How to Change the Spark Plugs and Wires in a Corvette
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Date: 2021-02-01
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Comments and reviews: 10
James
Update, I figured a simple hack to get all the Driver's Side boots on the Optispark. Just unbolt the Tensioner Pulley and remove it, (16 mm bolt) this gives you much more room and leverage to get the boots on #1, #7, #3 and #5. I found that a 16 mm box wrench works best to get the Tensioner bolt off, as I didn't have enough clearance between the frame member and the bolt to get a ratchet on it.
Also, another hack for installing the #8 plug: Slip the plug into a magnetic 5/8 socket, face forward, lean over the right front tire and with your left hand, reach back with the socket and plug with your wrist turned outwards. This worked the first time I tried it after numerous failed attempts. (and choice swear words)
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Update, I figured a simple hack to get all the Driver's Side boots on the Optispark. Just unbolt the Tensioner Pulley and remove it, (16 mm bolt) this gives you much more room and leverage to get the boots on #1, #7, #3 and #5. I found that a 16 mm box wrench works best to get the Tensioner bolt off, as I didn't have enough clearance between the frame member and the bolt to get a ratchet on it.
Also, another hack for installing the #8 plug: Slip the plug into a magnetic 5/8 socket, face forward, lean over the right front tire and with your left hand, reach back with the socket and plug with your wrist turned outwards. This worked the first time I tried it after numerous failed attempts. (and choice swear words)
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Patrick
Chris, Great video. I have a '94 Corvette and I am getting all the parts together to do the wires and plugs along with the Optispark and the waterpump, coil and ICM. My question is as an update to this older video. What are your thoughts on using anti-sieze on spark plug threads now that they are applying special platings to the threads. I know most plug manufacturers are now saying DO NOT use anti-sieze on the plated plugs. I plan on using NGK TR55-IX plugs in my Vette. NGK has a tech bulletin out advising NOT to use anti-sieze. Thanks again. Great videos on the Vette and all your others. BTW, do you still own that Red '96 Vette that was in your waterpump replace video?
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Chris, Great video. I have a '94 Corvette and I am getting all the parts together to do the wires and plugs along with the Optispark and the waterpump, coil and ICM. My question is as an update to this older video. What are your thoughts on using anti-sieze on spark plug threads now that they are applying special platings to the threads. I know most plug manufacturers are now saying DO NOT use anti-sieze on the plated plugs. I plan on using NGK TR55-IX plugs in my Vette. NGK has a tech bulletin out advising NOT to use anti-sieze. Thanks again. Great videos on the Vette and all your others. BTW, do you still own that Red '96 Vette that was in your waterpump replace video?
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THAT
First thing I did when I bought my Vette several years ago was replace the plugs and wires. Took me two days and a lot of swearing. I dropped the socket numerous times on number eight, and getting to the opti on the drivers side was unbearable. Last month I replaced my water pump, and I could clearly see the drivers side of the opti. It might be a little more work removing the water pump to do the plug wires, but there would be a lot less swearing envolved going this rout in my opinion. Besides, the Lt1 can always use a fresh water pump ever now and then.
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First thing I did when I bought my Vette several years ago was replace the plugs and wires. Took me two days and a lot of swearing. I dropped the socket numerous times on number eight, and getting to the opti on the drivers side was unbearable. Last month I replaced my water pump, and I could clearly see the drivers side of the opti. It might be a little more work removing the water pump to do the plug wires, but there would be a lot less swearing envolved going this rout in my opinion. Besides, the Lt1 can always use a fresh water pump ever now and then.
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Kendrick
Hey man! Great video. Truly helpful. It was able to concur the driver side with ease by accessing the option spark from underneath the car. After all, Im experiencing some issues. The engine stalls & stops after starting & going into gear. Trying to diagnose it myself before handing it over to pros. I came across a 9th spark plug wire below the throttle body. I was curious why there were ten wires but only eight plugs. But now I see there is a 9th to replace but not a 10th. Do you have an idea or is that in fact an extra?
