Well, I think that the time has come. I have a 1996 Z28 with 96K+ on the clock. For approx. the last 15K miles, the SES light has come on intermittently (about every 6 months or so). Codes indicate that it's the same misfire problem everytime. I know I need to replace my plugs and wires, but I am admittedly not terribly good at engine work. Frankly, it scares the crap out of me so I have little experience. From what I've read, it appears that this is time consuming, but not exactly the most difficult engine repair to do by yourself. I've done a bunch of searches on google and on this forum for a guide to changing them yourself, but I have come up short. If I missed it, then I apologize in advance, but I couldn't come up with anything. Any and all help is appreciated. TIA.

 

Well, unless you can talk someone on this site who lives in your area and really knows the ins and outs of plug changing, you might want to buy a set of NGK TR55 Iradiums, gapped at .050, install as many as you can using the grease that comes with them and have a shop (who charges by the hour) to do the hardest one or two. Check with a reliable shop and see if they will buy the idea.

Most shops charge 60-75/hour for labor. Your plugs will cost you about 6.00 ea and the labor for all 8 might cost you 3-4 hours giving you total cost of 250-300+ dollars. If they just have to do the one or two plugs they can probably cut the labor cost way down, especially if you go to a shop familiar with lt1 plugs.

You can also opt for copper plugs, NGKtr55s which are as good or better conductors than the plats or irradiums but might not last more than 30,000 miles or so, but they only cost about a buck each, but if your car is not a daily driver should work just fine. JMHO

 

Its not terribley difficult, You'll have fun with the #2 plug its beneath the alternator between some metal lines from the power steering pump. Everyone has their own way, I tend to do the drivers side plugs from the bottom and the passensger side from the top. I unbolt the alternator and swing it out of the way (don't forget to disconnect the ground from the battery) It definately helps having the right tool i.e swivel sockets and different length extensions but it is probably do-able with basic tools. Just change the plugs one at a time so you don't get the wires crossed. I've got it down to about 30 min but that's on a lift with a couple modified tools to get #2. Wires can be a pain in the butt because the factory wire separators suck and aren't in the best location.

 

Its a difficult job and will take you some time. An assortment of tools such as different length extentions, sockets, socket wrenches, swivels, and stubby open end wrenches will make it much easier. Also, you will have to remove plugs from both the top and bottom. Also, removing the alternator will be the best way at getting the #2 plug.

 

Changing your own plugs will not make you a better person.JMHO

 

It's not a difficult job, it's just time consuming the first time because you're learning the in's and out's of it on your own car. Only one way to learn...get to it

 

96k miles, yea your about time for a plug change
but
96 lt1, with a misfire code
spark plugs may not be the cure

 

VERY true!

 

Are there other really common causes of the misfire codes? The "common knowledge" that I was aware of was that the plug change would fix it up.

 

It very well may... other things plauge the LT1. ICM heatsoak, optispark failure, and PCM issues have been known to cause random misfires.

 

Tools you will need.
3/8" drive ratchet
1" 3/8" drive extension
3" 3/8" drive extension
3/8" drive universal adapter
spark plug socket.
socket set
metric wrench set open end.
grease for plug witre boots
antisease lube for plug thread
spark plug gapper (dont trust the box if it says pre gapped)

Other items needed.
A few hours
Beer (if you drink)
radio (helps if you have something to listen to)
bandaides (you will bust a nuckle or 2 since its your first time)


The most important thing to rember is that if you get frustrated stop drink a beer and calm down. Chances are that when you go back to the plug thats giving you trouble you will figure it out much easier.

Removing the alt is a must and also I removed the starter and the 02 sensors it made things much easer. Just take it slow and if you have majior probs post on here. Were here to help.

I just drop the engine out with the k member it makes things much faster.

 

Icm and optispark are verry common problems but i would start with the cheaper things to fix first.

Also if you relace the plugs replace the wires too. That will eliminate the possibility of them too. Dont use the 30 buck elcheapo sets either spring for a good 60-100 buck set. Rember to put the plug heat sheilds back on too.

 

I'm in the middle of putting some Hooker Long Tubes on my car and I currently have the driver side manifold off of my car and all the spark plugs on the driver side out. Now I just need to get the passenger side manifold and spark plugs off, however while we're on the subject what do you guys recommend for spark plugs and wires?

 

ngk tr55 gapped at .50 and accell 3000+ for the wires. or the accel extreme 9000 for the wires as they resist the heat better.

 

Thanks to all! This post has been very helpful.