Damian

iTrader: (89)

I've become VERY rusty with LT1 cars, not have worked on one in over 4 yrs, but one nightmare i'll NEVER forget is changing plugs.

I remember a while back a guy on CZ28.com developed some tool that was suppose to make plug changes easy on these cars. Anybody know what i'm talking about, or where to find something to make this job easier? Normal sockets, swivels and extensions damn sure dont cut it.....

brandboZ28

iTrader: (2)

There is something called an O-Ratchet that they sell at Sears. Works good on mine

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Do you have stock manifolds are headers? I will be working on a stock manifold car, and it's definately different than doing headers..

Thanks for the tip though

The LT1 That Could

iTrader: (3)

what he said.....

an ratcheting wrech helps on the harder plugs in tight spaces, other than that, just a lot of patience!

brandboZ28

iTrader: (2)

Ive got headers and its no secret that its a LOT easier than the stock manifolds. Hope youve got some skinny arms/hands cause youre in for a long day. I would search around on CZ28.com. I know Ive seen where someone gave the easiest way for each plug. Ill see if I can find it.

EDIT---I found this on another site. It might help.

PLUG ACCESS / TOOLS REQUIRED / COMMENTS
1 Top / Socket w/ Swivel Easy
3 Top / Socket w/ Swivel Easy
5 Bot / Socket w/ Swivel Slightly tricky
7 Bot / Socket w/ Swivel Watch out for O2 sensor
2 Top / Socket w/ Open End AC & Exhaust AIR Tubes make it NASTY
4 Top / Socket w/ Swivel Completely blind on this one
6 Bot / Socket w/ Swivel Difficult to reach, but doable
8 Bot / Socket w/ Swivel Skiny arms are a MUST

EDIT #2----Get that car some headers

Damian

iTrader: (89)

LOL! I know it man, this is my buddy's car and i'm trying to talk him into some good headers but he just wants to sell it. Just going to pay me to tune it up. I am charging the executive price to do these plugs though lol

THANKS for that summary man, I appreciate it...

distortion_69

iTrader: (20)

Just don't bother changing them until he gets a headers and a cam. Whoever it is can deal with a little miss.

Peace,
Josh

robertbartsch

I think they call that tool a hand gernade.

One reason I dumped my LT1 was it was very hard to work on.....Gen 3s are much easier...

robertbartsch

I think it says in the GM - LT1 handbook that you should sell the car to your mother-in-law if the original factory spark plugs ever wear out...

MrYenko

A friend you dont like much...

Damian

iTrader: (89)

HAHA, you guys crack me up...

No joke though, I owned an LT1 from 97-99. I built 2 motors in that car, but i'd damn near almost pay someone do swap plugs in it.

I'm getting a pretty "decent" sum to do this plug swap, so i'll endure 3-4 hrs of cussing for 500 bucks

robertbartsch

$500 bucks - that is a good sum for this job - I would hate to have to pay you for this work, however.

As I remember, some of these have to come out from the bottom....and the exhaust is in the way... if you want to do it faster, I think it is best to take the headers off and all the other junk (air pipes, etc.).... trust me on this one...

brandboZ28

iTrader: (2)

$500 to change some plugs. Do you need some help and we can split the money? Id make the drive

OBXMarine

iTrader: (2)

I think that's what my friends has to pay, maybe it's $300? Supposedly the motor needs to be pulled. I say I've looked under the hood several times and it looks like an absolute nightmare. He's looking at headers, maybe I'll point him to this thread.

LS1Baron

Stubby ratchet handle, a lift, and a LOT of patience.

VETTEX2

CAN YOU GO THRU THE WHEELWELL ? oops caps...........

Shon Herron

iTrader: (25)

$500 for plug change!?!?!?!

I need some of the business, I figure for half that price I can get it done....

Way to rip a friend.....

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Hopefully that comment was said in jest. I'm not "ripping" anyone chief. He asked if I wanted to do the job, I said no.....He offered me 500 bucks to do it, so I accepted...

robertbartsch

Are you sure he needs all 8 plugs changed....they last time I did this I replaced about 4 or 5 and gave up on the rest....the job really blows.... I still have a few extra new plugs in my tool chest at home....

Ben R

Changing 8 plugs in an LT1 only takes about 45 minutes. You just have to have small, agile hands and some gumby like skillz.