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Plug and Wire Install+Fuel Filter

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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 07:47 PM
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Default Plug and Wire Install+Fuel Filter

Well guys my MPG around town has been getting shittier(from about 220-250 miles a tank) to 170 if im lucky. the air filter is clean, tire pressure is great, and 90% of the time im shifting 1-2-4 at 2k rpms! So im hoping the install of some new MSD plugs and wires , as well as a new fuel filter , will help my mpg! the car has 53,7xx miles on it, and i also just changed the tranny fluid. the only mod is a k and n filter, and a flowmaster muffler(sucks) with slp tips. Its also am M6. Im only wondering how difficult the install is on the plugs/wires... and also how long it will take?(i heard anywhere from 45 minutes to 8 hours on install university). Also, Im assuming the fuel filter is as easy as Im reading it is, but does the gas tank need to be mostly empty or will i loose roughly the same amount of fuel regardless? Im also considering Seafoaming it....im just kinda sketchy feeling about that at the moment. Any help is greatly appreciated!
Blake
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 07:55 PM
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The fuel filter isnt a big deal, you will have some fuel come out, but your tank wont drain out. Just have some rags on the ready, and make sure the area is well ventilated. The plugs and wires are a pain in the *** the first time, but it gets easier. I figured out on the passenger side to just take the entire bracket with the coils off, and remove the air hose from the exhaust manifold, this will give you more room to work in. Also have lots of patience, I have done plugs and wires 10+ times now, and sometimes I have to walk away. I did notice it was harder with the stock exhaust manifolds, the long tubes seem to be easier to work around. One more thing, to make life easier for yourself the next time, be sure the put some anti seize on the plug threads.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:04 PM
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lol pease wear safety glasses and dont leave your mouth open when disconnecting fuel line..... talking from experance
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:25 PM
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+1 on that
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:25 PM
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the only plug is the #8 plug that u will have trouble on!! you can see the plug from the bottom and you can feel the plug from the top!! so get it in from the top while somebody guides u from the bottom!
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:29 PM
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Definitely make sure you are in a ventilated area. I changed my fuel filter in the garage and the fumes were very strong. I learned my lesson and next time I'll back it out.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:39 PM
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give me a break #8 isnt harder than the other ones. just get up on top of the battery and put the socket on the plug first then slide the wrench on. first plug change will take you half a day if you take your time.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:44 PM
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Originally Posted by food nd cars
first plug change will take you half a day if you take your time.

screw that! i wonder how much a good ls1 shop around here would charge me for plugs n wires....normally i hate going to shops but im not really concerned about doing this myself....
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:45 PM
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Originally Posted by food nd cars
give me a break #8 isnt harder than the other ones. just get up on top of the battery and put the socket on the plug first then slide the wrench on. first plug change will take you half a day if you take your time.
well thats still the hardest one of all! i havent tried going on top of the battery, that might be a good way to do it, but if u talk to other members the hardest of all 8 is the #8!
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 08:53 PM
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I just did my plugs last week, #8 sucked just like everyone said it would. I finally got it from underneath using every extension I have! Total change time was about 3 hours im not ashamed.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 09:12 PM
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Number 8 does suck, but I think after you do it a couple times, its just like any other plug. I've never pulled number 8 from the bottom, I found it more difficult going from the bottom for the that one.
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Old Jan 9, 2008 | 09:45 PM
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i wonder how much a shop would chage for plug wire instal....
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 10:39 AM
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The biggest problem I have is with getting the wires off. I don't have enough room on the passenger side to gain any leverage. Does anyone have any tricks for pulling off the wires?
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 10:54 AM
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Don't have a shop do it. I've heard they'll change the front 6 but are too lazy to do 7 and 8. Do it your self. I am this spring. Just follow the instal guide on the installuniversity or whatever its called. They make it simple enough.
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 04:11 PM
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I wonder what life would be like without installuniversity...haha
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 10:58 PM
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lol try doing an LT1 plug change
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Old Jan 10, 2008 | 11:36 PM
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Originally Posted by redarrow
The biggest problem I have is with getting the wires off. I don't have enough room on the passenger side to gain any leverage. Does anyone have any tricks for pulling off the wires?
remove air tube and move coil packs up!! it worked for me! and wiggle the wires side to side when ur removeing them! dont pull it straight out!! ill be a bitch
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Old Jan 11, 2008 | 01:11 AM
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LS1's are easier and do take time but not as bad as an LT1. Now an LT1 is a religious experience, you'll walk away from that one a new man. . haha


jason
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Old Jan 11, 2008 | 09:58 AM
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Back in 2003 the dealer quoted me $450 to replace plugs and wires. I did it myself and learned why it was so expensive.... it's a pain and at the end of the day you'll have used almost every socket and extension that you own....

I've done it 4 times now on our two Fbodies and the first time took about 5 hrs incl trips to the store to buy sockets and swivels...

wrap a rag (old shirt or towel) around the fuel filter, then unplug it - that way atleast it doesn't splash in your face.
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Old Jan 11, 2008 | 10:46 AM
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damn ls1s!!! haha the fuel filter was pretty easy....the hardest part was jacking the car up!now for those plugs/wires.....im leaning toward MSD wires, not really sure yet what kind of plugs....what kind are u guys running? im gonna do it one day pretty soon hopefully...
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