the torque wrench and do it right. Then sleep easy knowing you didn't destroy your heads. Those specs exist for a reason, and they don't say anything about 1/4 turn.

kicksZ28

iTrader: (33)

Did mine at .055 and no problems.

00Corvette

iTrader: (1)

Dude, don't freak people out to the point where you make it seem like you MUST USE a torque wrench to change plugs....11 ft lbs is pretty easy to get close on with any normal length wrench anyway....just snug em' up, like everyone said and you will be fine.

It can however be a PITA to get a ratchet much less a 3/8 drive torque wrench that most people probably don't have anyway in there....

DZ