how much $ to change plugs? and how to if i install, and gapping?

[greatwhiteZ28]

what the going rate on changing plugs?
and if i install them myself whats anny tip pn setting the gaps on plugs? bc NX in a couple days?

[SSpdDmon]

Paying someone else to do it is almost the same as flushing the money down the toilet. If you're going nitrous, you'll want to go with a colder plug (ie NGK TR6). I believe most leave them gapped at .038. Just grab a plug gap checker when you pick up the new plugs. They're usually like $0.99 at the local parts store.

[BlackLT1Z28]

I think NGK's come pre-gapped. But its always a good idea to double-check. And shops will kill you on labor for a plug change, at least for an LT1, not sure on the LS1, but space is cramped on both. I've heard that some shop manuals tell them to tilt the engine a little for more clearance. So that takes some time. Just do it yourself. Getting around the stock manifolds suck though. Prepare to bleed.

[greatwhiteZ28]

thanks blacklt1 you know your stuff big time, thanks for all the help in the past. i will be doing it my self but just curios as of the cost to do it since everybody says its soo much

[BlackLT1Z28]

No prob man. We're all here to help.
Just make sure you set aside some time to get all 8 plugs. Sounds like its your first time on this type of car, so it may take awhile. Access is not the best, so take your time.

I've seen cases where someone goes to change the plugs/wires, and they find that 7 of them have been changed before, but one of them (usually #8) is still factory, since its a Biotch to get to. And use antiseize on the new plugs too.

[Wheeler99WS6]

www.ls1howto.com and www.installuniversity.com

[Street Fighter]

Just what is the gap setting on the spark plugs? I see that someone has said .038 I thought that it was more than that. what do you guys set your plugs on?I will be changing mines again and I don't remember what I set them on.All stock no nos.and I have TR55's are they correct?

[Danger731]

GAP - It's located on the fan shroud

[1BADDLS1]

NGK's do come "pre-gapped" however i do highly recommend DOUBLE checking them... i didn't once and the car ran like shit... pulled the plugs and what do ya know... TR55's gapped @ .40 instead of .50 advertised... changed them all out and re-gapped then she purred like a kitten

TR55's are "stock replacements"
i recommend buying the TR55 iridium's (ie TR55-IX) though since stock plugs came with platinum's but then GM realized platinum's suck for our cars... have since changed to iridium & they are awesome


for changing out the pass side spark plugs it will be a challenge... just be patient and buy a 10mm gear wrench to get the coil pack bracket off the valve cover and you shouldn't have a problem... also don't be afraid to bend the ac lines (not too much though!) and the Secondary A.I.R. lines that go to the exhaust manifolds (but make sure they don't touch when you bend them back... the air line will rub through the ac line

don't waste your time going from underneath if you have stock manifolds/cats... especially if your an auto bc there is no room what so ever

don't forget anti-seize & di-electric grease
depending on mileage & condition of the wires I'd consider swapping them out for Taylor's
also Taylor fire sleeves to prevent arcing/melting of any aftermarket wires...

all can be bought from Thunder Racing

plugs...
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...vid=3&pcid=102

wires...
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...vid=3&pcid=104

fire sleeves...
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...vid=3&pcid=198

[1BADDLS1]

Just what is the gap setting on the spark plugs? I see that someone has said .038 I thought that it was more than that. what do you guys set your plugs on?I will be changing mines again and I don't remember what I set them on.All stock no nos.and I have TR55's are they correct?

Spark Plug Gap 1.524 mm (0.060 in)


PERTAINING TO PLATNIUM TO IRIDIUM PLUGS...
Bulletin No.: 03-06-04-060
Date: October 24, 2003
INFORMATION
Subject:
Information on New Spark Plugs and Gapping
Models:
2004 Buick Ranier
2002-2004 Cadillac Escalade, Escalade EXT
2003-2004 Cadillac Escalade ESV
2004 Cadillac CTS-V
1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro
1999-2004 Chevrolet Silverado
2000-2004 Chevrolet Suburban, Tahoe
2002-2004 Chevrolet Avalanche
2003-2004 Chevrolet Express, TrailBlazer
1999-2004 GMC Sierra
2000-2004 GMC Yukon, Yukon XL
2001-2004 GMC Yukon Denali, Yukon XL Denali
2002-2004 GMC Sierra Denali
2003-2004 GMC Envoy XL
1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
2004 Pontiac GTO
2003-2004 Hummer H2
with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V-8 Engine (VINs V, P, T, Z, G, S, N, U - RPOs LR4, LM4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)

A new spark plug has been released for use in the above vehicles. The new spark plug has an Iridium tip instead of the current Platinum tip. Due to the different tip design, the gap of the spark plug has also changed. The new spark plug, P/N 12571164 with AC Delco P/N 41-985, is gapped to 1.01 mm (0.040 inches) when the spark plug is made. The spark plug gap is set during manufacturing and should not be changed or damage to the spark plug may result. Any new spark plug found to not be properly gapped should not be used.

[Zboner]

id gladly pay 100 to have my plugs changed, my hands dont fit in the tight spots

[BlackLT1Z28]

id gladly pay 100 to have my plugs changed, my hands dont fit in the tight spots

No kidding. For an LT1, I tell everyone to average 8 hours to get them all. An hour per cylinder. Driver's side takes about 10 minutes, but the passenger side is what takes the bulk of the time. Sometimes, I wish I picked a nicer car to work on.

[1BADDLS1]

typically from shops with expierence with ls1's charge $114

other shops may quote you CRAZY pricing

[mikeaford]

A stubby wrench saved me mucho time - of course didn't have it till my 2nd plug change. Stock plugs are pre gapped but double check them. Get extra gaskets for the AIR tubes that attach onto the exhaust manifold there super cheap and normally readilly available - you don't have to swap them but if they tear real bad you will need to install new ones (or you'll hear a tick) and you will want them on hand - few extra bucks now beats the old man it's Sunday and autozone don't sell that part routine. Best of luck and hope this helps.

[0rion]

I would gladly change someones plugs for $100. Once you do it a few times it becomes automatic.

[1BADDLS1]

few extra bucks now beats the old man it's Sunday and autozone don't sell that part routine. Best of luck and hope this helps.

ohh soooo true!!!

Once you do it a few times it becomes automatic.

after the 1st time its second nature... just set enough time to not have to rush & remember... patience!!!

[blue02Z]

do it yourself, it took me an hour and a half at the most to do mine. plus you get to know your car a little better