I need to change my spark plugs and wires. Is it easy to do? can anyone tell me where they are i'm not exactly sure where they are on my engine. also if you could maybe link a thread where this is already covered maybe i could check it out.

 

This was linked in an older thread, might help out a bit. It's for the LS1, so the images might throw you a little bit, but should be some good tips regardless.

http://www.installuniversity.com/ins...g_and_wire.htm

 

I scanned over that link and it looked pretty good. Thanks a lot. If anyone could link a tutorial like that for a LT1 I would love you forever. Also, sorry for posting this in the wrong place i thought i was in engine tech when i clicked start a new thread

 

The spark plugs are on the sides of the heads, below (and mostly shielded by) the exhaust manifolds. If you don't know where they are, you might want to have a friend spend some time with you, going over the plugs, where they are located, and how to change them. Screw up the threads in the head, and you will have a real mess. Glad to see you're doing this yourself, and you'll save money and learn a lot.

The LT1 is quite a bit different than the LS1 that was linked. The plug wires are all under the exhaust manifolds, routed from the Optispark distributor on the front of the engine, under the water pump. You aren't going to be able to follow a wire from a coil on the valve cover to each individual plug.

This diagram from Shoebox's site shows the plug wire routing, and the locations of the individual spark plugs:

http://shbox.com/1/opti.jpg

 

Not only is it a giant PITA but there are no write ups. You will have to get the alternator out of the way for the passenger side change as the wires on that side are squeezed between the block and it.

I believe shops get in excess of 300 to do it. It aint fun.

 

Ive changed all the plugs and wires out without moving anything off the engine. It would be better as mentioned earlier to move a few things and to make it a little easier. No matter what you will run into the rear ones which are always a pain but can be accomplished. I would have someone who has done it before go over it with you as you might get a little frustrated with the whole ordeal i know i did my first time it took me a good hour and a half of cursing and walking off and comming back to finish it. Funny now but not then.Also it will cost about 140 for good plugs and wires while the shop will run you around three thirty so as mentioned by injuneer you could save some money.

 

i've changed the plugs on a car before just not on an LT1. I really dont want to have to remove the alternater. any special tools you recommend to do this job without removing anything off the engine?

 

nothing special is needed. When I change my plugs I can get all but the #2 plug(front passenger side) from the bottom. Then I get that one from the top. I found that the easiest and I don't have a lift. I didn't enjoy changing my wires at all so all i can say is have fun with those and be sure they are not touching the manifold when your done.......
Good luck,
Mike

 

haha thanks for the encouragement

 

Removing the alternator makes things a lot easier, and is extremely simple. Pop the serpentine belt loose, and loosen a couple bolts on the alternator support brackets.

The wire to #7 is under a metal shield, that is bolted to the head. It is possible to access and remove the bolt that holds the shield down, but it takes immense patience, and very flexible appendages. I suspect most people just rip that shield off.

 

I think the reason there are no write-ups is that no one method works for everyone. Go from top, bottom or wherever you can to get to them. The biggest thing I can recommend is to thread them in by hand and make sure the threads start clean. It is easy to cross thread a steel plug in an aluminum head (especially when there is little room to work). Use a small amount of anti-seize on the plug threads. Often a short plug socket (or one modified to be shorter) comes in handy. Plug wires are an exercise in patience. Plugs and wires (in stock location) are actually one of the more difficult jobs on an LT1, IMHO.

 

turns out ima machinist and i can thread something (anything) in my sleep

 

Here's a couple that can really make life easier.

offset tool

shallow tool

The top one is a new one I've never seen before. The bottom one I have already.

Before you put them to use, try every plug in them before you get down in place. I had a whole batch of AC Delco's that would not fit in the shallow one.

Also, a piece of hose pushed onto the end of the plug can help get the plug started by hand even when you can't get your hand in place.

 

I did the changing of the plugs and wires for the first time on a LT1 and wow what a PITA!. I usea reg sized spark plug socket and some extensions. I think the hardest part was rerouting the 8mm wires and getting the last spark plug in which was #8. Other than a arm full of scratches its all done and happy its over with.

 

I reccomend re-routing them when you are through. The only reason I went with stock routing is because the engine was out of my car. pics: http://www.lt1engine.com/tech/how-to...e-cover-wires/

Next time my wires cause a problem, I'm cutting them, ripping out where they are routed, then I will run them over the valve covers