mongo730

I have a 1999 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am.... I changed the plugs one time... I only removed the number 8 plug with the help of God. I am about to replace my A/C compressor. Will removing the A/C compressor give me better access to the spark plugs on the passenger side? If so, I will change them before installing the new compressor.

Thank you in advance,

Charlie

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

The A/C compressor is underneath the small hoses coming out of the water pump so the answer to your question is that it's not going to help with the No. 8 plug. Yes the 6 & 8 plugs are a PITA to get at but I've found that removing the coil pack from the valve cover will give you enough room to remove those two without cussing too much and with the valve cover off it is a breeze..

mongo730

Thank you. The information is greatly appreciated. My first hill to climb will be removing the compressor. I was just hoping that if I can pass that hurdle... it may help with the plugs hurdle.

Thanks Again,

Charlie

Treburkulosis

I agree with removing the coil packs. That is the way that I do mine.

mongo730

Thanks for the information. I have only changed the plugs one time. I remember the video I watched on YouTube to see how to get to the plugs. The speaker said to do the Driver's side plugs first to gain confidence. He also said it was an eight hour job. I did driver's side one day and the passenger side the next. The Passenger side is definitely the hardest to get to.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

The tool you need is a small, ratcheting box-end 10mm wrench. This will make removing the back bolt of the coil rail super easy, and that's really the hardest part of gaining access.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

I got so fed up with removing that back bolt I eventually removed it for good. There's plenty of other ones to keep it held down..

ghardester

This is correct and the tool you need. Once you get the coil rail out of the way, a universal knuckle on your socket wrench, an extention or two, a few skinned up hands and a lot of patience will get the job done. I did the common modification of never putting that last bolt in the coil rail back. It has been in the tool chest for many years.

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

And throw that bolt in your spare bolt stash. It isn't needed.

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

I just did this yesterday on my 99 Formula WS6... drivers side took maybe 30 min... you don't need to remove coil bracket on drivers side imho.... However, it is a must on the passenger side... that back coil bolt is a ****... As others have said... a small ratcheting 10mm wrench will make it much easier... Going to tackle #8 plug this morning... In the past, i have removed from the bottom... My plugs looked bad... Had a misfire on cyl2.... swapped coil packs from 2 to 4 We will see if its gone, or has moved to cyl4.... OR perhaps it was just the plugs... Previous owner had these gapped @ 60+!!???? I gap mine at 36... Always have..

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

#8 is EASY with this tool.....

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

.060" is the factory gap spec for the assembly line platinum tipped plugs.

I've gapped them anywhere from .050 to .060, but never tighter than that unless it's a colder heat range plug.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

A small ratchet is my go to as well along with a short piece of 3/8" rubber hose to remove the plug once it's broke free.

Bspeck82

Sometimes it's easier to get to from the bottom of the car.

01CamaroSSTx

iTrader: (3)

When you have a lift...Absolutely!

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

It's easier to replace #8 by removing the head.

RPM WS6

iTrader: (3)

The easiest way to replace #8 is to remove the entire passenger side shock tower with a torch.

01Z0H6

iTrader: (63)

I have found that if you run your had up through the passenger side exhaust, you can just reach the #8 plug...

wannafbody

iTrader: (2)

I heard of some guys cutting an access hole in the interior. I think if you remove the heater box and the block off plate you can get to #8.