GXP - 5.3 "Tune-Up"
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, Mi
GXP - 5.3 "Tune-Up" I am getting ready to pull my 05 GXP out of storeage. Before I start doing modifications to her I want to do a complete tune up on it. Its got about 70k miles and figured Id change all the fluids now, plugs, wires, & coilpacks.
Just was curious what is the best way to remove the rear spark plugs on this? Is there room between the firewall & back of the engine? I havent personally looked yet, but I know its a tight fit...Any suggestions on this?
What spark plugs would you recommend to run? What wires would you recommend?
Are MSD Wires & Coilpacks worth the money??
Just was curious what is the best way to remove the rear spark plugs on this? Is there room between the firewall & back of the engine? I havent personally looked yet, but I know its a tight fit...Any suggestions on this?
What spark plugs would you recommend to run? What wires would you recommend?
Are MSD Wires & Coilpacks worth the money??
On The Tree
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 107
Likes: 0
From: Randolph AFB, TX (San Antonio)
The coils, plugs, AND wires are NOT worth changing in these cars. GM didn't skimp out on the ignition system, and there aren't any gains to be hand doing so. Put your money elsewhere. Just my 2 cents, but many others can back up that logic as well.
Unless your plugs are messed up, there's not any point in changing out the plugs either as they're iridium and "supposed" to last till 100K, granted many don't, but if it isn't broke, then don't fix it. Unless for some reason you just LOVE copper plugs.
Like I said earlier, factory wires are good, and the only reason to change them is if you have one that's bad, or feel like making your engine bay "pretty" and getting colored ones.
/usual response.
Unless your plugs are messed up, there's not any point in changing out the plugs either as they're iridium and "supposed" to last till 100K, granted many don't, but if it isn't broke, then don't fix it. Unless for some reason you just LOVE copper plugs.
Like I said earlier, factory wires are good, and the only reason to change them is if you have one that's bad, or feel like making your engine bay "pretty" and getting colored ones.
/usual response.
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Teching In
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 32
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From: Jacksonville
The coils, plugs, AND wires are NOT worth changing in these cars. GM didn't skimp out on the ignition system, and there aren't any gains to be hand doing so. Put your money elsewhere. Just my 2 cents, but many others can back up that logic as well.
Unless your plugs are messed up, there's not any point in changing out the plugs either as they're iridium and "supposed" to last till 100K, granted many don't, but if it isn't broke, then don't fix it. Unless for some reason you just LOVE copper plugs.
Like I said earlier, factory wires are good, and the only reason to change them is if you have one that's bad, or feel like making your engine bay "pretty" and getting colored ones.
/usual response.
Unless your plugs are messed up, there's not any point in changing out the plugs either as they're iridium and "supposed" to last till 100K, granted many don't, but if it isn't broke, then don't fix it. Unless for some reason you just LOVE copper plugs.
Like I said earlier, factory wires are good, and the only reason to change them is if you have one that's bad, or feel like making your engine bay "pretty" and getting colored ones.
/usual response.
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From: nj
TECH Regular
Joined: Sep 2010
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From: Kansas City MO
I changed my plugs 2 months ago and it was well worth the money (next is plug wires and tranny fluid change). My car has 94k on it and was in dire need of a tune up. I went with NGK tr55 plugs from Autozone. Changed them myself and it took about 3 hours to do. The front 4 are real easy to change, it's the back 4 that is going to take you a looooong time! I did mine by crawling on top of the motor and by going underneath. If you have access to a lift, then this will help speed it up. The dealership wanted $115 in labor to do it. From a performance perspective, I noticed a difference right away and while it was not dramatic, it was noticeable. The motor just felt stronger.
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Kalamazoo, Mi
Forgot I posted this up.... I think its about time for a tune-up. Im at about 80k and after sitting over winter and running a few tanks of gas through and other stuff it just doesnt seem A1 to me and Ive noticed a bit of a loss in fuel economy.
Going to go with MSD wires. Not sure on plugs yet but will be looking for some Iridium's more than likely. Any suggestion on replacement plugs. Ive ran NGK before and didnt seem too bad.
Also whats the difference between the truck coil packs and ours??
And will be doing trans flush any suggestions on trans fluid/filter for replacement??
Going to go with MSD wires. Not sure on plugs yet but will be looking for some Iridium's more than likely. Any suggestion on replacement plugs. Ive ran NGK before and didnt seem too bad.
Also whats the difference between the truck coil packs and ours??
And will be doing trans flush any suggestions on trans fluid/filter for replacement??
LS1Tech Sponsor
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,932
Likes: 12
From: CT
don't go with MSD wires!! MSD wires introduce misfires... they're not that good... have seen it many many many many times...
stick with stock AC Delco's (which are very good) or go with the new NGK wires...
better to do it right the first time, then have to try and do 'em again..
NGK iridium for plugs.. . TR5IX for stock replacement... or TR6IX for one temp. range cooler..
no need to change the coil packs..
and don't do a tranny "flush"... flushes are bad bad bad... just have them drop the pan and drain the fluid, replace the filter, refill with dexron tranny fluid, and good to go..
stick with stock AC Delco's (which are very good) or go with the new NGK wires...
better to do it right the first time, then have to try and do 'em again..
NGK iridium for plugs.. . TR5IX for stock replacement... or TR6IX for one temp. range cooler..
no need to change the coil packs..
and don't do a tranny "flush"... flushes are bad bad bad... just have them drop the pan and drain the fluid, replace the filter, refill with dexron tranny fluid, and good to go..
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06MonteSS / DiabLew Tune
2014 Camaro 2SS/RS - LS3, 6-speed manual, short-throw performance shifter, NPP dual-mode performance exhaust, 1LE front splitter, ZL1 rockers, Z28 Rear Spoiler, all paint-matched Red Rock Metallic, BMR strut tower brace, Cold Air Inductions cold air intake, Apex Motorsports, Inc. catch-can, Custom DiabLew Tune
www.diablewtune.com -- www.diablocustomtune.com -- www.diablocustomtunegm.com
Staging Lane
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
From: WILKES-BARRE,PA.
i agree with cacictp/o6montess-posts. my daughters 2006 monte ss had 105,000 miles before we did anything . then did everthing/plugs /wires/ etc. worst except plugs ,coolant bottle was a pain .. all factory stuff again .. why do want to change something thats not broke ! we noticed no differance in perf. or mpg...gm did the homework for us. guys that say differant stuff is better ? how many tens did you pick up at the strip/and dyno numbers to prove it ? our wish for us [ls4] owners would be for trannys to last that long ! our first one went at 40,000 miles just out of warranty .. gm rebuild was $3,500 ,they split bill with us, paid $1750. of course warranty is 100,000 miles on that tranny ...daughter loves her monte ss, and is running great ! rkvette