i bought some NGK TR55's gapped at .050. how do i install these? do i need to have them "torqued" in or do i just tighten them in? i have a spark plug socket. is there any other gapping you guys would recommend? i'm not doing wires at this time, just plugs, how long could i do this in?

 

If your planning on headers in the near future, just forget about it and save yourself some trouble.

 

Wow, changing spark plugs with the stock manifolds, a task taken only by the brave and thin handed. You’ll need to be patient and cool especially with the passenger side.

 

You really don't need to torque them just make sure there tight. And if you have never changed the plugs on an LT-1 it may take you a while. On the passenger side by the O2 sensor I had to use a wrench with the socket to get that one off. If you plan on running nitrous you may want to regap them to .035. Someone correct me if i'm wrong.

 

I agree 100%. You're going to have to remove your plugs to get the manifolds off so if its not an emergency situation do it then. Plus, you'll have stuff out of the way for the header install. With my Pacesetter LT's its a 20 minute job.

 

if this is your first time be ready to cuss and swear and dont be surprised if it takes 5 or more hours to do. the pass side is a total bi*ch. with long tubes it take about 20 minutes, so a big difference. remember your heads are aluminum so dont overtighten the plugs, a tad past snug is good, if you crank it in too tight you will likely strip the hole and that would be no good!!!

 

First off... with manifolds it is NOT easy, but here are a couple tips:

Use ALOT of anti-sieze. It will lubricate the threads and help them go in as well as make it easier next time.

Take your time and dont be shy to try them from the bottom.

Remove the alternator, and depending on how big your arms/hands are; the starter.

Use the right tools: I wont do it w/o a swivel, shortened plug socket (you can grind them down about a half to 1 inch), reg plug socket, open box wrench that fits over socket (7/8th i believe).

Another tip would be to buy a single plug wire from AutoZone and cut the bent end, so you are left with a plug wire with a straight plug holder on the end. Put the plug in the wire and that will let you try different angles to thread the plug while you spin the plug wire with your fingers.

It just takes practice. My 1st plug job took me 6 hours, now I can bust it out in about an hour w/ manifolds and about 20 mins with my longtubes. It is all about finding the right angle.

FYI- If you dont have strict emmisions in your state, REMOVE the air pump lines. It will kill your cat, but the air lines are the worst part about stock systems. You can cut the hose and then cap it off or get a bolt to fill the hole. I believe its 22x1.5 but im not 100% on that. Its a hard bolt to find.

Good luck,
Stu

 

front 3 plugs on the driver side are fairly easy to get to from the top, rear plug get it from the bottom.

passenger plugs, remove the alternator and remove the motor mount bolt. jack the engine up 2". i was able to do ALL 4 PLUGs from the top in 20 mins after that.

first attempt, alone, plugs AND wires...routing through stock looms = 4hrs

 

Took me about 5 hours to change my plugs for the first time. I have stock exhaust manifolds. All I removed was the alternator. I did the whole drivers side from the bottom, and the whole passenger side from the top. Took forever to try and find the right angle Had to use a piece of conduit to extend the arm of my socket wrench so I could get more leverage. Felt pretty good when I got it all done.

Besides the bruised arms


Rob