Next weekend I will be changing out my plugs to NGK tr55's Prob gonna leave the gap at .055 . My question is what style of spark plug sockets do I need to make the job easier with such a limited space. In other words what lengths would be appropriate, and what size extensions work the best.I also saw where someone use a spark plug socket with a wrench on it. Is that a good way to go about it on the passenger side?

I figure what the hell I would rather buy 30 bux worth of tools and do it myself then pay 150bux to have it done.

 

Nothing makes it any easier! Theres a bunch of threads about spark plug removal and install just do a search and you will find alot of opinions on the best way to do it. The first time I did it I used InstallUniversity.coms guide and it took me about 3 hours. Good luck...... best advise is to take your time.

 

take off the coils,have a shorty ratchet,swiveling socket adapter,and remember for the tough ones get on top of the engine ,the battery area

 

Just changed mine out today. Do yourself a favor and remove the coil packs. Makes the job much easier. I've done them with the packs on... ONCE!! lol

My coil packs have been off a few times and I now use only 3 bolts per side to hold them on. I dont use the bolts on either end. 2 in the top and one in the bottom middle hole. Been this way for years and no worries. Just makes them go in and out a lot faster. If you havent taken yours off yet, the back bolts are a drag cause you can't really see them that well. Thats why theyre not on anymore!

Today it took me an hour and a half to take out the coils, change plugs (all from the top side due to coils being out), swap wires and out the packs back on. Don't forget to put anti-seize on the new plug threads before you install them! I used one $.98 squeeze pack from Advance Auto and had some left when I finished.

My tools- 3/8ths ratchet, swivel, 1" extension (it helps!), 3" extension, 12" extension (only used this one once, for the number 1 plug which is pretty close to the ABS control unit. feed it down between the brake lines with a swivel between it and the spark plug socket) and a 5/8ths spark plug socket.

Tip to make finding the spark plug hole easier when outting in the new ones... just before the old plug comes out, stop while the last few threads are still engaged. Look at the angle / position of the socket / extension (ratchet is off at this point) and remember what it looks like. When you go to put the new one back in, match the angle and position again and you'll be very close to the hole and able to get them started quickly without fumbling around.

Be prepared to leave a small amount of blood in the engine bay if you've got decent sized hands!! I busted a knuckle on the driver side (tighter on that side).

I also find it easier to re-connect the plug wires to the plugs first, then slip in the coil packs but dont bolt them down yet. That way you can angle the coils down which makes it easier to get the wires back on. With all the wires on, bolt them back onto the valve cover.

Good luck!

 

Driver side is a piece of cake.

On the passenger side I would recommend pulling the coils, EGR tube and get at everything from on top. If you can pull off the one A/C tube in the way you will be golden.

 

https://ls1tech.com/forums/general-maintenance-repairs/929832-spark-plugs-wires-round-one.html

Here is the thread I started a week ago
tools
Spark Plugs
3/8" driver
1" extension, 3" extension
5/8" spark plug socket

Coil Packs/AIR Tube
1/4" driver w/ 10mm deep socket
10mm box end wrench

OPPS, old thread, im sure he is already done?

 

Great thread! Yeah, I was looking for tips and thought I would post what worked for me. I pulled off the A/C tube and everything was easily accessible and thought I would share incase anybody was interested.

Not that everybody is running around with no A/C but you never know.

 

I used to love doing doing spark plugs on my old 1990 RS with a 305 TBI, no AC, and headers. I could do it in 45 minutes on the street outside of my apartment when I was in college. I miss that car, although not its lack of power.