i just bought a V8 thirdgen and i checked all the plugs which look okay but i was wondering if i could somehow check if they are getting power? if a plug was not working (i.e no spark) i would notice wouldn't I? the car would probably not run good at all, correct? thanks for any help.

 

In my honest opinion, which probaly does not mean much, If your unsure just buy a new set of spark plugs completely. I just bought a Trans Am too and plan on buying new spark plugs(they are bad though) and ignition wire. Its wise to have top quality stuff.

 

If a plug isn't getting fire, it may not be real noticeable at idle, but you'll definately feel it "miss" when accelerating.

You really need test equipment that can shut off one cyls spark to check it correctly.

You can remove a plug wire and connect it to an old plug. Lay the plug on the intake where it touches metal (assuming you have no fuel leaks). Start eng and see if the plug is firing. You could do them all one at a time that way shutting off eng between swapping plugs wires.

If you have headers, just spit on the head pipes. If it doesn't boil off quickly, it's not firing.

 

Yeap, exactly what he said. Back when i raced go-karts we used to do that to see if the engine was getting enough spark.

 

I've always liked doing full tuneups along with the rest of the maintenance stuff, like changing fluids, etc,,,whenever i've bought a used car. that way i have piece of mind knowing this part or that part is new and won't give me any problems.