Ready to shoot myself
Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 595
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From: Chicago
Ready to shoot myself I've determined that the ls1 trans am engine bay was designed by mentally challenged 8 year olds.
I've tried 3 times now to change the passenger side plugs, but I simply can't get at them. I can barely slip the socket over the plug, but I have absolutely no room for my arm to get in there and wrench it free. To make things worse, I can't even get any penetrating oil in there to help me out because the bottle is juuuuust a bit too big (of course).
What did you guys do to change your passenger side plugs? I'm getting about ready to just start removing random **** until I have room...
I've tried 3 times now to change the passenger side plugs, but I simply can't get at them. I can barely slip the socket over the plug, but I have absolutely no room for my arm to get in there and wrench it free. To make things worse, I can't even get any penetrating oil in there to help me out because the bottle is juuuuust a bit too big (of course).
What did you guys do to change your passenger side plugs? I'm getting about ready to just start removing random **** until I have room...
Teching In
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 33
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I use a 3/8 ratchet with a small breaker bar to get leverage on the third plug back on the passenger side. However, don't go crazy with the bar and snap the plug.
I always go from underneath on the last plug.
My first time changing plugs took me about 3 hours. I can do it in about an hour now.
Hope this helps.
Later,
Dale
I always go from underneath on the last plug.
My first time changing plugs took me about 3 hours. I can do it in about an hour now.
Hope this helps.
Later,
Dale
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 315
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From: Lafayette. Indiana
Try moving the coil packs on that side. Dont remove completly. Just take the bolts out and pull it up slightly and slide it over a little. Usually this will give you enough room to get at the third plug on the pass side. Sometimes a 1.5 extension helps.
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Like they said, remove the coil packs too. It's held on with 5 bolts, and that will give you lots of room. I used a deep spark plug socket, 1" extension, and 3/8" ratchet and it gave me just enough room to get the #8 plug easily from the top.
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Originally Posted by jrp
by some LT's, makes plug swaps snap. number 8 can be reached from the bottom with your hand 
takes about 45 mins to change both sides that includes 15 mins taking off & putting back on the air stuff. Thread Starter
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 595
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From: Chicago
I'll be going longtubes eventually when I scrape together the cash for pacesetters. Just spent about 750 building up my suspension though so it might be a bit :gags:
I'm removing the coil packs (98s are separate) once I get farther back, but the problem is I need clearance on the back side so I may have to pull the air conditioning to get at it all. Already pulled the AIR pipe to get at the front plugs easier. I'll try ramps and going from the bottom first though after work tomorrow when it cools down a bit and go from there. I'm using a 3" extension which may be a bit too much as well, so i'll have to pick up a 1.5" since I can't seem to find mine
.
If I pull the air conditioning to get more clearance, will it have to be recharged? I've never had to pull the air to swap plugs on a car before so I wasn't sure....
I'm removing the coil packs (98s are separate) once I get farther back, but the problem is I need clearance on the back side so I may have to pull the air conditioning to get at it all. Already pulled the AIR pipe to get at the front plugs easier. I'll try ramps and going from the bottom first though after work tomorrow when it cools down a bit and go from there. I'm using a 3" extension which may be a bit too much as well, so i'll have to pick up a 1.5" since I can't seem to find mine
.If I pull the air conditioning to get more clearance, will it have to be recharged? I've never had to pull the air to swap plugs on a car before so I wasn't sure....
Your making it too complicated. It's not that hard really, as long as your flexible, have somewhat skinny hands, and have the right tools. A 3" extention is definitly too long. My 1" extension fit in perfect, any longer and it wouldn't have fit. Remove the coil packs, they should give some room.