Agh, I did all the driver side plugs no problem -- now it came down to the passenger side and I can't get the first one from the front off! I took the alternator out and still no luck... any tips?

 

do a search. There has been many diffrent ways discussed.
I believe I used to remove my alternator and use a sp- socket and a 3/4 open end. Also I remember removing my oil filler tube and laying across the engine. The rest can be accessed from under the car and removing the starter.

 

I used a 3" snubby socket from sears. It also helps to have small hands.

 

It looks like a swiveling socket will do too... gonna dip by a store to get one.

 

Which bolts come off to take the starter off?

 

take out the battery for a place to pivot your arm

 

You think that one's hard, wait until you get to the next to last one. That's a pain.

I just laid on top of the motor. I didn't take the starter out.

 

wires are 10 times worst

 

I will never forget changing plugs on my car when it was stock... I'd rather visit my proctologist.

Number 2 cylinder is a bit of a pain. I never removed anything, just fished my hand in from behind (coming in as if from the firewall) and put the spark plug socket on by hand. Then grabbed a 1/2" breaker bar (long handle) with a 3/4" socket attached and got it on the end of the spark plug socket. I used a small mirror to help me navigate and used a pry bar to get the 3/4" socket onto the spark plug socket (there's no room to push towards the block).

I also remember having to bend the hard line running from the air pump ever so slightly because it was touching the side of the spark plug socket right where I needed to get my 3/4" on. Once you've done this once it isn't so bad.... it's just finding little tricks to make it easier.

-Mindgame

 

That's why I never changed the plugs until I bought a set of headers .

Ryan

 

Smart man.....

That's why I tell people that the first modification you should make to these engines is a good set of headers... then route the wires over the valve cover. I've been impressed with plug access from Mac and TPIS, but I'm sure anything is better than the stock manifolds.
If I had to change plugs again on a stocker... I think I'd cherry pick the engine first.

-Mindgame

 

Okay -- a lil update... I got them all -- and it's not bad at all if you have fairly thin arms and a swiveling socket... the swiveling socket saved so much time! I had my dad go grab me one from the store and I got the rest of the job done within another hour. However, I need to go bandage my hands up now! I can't believe how sore they are...

I am going with the OVC wires... how the heck do you get it so they don't touch the manifolds?

 

AGREED Took off the power steering pump for mine.

 

Don't do OVC wire with stock manifolds. They are for use with headers.

 

...and to think I read on another board where a guy offered to pay $50 to do plugs and wires on his LT1!