Are there any special tools I should get? I did them on my old 99 T.A. and I remember it was a bia-ch but mainly only on the back passengers side. I see they had some kind of tool on ebay for it. whats the bets way to do it? My car still has stock exhaust manifolds also.

 

I'd look into that ebay tool. It helps you get more clearance to put a ratcheting type wrench on the end and then crank away.

 

There is no easy way! Go to install university and look at there walkthrough, it helps out alot. Just take your time and for that famous rear plug in the passenger side your gonna need a big *** extension, atleast I did

 

The tool on ebay looks like they just cut a regular 5/8 spark plug socket down and drilled it out so that the plug would fit all the way through. I will just make my own. is it easier to go from the top or the bottom on the passenger side with regular exhaust manifolds?

 

For me going from the bottom was the only way, and I used a regular sparkplug socket, a swivel and a looooong extension.

 

Hey tennz28 did you have the headers before or after the plug change?

 

Ive done sparksplugs on my car before I had LT's and after. Both times I used the same method.

 

I find getting to #8 from the top easy; I put a pillow on the battery and kneel there to get my arm down in the back.

 

Hey tennz28 did you remove the starter?

 

Nope just used a big extension and a swivel, ive done them twice and it took me about 2 hours.

 

I have skinny arms so I seem to have no problem doing mine in 15 minutes. The bigger bitch is getting the #8 wire reseated.

 

i have magical arms that let me change LS1 and LT1 plugs in like 30 min.
take the coil packs off!

 

When I did my spark plugs the manifolds were gone so it wasn't that bad.

 

Use the shorty Snap On socket for LS1/LT1 it makes thata whole lot easier. It may be expensive though.

 

remove starter? special tools??? maybe i'm just spoiled with the LS1 because my L98 car is a nighmare in comparison.... but i think the LS1 is pretty easy. in stock form, the only 'weird' thing you gotta do is remove the AIR fitting at least on the passenger side, and #8 comes out from the bottom. with LT's, its even easier.

 

one tool i find helps me a ton is a mere 1in extension.

 

I find the best way to change plugs is to simply disconnect the coil packs on the passenger side.

Once off (before AND after headers), you get easy access to the plugs.

As for tools, a swivel head socket wrench will work fine with any standard spark plug socket.

http://toolmonger.com/wp-content/upl...aponswivel.jpg

I found one similar to this on the cheap at a local tool store. I use it more than any other socket wrench now due to it's added leverage.

The one I found has an extended arm too to give more leverage.

For number 8 only, the best way to approach with the swivel head is actually from BEHIND the engine. You basically bring your arm from over the valve cover bend towards number 8 and feel for it. Due to its angle and the removal of the coil packs, you will have more than enough leverage to get at it. Problem is you will more than likely find yourself with your knees on the battery. Pillow is recommended. Also recommend "trimming" the tabs for the cowl so you don't scratch your arms to death.

Number 6 ends up being the hardest once you figure out how to approach 8. that's simply sandwiched in no hand's land.

It's all about having the right tools for the job. I can do plugs in 30 mins now. First time around took me an hour simply wasting time figuring things out.

 

That little booger is one of the handiest things I have ever bought in many instances. I don't know why I waited so long to get one.

 

I just changed mine today. I have stock cats and manifolds so I just jacked the front of the car up, removed the cat, #8 was right there, removed it and put new one in, reconnected plug and put the cat back on. Took about 10-15 min. From the bottom it was super easy. Think I'll do it like that every time.

 

the easiest way for me was buy a case of beer for a buddy that really wanted to change them because his car is currently undergoing a transformation...