Spark Plug install, quick question.
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Ok, my last car was a 300zx so im pretty used to crammed engine bays, but i thought id ask before i started on it tomorow, but how hard is it really to get to the rear spark plugs on a 02 LS1? I have no idea if its just a PITA compared to normal domestics or even for well versed mechanics is it a hard chore? I just got done doing the stealth nitrous install, and need to swap out these plugs and get rid of the cats so i can start tuning. So if anyone has any quick tips, or links, it would be nice. I just always like to read a little about the job before i do it, you never know, even on a simple job like changing the oil, there could be something odd about that one car, and the last thing im going to do is mess up. Thanks.
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Is that really about it, other than being in a tight space, just remove all the coils for a little extra room? i havent really gotten in there to look at the back plugs, but so far it just looked a little time consuming.
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If you are removing the cats, do it before the plug install. That should make it a piece of cake to get the rear plug on the pass. side (that was the only one that really gave me any trouble. Also, I was really happy that I bought a swiveled spark plug socket and offset 3/8's ratchet (w/ adjustable head) from sears. That made things much easier also. I left my coil packs in place, just removed the AIR pipe on the pass. side. You will see what all you need to do when you get in there
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It isn't that bad, but worse than some other cars I have worked on. A good idea as mentioned is to remove the coil packs. You can do this by removing the bracket that holds all of the coil packs to the valve cover. I think there are like 5 bolts on each side. On the passenger side, one of these bolts is in the very back and is a major PITA to get to. I just left it off when puting everything back together so I didnt have to deal with it again. A few extensions make it easier to take the plugs out. Some people find it easier to get #8 out from under the car, but I used a spark plug socket, small 1.5" extension, and a 3/8" ratchet to get it from the top. Good luck.
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Sounds like some creativity may come into play. I was planning on holding off on the cats until Thursday, but i might do it all at once now. Or try it from the top and if i get frustrated ill go ahead and take the cats off.
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yeah I left my back bolt out of my coil pack also, that thing is a PITA but future removal is so easy. I forgot the stock obstructions, I don't have the air system and have longtubes, and didn't change my plugs till after I had them, my car had less than 500 miles on it before the header install...lol
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I bought my car in December with less than 16k miles. It now has Fast toys induction, K&N filter, Direct flow lid, smooth bellow, loudmouth exhaust with borla muffler, nitrous system, mines also a painted slicktop with 323;s, LS6 block, and LS6 intake.