I did a search and couldn't find the answer i was looking for. I have changed all the driver's side plugs easily, the problem is the passenger side ones. Is there any special techniques for getting to these with the exhaust manifold on the car? I removed the alternator to see if that would help, still seems like a big pain. Even from beneath the car looks real difficult. Anything else that should be removed that would make the job easier? Any explanation would be greatly appreciated.

 

I just used normal hand tools: ratchet, extensions, plug socket, universal joint. You have get to back plugs from underneath the car and it helps you if know someone with skinny arms. You basically have to work by feel.

Its a pain to do, but it can be done in a driveway.

 

first off, get a 1/4" to 3/8" adaptor. That way you can use a tiny 1/4 rachet.
after that it's really just about knowing where to stand. Once you've done it once, it's not that bad.
If I remember correctly I manage to get 2,4,and 8 leaning over the strut tower.
while, #6 I got from standing in front, running my hand past where the alternator went, because the dipstick tube gets in your way from the top.

I just got done changing the valve springs without removing the head. Think it's hard getting a spark plug threaded in there. Try a 8 inch hose

 

i did it not to long ago, wasnt to bad but def. set aside a few hours. also i had ratching wrenchs and they helped sooooo much. good luck

 

I was on top of my engine reaching my hand down so I could grip the plugs to pull them out. After the header install it would only take about an hour and that was taking my sweet time. My left hand is my palsy hand so I need to use my right to do damn near anything.I also took my spark plug socket and cut off about 3/4 of an inch from the side that slides over the plug. It was easier to get a wrench in there on the bolster end of the socket and break them free that way. I had an 87 Iroc and that thing WAS mandatory!!!

 

Buy a 3/8 Ratchet with a swivel on it(I bought one from NAPA, slim profile helps too), and use a 5/8 deep socket. It is really easy with these parts. Just lie on top of the engine, and reach down in there. The swivel is almost a necessity, and you can reach all the plugs by feel. On the rearmost passengerside plug, it may be helpfull to pull the oil dipstick down out of the way. The plugs are all really easy to change, but what took me the most time was replacing the passenger side wires, using the stock looms.

 

Well, let me start off by saying i'm sorry. LOL

I did it a while back and on the pass. side I had to take off the y-pipe from the manifold and drop it down so I could get in there to change the wires and plugs.

 

When doing plugs/wires, I pull the alternator and starter for easier access to the passenger side plugs/wires.

Good luck.

Ruben F.

 

You need a skinny friend I have done mine and all my firends plugs. They all have big hands, im on the skinny side and could do them all. The front passenger side plug takes a long time though, just take your time.

 

Do it however you like, but remember no matter how skinny you are, it will save you time pulling the alternator

 

I just finished this an hour ago. Pull the alternator, its easier to remove than to work around it. I used a standard spark plug socket then put a 3/4 socket with 3/8 drive ratchet on the end of that. It still took a while but that did it. The #4 plug was easy from the top. #s 6 and 8 I did from the bottom by removing the starter.
Ron

 

I did them all from the top on the passenger side. Its pretty easy to do with a swivel on your ratchet and if you don't have large arms or hands.