Changed plugs!!

**Huskerz1** · 05-03-2006, 10:22 AM

Yes first time ever. I broke my cherry. Whoever said it's easy is a Fuggin A$$h0le! #8 is a mutha. I bought an index rachet and a 5/8 sparkplug socket integrated with a 3/8 universal swivel. Needless to say the index rachet failed to perform and it went back to Home Depot. All I needed for #8 was the new swivel spark plug socket and a straight craftsman rachet. Breakin it loose was the bitch of it all. Every thing else was fairly straight forward according to the "How to" documents that I printed out. My SS has a little over 70k on it and was feeling sluggish and a bit off on idle. I put in NGK TR55 gapped to .050 Part # 3951 for those who use Oreilys Auto Parts. I also replaced the wires to MSD and a new PVC valve. She fired right up. I could not believe the difference! Throttle response is awesome. Would I do it again? Yes, it's EASY!! HAAAAAAA

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 05-03-2006, 10:28 AM

Congrats, that #8 is a bitch. Taking the coil packs off makes it alot easier.

**BIG D's SS** · 05-03-2006, 10:36 AM

I prefer changing a few of them from underneath. Headers make it a little easier.

**shotofvodka** · 05-03-2006, 11:06 AM

oh the memories... scratched knuckles and the cussing!

**BIG D's SS** · 05-03-2006, 11:19 AM

Originally Posted by shotofvodka

oh the memories... scratched knuckles and the cussing!

**Huskerz1** · 05-03-2006, 11:31 AM

Ya I took the #8,#6,and #4 coils off. Left #2 on. That heater hose sucks too. I tried to look at #8 from underneath but couldn't get the jist of it. I decided to live or die on top. Man they weren't kiddin when the "How To" guys said "patience". My wife kept checking on me and I told her to get lost for awhile. Later she said that's the most stress she's ever seen from me. Ya the ole left forearm is cut up a bit. It's worth it tho.

**cailey37** · 05-03-2006, 11:48 AM

Do yourself a favor...find a Snap-On or MAC truck and run him down and tell him you want the dual swivel spark plug socket. It was designed for the transverse motors but works great on the LS1's....dont have to worry about it collapsing on you......got my sparkplug change down to less than an hour........

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 05-03-2006, 12:24 PM

Originally Posted by Huskerz1

Ya I took the #8,#6,and #4 coils off. Left #2 on. That heater hose sucks too. I tried to look at #8 from underneath but couldn't get the jist of it. I decided to live or die on top. Man they weren't kiddin when the "How To" guys said "patience". My wife kept checking on me and I told her to get lost for awhile. Later she said that's the most stress she's ever seen from me. Ya the ole left forearm is cut up a bit. It's worth it tho.

Hmm I didn't take the individual coil packs off. I took the whole thing off.

**BIG D's SS** · 05-03-2006, 12:27 PM

Originally Posted by Ed Blown Vert

Hmm I didn't take the individual coil packs off. I took the whole thing off.

And leave the last bolt or nut off. Make sit easier next time.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 05-03-2006, 12:28 PM

Originally Posted by BIG D's SS

And leave the last bolt or nut off. Make sit easier next time.

**BIG D's SS** · 05-03-2006, 12:31 PM

Originally Posted by Ed Blown Vert

Gotta get smarter than the car. That is the worst part of it.

**ss~zoso~ss** · 05-03-2006, 02:24 PM

i believe for the 98 + 99's there are individual coils mounted on the engine and they arent on a plastic piece that you can remove, i found this out while researching header installation, they dont come off as one unit you have to take them off seperately

**0rion** · 05-03-2006, 08:34 PM

Originally Posted by ss~zoso~ss

i believe for the 98 + 99's there are individual coils mounted on the engine and they arent on a plastic piece that you can remove, i found this out while researching header installation, they dont come off as one unit you have to take them off seperately

Correctamundo.
Now for practice go take out the transmission dipstick tube bolt an a A4.

That's another fun one to get in and out.

***Ed Blown Vert*** · 06-26-2006, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by kage 62005

Go from bottom or top to get to it the easy way ?

For me, top

**Street Fighter** · 06-27-2006, 02:54 AM

Got a set of tr55's on the dresser waiting to be installed,I don't need them yet but just the thought of doing them again almost makes me want to cry. #8 is hell,But i'll be getting on them soon, wanted to get headers before I did the plugs,but I might go on and get it over with.

**ninobrn99** · 06-27-2006, 03:38 AM

It is easy! Removed the coil packs and valve covers and it helps wonders!! It doesnt take me as long as it used to

Start with #8 since its the hardest. After that, its all down hill.

**steelerfan** · 06-27-2006, 12:19 PM

I saved #8 for last,did the easier ones 1st then worked my way to the harder ones.After all I heard about #8 I was worried I wouldn't have enough patience & I might break something with all the throwing & yelling,going at it last then at least I would know I'm almost done,it helped keep me somewhat calmer...

**rgerdel** · 06-27-2006, 12:26 PM

I did #8 from the bottom. A cheater bar made breaking it loose easy. Getting the new one started was the worst for me.

Congrats on getting it done though, it's a good feeling!

**FastAssZ** · 06-27-2006, 01:36 PM

the coil packs on the 99's are connected to a plastic piece like the 00-02, i unbolted all but the last bolt and slid it up out of the way when i did mine.