Changing Spark Plugs
03-21-2010, 12:34 PM
#1
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Changing Spark Plugs I have a 1999 Camaro SS and went to change the plugs yesterday. I got the driver side done, but can't see any way to get to the ones on the passenger side. What do you have to do, drop the tranny or something (LOL)? Any help is appreciated.
03-21-2010, 01:33 PM
#2
You have to take the intake off, then the passengers side head.
j/k
Its simply a BITCH. Some people get the rear plug from the bottom. Otherwise, depending on how tight the spark plugs were put in last time, that will dictate how hard it will be to get them out this time.
Do yourself a favor and put them in lightly....do not tighten them down too much. Hand tight spinning a socket, then literally a little snug with the ratchet.
.
j/k
Its simply a BITCH. Some people get the rear plug from the bottom. Otherwise, depending on how tight the spark plugs were put in last time, that will dictate how hard it will be to get them out this time.
Do yourself a favor and put them in lightly....do not tighten them down too much. Hand tight spinning a socket, then literally a little snug with the ratchet.
.
03-21-2010, 02:08 PM
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for number the back one of the passenger side i went underneath the car, having a lift at any moment is win but that was the biggest pain, plus when i removed the stock wires they all came apart with little to no force =/ and now she's a beast
03-21-2010, 03:49 PM
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I did not remove anything. . . . Except for the AIR pipe on the passesnger's side. Did the last one from the bottom. . . .
It took me about 2-3 hours total, including replaceing the wires.
I thought it was going to be worse. . . . . . . .
It took me about 2-3 hours total, including replaceing the wires.
I thought it was going to be worse. . . . . . . .
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03-22-2010, 02:59 PM
#9
remove the coil packs, there are 4 or 5 nuts requiring a 10mm socket or wrench that undo to get the coil pack off. The worst is the rear most nut, which is on a stud i think, and you can only turn it 20 degrees at a time so it'll take you the most time getting that off. Once out, don't reinstall that rearmost stud, the other 4 studs are plenty.
And remove the AIR pipe coming off the exhaust manifold, do yourself a favor and go to the dealer and buy a package of the AIR pipe gaskets for like $10. Pull the AIR pipes off each side, clean both mating surfaces- on the pipe and on the manifold- with a wire brush on a drill till they're shiny clean. When you reinstall, coat both sides of the new metallic AIR pipe gasket with antiseize and tighten down real light on the AIR pipe bolts. This way next plug change they'll come right off no problem. First time is the bitch getting the rear most stud off the coil packs and having to clean the AIR pipe, but after that you'll be able to do a plug change in 30-40 minutes.
And for the rear most on passenger side, I think it's easiest using a low-profile 3/8 ratchet (mine's a standard craftsman) with a 1-1/2" extension from the top, worst is you have to do it completely by feel but it's not that hard.
And remove the AIR pipe coming off the exhaust manifold, do yourself a favor and go to the dealer and buy a package of the AIR pipe gaskets for like $10. Pull the AIR pipes off each side, clean both mating surfaces- on the pipe and on the manifold- with a wire brush on a drill till they're shiny clean. When you reinstall, coat both sides of the new metallic AIR pipe gasket with antiseize and tighten down real light on the AIR pipe bolts. This way next plug change they'll come right off no problem. First time is the bitch getting the rear most stud off the coil packs and having to clean the AIR pipe, but after that you'll be able to do a plug change in 30-40 minutes.
And for the rear most on passenger side, I think it's easiest using a low-profile 3/8 ratchet (mine's a standard craftsman) with a 1-1/2" extension from the top, worst is you have to do it completely by feel but it's not that hard.
03-22-2010, 04:41 PM
#11
I change them in 25 minutes and could probably do it faster if I had too. You need the right tools first. A flex head 3/8 drive ratchet, a 3 inch extention, a 3/4 inch extention, spark plug socket, and a shorty 3/8 drive ratchet. I get number 1-7 from the top and number 8 from the bottom. I do not have any emissions stuff in the way and I relocated my coils which makes it much easier too. For guys with the coils in the stock location you will need to take the coil and mounting bracketrs on the passenger side off..when you take them off for the first time take the bolt from the last coil bracket closest to the fire wall under the cowl and throw it away..it is too much of a pain in the azz to fool with more than once. You will want to pull those pointed plastic push/pull fasteners that hold the plastic piece and weather stripping to the cowl up so they do not cut your arms. It is not as bad and everyone says it is...
Last edited by slt200mph; 04-24-2010 at 10:07 AM.
03-22-2010, 06:11 PM
#12
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I didnt remove anything I figured it would take longer to remove everything and put it back together rather than just changing the plugs. It did tear my arm up when I was doing it from the top too so I ended up getting the rear one from the bottom. I think its just practice lol
