Spark plug wires and plugs

[tbwest]

Ok--I`m new to z28`s.
I` am in love with my car though.
I never looked to see the spark wire and plug setup.
Holy crap
What a job.

So--the reason for my post---

Looking to the z28 repair guru`s---
What is the best way to go about changing the plugs and wires
on my 95 z28??
any tips or tricks would be a big help.
Thanx for any replies

tbwest

[kcougar]

there really isnt that much to it. and IMO way easier than a 3.8 fourth gen... just take your time and do one at a time... if your opti is original you might decide to do dist and the water pump. the biggest tool that helped me was a shorty spark plug socket that has an end adaptable to a wrench. try taking the rubber part out of the socket too

[tbwest]

The drivers side looks not to bad--I can handle that.

but the passenger side

I can`t even get my hand near the wires on the passenger side.
It looks like I have to remove the alternator,power steering pump,maybe more--just to get at it from top and bottom.



is there an easier way???

I`m up for it--I may need to hire a munchkin` with tiny hands to get in there--lol

[Paulster2]

Doing the back cylinders from underneath (7 & 8) is probably the easiest way to go. Also, the spark plug wire on the driver side to #7 is in a little tray to keep it away from the exhaust manifolds. Getting it back in there is a real PITB. Running the wires on the pass side is a real PITB, also. I believe you are going to have to remove the alt like you suggested to get it in there. Took me over 4 hours to change out the plugs and wires on a friends '96Z. I'm sure it wouldn't takes me that long now, it just take some time and patience.

[95z28onjuice]

On the passanger side i use to pull the alt, then with a spark plug socket and a universal joint.(the best is a universal joint spark pulg socket) and a couple diffrent lenght extentions and a ratchet. Number 2 is hard because of the smog tube off the manifold. #8 is the hard one. got to sqeeze your hand way in the back then pull it toward the plug. gong from the bottom on the passanger side is much harder than the top from my personal experiance. the starter is right in the way.

[tbwest]

good info so far.
thanx guys
These real life experiences in repair
help me to know what to be ready for.

I was thinking to remove the whole alt,ps,ac compressor,and bracket.
and drop the starter
that gives me more room.

what is the best wire set to use.?
What plugs???

I don`t want to do this job again for a while so I figure better wires and plugs are bucks well spent.
still--I don`t want to break my tiny budget.



Thanx for the help.

T.

[Forgiven]

Just adding to what Paulster said about #7, not only is it in a tray, but mine had a bent tab to keep it there...it will not come out until you bend that out of the way. I went from underneath to get the rear passenger side...no it is not easy...if you go to bigger wires they will not fit in the factory 'holder' that goes around the alternator side of the block....I cut a piece of rubber so it would press against them using the PS pipe...you will see what I mean when you get there. Have fun.

[brianswimmer23]

i went with stock AC-Delco Platinum plugs and MSD 8.5 super conductor wires.

[Paulster2]

Originally Posted by Forgiven

...if you go to bigger wires they will not fit in the factory 'holder' that goes around the alternator side of the block....

A few people have reported you can get larger wires into the loom-thingy. You just have to press them in. I don't know what the largest size you can get in there, but I believe I remember someone saying they put 8.5mm wires in there. A lot of fun no matter how you look at it

[brianswimmer23]

yea the 8.5mm fit into my holders, wouldn't go bigger though!

[tbwest]

ok--I`ll get the msd 8.5`s
I`m going to do the job this weekend.
I hope it clears up the choking under initial load.
He never changed the plugs or wires--they look very old and need changing either way.

Thanx alot guys!!!

[Red Sleeper2]

Personal opinion, run them on top of the valve covers. My car came with them up there and its so much easier than factory location to replace them. I just bought a set of MSD 8.5 wires form Summit and made my own. Made them to the length I wanted and ran them how I wanted. plus it looks cleaner on top of the valve covers, I think.

[tbwest]

I like that idea!!!!!
Pics please!!!!

[brianswimmer23]

nick(red sleeper2) yea i too would like to see pics of the wires on top of the valve cover!

[myk]

Originally Posted by 95z28onjuice

#8 is the hard one. got to sqeeze your hand way in the back then pull it toward the plug. gong from the bottom on the passanger side is much harder than the top from my personal experiance. the starter is right in the way.

Yeah, I don't understand how people came in from underneath. The exhaust is also in the way isn't it?