1999 ss tune up

**mikefhays** · 10-12-2015, 12:06 PM

how do you reach spark plugs

**Whamhammer** · 10-12-2015, 12:30 PM

Originally Posted by mikefhays

how do you reach spark plugs

All but the passenger rear 8 got from the top, they were pretty easy. Passenger rear I did from under the car with a universal joint and feel.

**mikefhays** · 10-16-2015, 04:27 AM

Originally Posted by Whamhammer

All but the passenger rear 8 got from the top, they were pretty easy. Passenger rear I did from under the car with a universal joint and feel.

thanks i'll go at it this weekend. dealer wants $600 to do it. seemed a little pricey

**sjgreen6** · 10-16-2015, 04:21 PM

What plugs are you planning to use? General consensus is the current AC Delco plugs (41-110) that are the recommended replacement for the originals (41-974) are not the best choice. Many seem to prefer the NGK plugs.

**Whamhammer** · 10-16-2015, 07:01 PM

Originally Posted by sjgreen6

What plugs are you planning to use? General consensus is the current AC Delco plugs (41-110) that are the recommended replacement for the originals (41-974) are not the best choice. Many seem to prefer the NGK plugs.

Aren't most of the people that are using he NGK (coppers) running mods and a tune as well?

**mikefhays** · 10-17-2015, 04:35 AM

thanks.i was'nt sure if another plug would be better.i put 200,000 miles on her and still runs strong.

**pajeff02** · 10-17-2015, 05:32 AM

NGK TR-55 is the usual plug of choice -- but they should be changed at the 30,000 mile mark. Iridiums will take you to 100,000 miles.

Use a 1-1/2" extension on your 3/8" ratchet with the spark plug socket. This seems to work very well and, as posted, go at No. 8 from below. It's a bunch easier if you simply remove the coil packs and be sure to pop the plastic pins up on the cowl seal as they will shred your hands.

**mikefhays** · 10-18-2015, 05:22 AM

thanks for the info

**sjgreen6** · 10-18-2015, 11:58 AM

Current part number for the NGK Iridium plugs is TR5IX, stock #7397. NGK recommends .040 gap.

**Whamhammer** · 10-18-2015, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by pajeff02

NGK TR-55 is the usual plug of choice -- but they should be changed at the 30,000 mile mark. Iridiums will take you to 100,000 miles.

Use a 1-1/2" extension on your 3/8" ratchet with the spark plug socket. This seems to work very well and, as posted, go at No. 8 from below. It's a bunch easier if you simply remove the coil packs and be sure to pop the plastic pins up on the cowl seal as they will shred your hands.

Is there any measurable advantage to the NGK coppers of the GM Iridiums (other than price)?

**sjgreen6** · 10-18-2015, 07:04 PM

Originally Posted by Whamhammer

Is there any measurable advantage to the NGK coppers of the GM Iridiums (other than price)?

Some people like the feel if skinned knuckles from changing plugs more frequently than necessary. Unless you are a serious racer who wants to see the plugs after every couple of passes, spend the extra money up front (which will end up saving money over the life of the plugs), buy the iridium plugs and find something else to do with all the time you will be saving not changing plugs every other year or so.

**pajeff02** · 10-19-2015, 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by Whamhammer

Is there any measurable advantage to the NGK coppers of the GM Iridiums (other than price)?

Just the change interval to my knowledge. Certainly nothing that you will notice or feel unless you current plugs are whipped, then either set is going to seem to make a difference.

**Firebirdjones** · 10-19-2015, 05:02 AM

Copper is a better conductor of electricity than any of the iridium plugs which is why the copper core plugs are always recommended over others for any type of performance application, or for anyone looking to squeeze any last bit.

More spark is always good.

Drawback is that copper doesn't last as long. Changing plugs isn't that big of a deal. Even every couple of years isn't very frequent at all for a die hard car guy. 50% of the enjoyment of owning a hot rod is working on it.

**Whamhammer** · 10-19-2015, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Copper is a better conductor of electricity than any of the iridium plugs which is why the copper core plugs are always recommended over others for any type of performance application, or for anyone looking to squeeze any last bit.

More spark is always good.

Drawback is that copper doesn't last as long. Changing plugs isn't that big of a deal. Even every couple of years isn't very frequent at all for a die hard car guy. 50% of the enjoyment of owning a hot rod is working on it.

While I agree with what you said, is it even a noticeable difference between the iridium and the coppers? Better throttle response? Gas mileage? Etc?

(I will disagree about the working on cars is fun, when it comes to changing plugs on a third gen', that was a PITA!)

**Firebirdjones** · 10-19-2015, 08:24 AM

Probably not noticeable to most people but there is a reason the serious racers use copper core plugs. Any time you get more juice in the cylinder it's a good thing. Especially when you start pushing the HP envelope and making some cylinder pressure.

A 3rd gen?? That's even easier than a 4th gen. I don't even have to dive under the car to change plugs in a 3rd gen. We aren't true car people if we don't enjoy working on them too.

**RONS98TA** · 10-19-2015, 10:24 AM

I can't say that I enjoy busting my hands and or knuckles up wrenching on my rides, BUT I do enjoy the satisfaction of fixing my ride and making it better than what it was from the factory. Nothing like the 1st time up start up a car that was DOA when it came into your garage.

**Firebirdjones** · 10-19-2015, 10:29 AM

Exactly what I'm talking about Ron. I think the day we no longer enjoy wrenching and bringing something back to life is probably the day we need to give up the hobby and just buy new cars with a warranty.

**pajeff02** · 10-19-2015, 02:41 PM

Damn, FBJ is getting philosophical on us too! Nail on the head with that one.

**Whamhammer** · 10-19-2015, 06:17 PM

Originally Posted by Firebirdjones

Probably not noticeable to most people but there is a reason the serious racers use copper core plugs. Any time you get more juice in the cylinder it's a good thing. Especially when you start pushing the HP envelope and making some cylinder pressure.

A 3rd gen?? That's even easier than a 4th gen. I don't even have to dive under the car to change plugs in a 3rd gen. We aren't true car people if we don't enjoy working on them too.

My TPI T/A was a PITA to change plugs in. I still had to "iron log" manifolds and the air injection pipes on it. I almost had to be a contortionist to get them from the top, on that car. What was sasy to change on that car was the alternator, after the 5th one, I had it down to less than 15 minutes (POS alts'), including grabbing the right torx sizes.

I dont remove anything off of the LS1, and the only one I need to mess with is PA rear. I don't mind them at all.

Easiest to change plugs was in my G Body 307 Cutlass.

I enjoy working on (my) cars, I just dont like it when common replacement items are stupid hard/inaccessible.