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Hey man! Great video. Truly helpful. It was able to concur the driver side with ease by accessing the option spark from underneath the car. After all, Im experiencing some issues. The engine stalls & stops after starting & going into gear. Trying to diagnose it myself before handing it over to pros. I came across a 9th spark plug wire below the throttle body. I was curious why there were ten wires but only eight plugs. But now I see there is a 9th to replace but not a 10th. Do you have an idea or is that in fact an extra?
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Skaarjy
On my 92 there was a second metal pipe leading from somewheres. It was preventing me from pulling the wires across the pulleys like you did. However, completely removing the belt tensioner was the answer. Once it was out of the way you had a clear shot of the optispark and could pull the wires straight through. Also the heat protection looks very pathetic, thin plastic that tightly wraps around the cord. I will be replacing that with something more effective.
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On my 92 there was a second metal pipe leading from somewheres. It was preventing me from pulling the wires across the pulleys like you did. However, completely removing the belt tensioner was the answer. Once it was out of the way you had a clear shot of the optispark and could pull the wires straight through. Also the heat protection looks very pathetic, thin plastic that tightly wraps around the cord. I will be replacing that with something more effective.
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Dave
I loved doing plugs on my 96 LT1. I purchased a 3/8s, 90 degree ratchet from Mid America made to help with changing the plugs. It sits in my tool box and I haven't used it since 2006.
My 91 ZR1 is easier to change the wires and super easy to do just plugs. Being that the LT5 is a hemi the plugs sit right on top of each cylinder. It's not that hard to pull the plenum to change out coils and wires.
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I loved doing plugs on my 96 LT1. I purchased a 3/8s, 90 degree ratchet from Mid America made to help with changing the plugs. It sits in my tool box and I haven't used it since 2006.
My 91 ZR1 is easier to change the wires and super easy to do just plugs. Being that the LT5 is a hemi the plugs sit right on top of each cylinder. It's not that hard to pull the plenum to change out coils and wires.
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transam8607
Just a little tip for number 8 spark plug I used a vacuum hose at the tip of the spark plug lined it up in the hole and I started twisting the vacuum hose to get it started or till it Bottomed out then I use the ratchet to tighten it down it can save a whole lot of time you're welcome just give me a thumbs up
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Just a little tip for number 8 spark plug I used a vacuum hose at the tip of the spark plug lined it up in the hole and I started twisting the vacuum hose to get it started or till it Bottomed out then I use the ratchet to tighten it down it can save a whole lot of time you're welcome just give me a thumbs up
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Daniel
Chris you are awesome, I need to pull out spark plug 1 to get to TDC to put the harmonic dampner back on, you turn a nightmare into a a scary thought. I had to replace the new distributor i put in 8 months ago and put the old one back in, which only needed a cap n roptopr rep[lace
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Chris you are awesome, I need to pull out spark plug 1 to get to TDC to put the harmonic dampner back on, you turn a nightmare into a a scary thought. I had to replace the new distributor i put in 8 months ago and put the old one back in, which only needed a cap n roptopr rep[lace
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James
Chris: Great video, very helpful But. how did you get the Driver's Side plug boots on the Optispark? I managed to get #1, #7 and #3 on without too much cursing, but #5 (Top receptacle) is a bear. I cant figure out how to get it on. Any advice?
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Chris: Great video, very helpful But. how did you get the Driver's Side plug boots on the Optispark? I managed to get #1, #7 and #3 on without too much cursing, but #5 (Top receptacle) is a bear. I cant figure out how to get it on. Any advice?
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Larry
Nice video. A little helpful idea is to use a fine point Sharpie to mark the boots or wire with the correct number as well. If you want to get fancy, there are marking bands, rings, and labels available from MSD, Accel, and many other sources.
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Nice video. A little helpful idea is to use a fine point Sharpie to mark the boots or wire with the correct number as well. If you want to get fancy, there are marking bands, rings, and labels available from MSD, Accel, and many other sources.
reply
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