that $40 is just to buy the plugs i am sure. i know b/c i used to run AC Delco platinums and they were $5 or so a piece. u also have to take into account what those guys get paid per hour for labor. that is where the bulk of dealership/mechanic bills come from.
get some NGK plugs=$10
an opti=$250 from www.gmpartsdirect.com
a coil= MSD sells for $35 or so
and some Accel 300+ race wire or Accel extreme 9000 wires=$70 and do it yourself. it will take u some time but as u can see, that is half of what u would spend at the mechanic and come out with better quality parts and the piece of mind that u did it yourself

if u cant do it yourself, get some buddies together and make a day of it. it always helps to have a few extra hands around for help

if u have no car guy friends and u are unable of doing it yourself, id just bend over and take the shaft man! i know u are going to get quoted about the same everywhere u go (especially dealers) cause i got quoted $450 for just plugs and wires at a dealer up here and that was a 4 hour job. i decided to takle it myself and got it done for under $100. took a few hours and resulted in some bloody knuckles,inventing new curse words and laying all day under my car but it was worth it!!!!

 

thanks for the replies CNTRY i live in san mateo so ill keep you posted. ill tell you all what happens.