Just started trying to change the plugs on my Formula but none of them would move. I didn't want to put too much force on them, but I can't get any of the plug loose. Is there some secret or tip I don't know about on how to get the original plugs out?

 

Do you have a spark plug socket? It's a special socket which has a rubber insert that grips the plug better. You don't NEED one, but it's a great thing to have.

Anyways, if they are the original plugs then you may need some muscle to break them loose, but they will come. Just don't torque them at the wrong angle and you shouldn't break any of them.

And when you put the new ones in, be sure to use anti-seize on the threads.

 

Have the plug socket, I just didn't want to torque them too much and break them off and then be involved in a repair I don't want to be involved with. Is there anything else I can do, spray anything on them to help me out? Also, how much does a shop typically charge to do this? Thanks

 

Spark plug change from hell! Welcome to the world of LT1 spark plug changing! You don't really have to worry about breaking them on the way out fortunately. I just recently did this so I know what you are going through. My plugs appeared to be the original platinums from 1995! You can get plugs 1,3,5,2,4,6,8 from the top. I removed my alternator for better access to plug 2. Get plug 7 from underneath. I actually removed 7 from the top and cracked it (the steering shaft gets in the way). I found that 7 went in like cake from underneath. Make sure your car is cold, and put anti-sieze on the threads when they go back in. For 2, I laid across the engine on a piece of carpet, legs off the driver side.

 

Probably you need a better tool with longer handle. Do you think some cheap shop mechanic will me more careful than you? If you only have a trusted one. Sometimes plugs are hard to get, never tried any kind of spray, but I think it may help (smth like WD40). I feel your pain, when I was changing plugs on Jeep steel heads - that was nightmare, I used a big handle, tryed to be accurate, but anyway broke one plug - then vacuum all isolator pieces before removing it...

 

Well 5 of 8 done so far, not too bad. Really need to buy a jack and some stands for the rest and do it when I'm not baking in the 90 degree sun. The plug wires don't look like fun, how do I undo the plug retainer plastic clip on the driver side right near the opti that holds all 4 driver side plug wires?? Thanks again

 

As long as I understand you correctly, all you need is a flathead screwdriver to snap open the wire holder. It has a little "latch" on it, and using the screwdriver you can open it right up.