Tech / General Engine Is your car making a strange sound or won't start? Thinking of adding power with a new combination? Need other technical information or engine specific advice? Don't see another board for your problem? Post it here!

changing plug wires

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-05-2008, 05:05 PM
  #1  
Junior Member
Thread Starter
 
johnnyb's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Engine: 5.7L
Transmission: 700R4
changing plug wires

Stock 1988 IROC 5.7...how much of a PITA is it? Do I need to work from underneath with the car on ramps? I can't see where the wires go from the top so I'm assuming I do. How are the cylinders numbered on a Chevy V8? I've done this job with other cars I've had (TR6, Jag V-12, Chrysler 383) but never this one...thanks in advance!
Old 06-05-2008, 05:09 PM
  #2  
Moderator

iTrader: (14)
 
five7kid's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: Littleton, CO USA
Posts: 43,169
Likes: 0
Received 35 Likes on 34 Posts
Car: 82 Berlinetta/57 Bel Air
Engine: LS1/LQ4
Transmission: 4L60E/4L80E
Axle/Gears: 12B-3.73/9"-3.89
The cylinder numbering doesn't matter that much. Start with the longest wire, replace them one at a time.

But, for the record, when looking at the engine from the front of the car, the cylinders to your right are the odd numbers, #1 being closest, #7 farthest away; and similarly the evens on your left, #2 being closest, #8 farthest away.
Old 06-05-2008, 05:21 PM
  #3  
Junior Member
 
chupalupa's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 28
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Car: 1991 z28
Engine: L98 TPI
Transmission: Built 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 posi
Re: changing plug wires

#7 and #8 are tons easier from underneath, the rest are just a pain. wanna do mine next? :P
Old 06-05-2008, 05:31 PM
  #4  
Junior Member
 
ChoobinatoR's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 65
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Re: changing plug wires

it's not too bad, my biggest problem the first time i did it was getting the wires into the boots... a little lube fixed that up right quick tho.
Old 06-05-2008, 05:40 PM
  #5  
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
 
ryan91rs's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: New Philadelphia/ Canton OH
Posts: 914
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Car: 1991 RS, 84 El Camino conquista RIP
Engine: 5.0 (for now)
Transmission: 4L60
Axle/Gears: 2.xx torsen limited slip & 3.42 ope
Re: changing plug wires

I suggest 8.5mm universal set from pep boys. Then go one by one from the longest. use the proper lube for the boot and I suggest checking replacing cap rotor. Also a can of wire dyer for extra insurance. Wires are not that bad, just feel for the spark plugs that's all.
Old 06-06-2008, 09:23 AM
  #6  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (10)
 
86NiteRider's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Somewhere around the South Side of Chicago just crusin' in one of the Niteriders
Posts: 3,242
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 3 Posts
Car: 92RS 25th Anniv./88 IROC Z28 Vert
Engine: 305 TBI w/Tpi Air / 305 TPI
Transmission: 700r4/700r4
Axle/Gears: Posi
Re: changing plug wires

I just switched over to MSD last week and I love it. I had OEM wires and plugs still in after 144,000. A big difference. I suggest you change your plugs at the same time. The back (by the firewall) will be the hardest and will probably be easiest if done from underneath. make sure you have a swivel if changing plugs.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Infested
Tech / General Engine
3
05-22-2018 11:56 PM
eightsixseven
Tech / General Engine
1
08-14-2015 03:09 PM
Zachattack0925
Tech / General Engine
2
08-12-2015 09:54 PM
Zachattack0925
Transmissions and Drivetrain
4
08-12-2015 09:52 PM



Quick Reply: changing plug wires



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 03:07 PM.