I'm getting ready to replace my spark plugs and I was just wondering if anyone had a easy method of removing them from these cars. It seems like the heater box really gets in the way of that #8 plug. Where should I go in from? Your advice is appreciated.
By the way, I have a 305.

 

I do all of them except #1, 3, and 5 from underneath the car - much easier!

 

Yep, bottom is better. Althoug, on my original motory (305), I could do all the plugs except 6 and 8 from the top (with just a little bit of cursing). I needed one extra joint in my arm to handle #6 and #8 plugs.

Now I have vortec heads - let me tell you the joys of changing the plugs! The plugs are straight, the headers are in the way, and each plug needs a different strategy. Some I can get from the top, some from the bottom. Some I can use a universal socket, some I can't. Some I have to use a socket, but need to put a box wrench on it. Oh yeah, and the box wrench needed to be cut short because too much stuff in the way. Oh joy, oh joy :-)

 

I just ripped my heater box out and replaced it with a non-ac box......that got rid of it all....

But in your case yes from under the car is the best area to reach the other plugs.

 

What he said.

 

y'all dont even wanna hear the crap i go through to change plugs, kinda like the guy with the box wrench but worse, i bought some accel header plugs, crap!!! and they still hit the header, then to put the wires back on you gotta twist and turn and really manipulate the wire boot, im sure thats good on wires too let me tell you.

 

I took a plug socket and cut about a half inch off the end to shorten it and I turn it with a wrench. With my headers I can do all the plugs like this easily.

 

I cut a lot more than that off mine, it's only about an inch to inch and a half long! If you do this make sure to cut the socket on the plug end (front) and use a socket with a hex end by the ratchet connection. I even inserted some little magnet pieces from a magnetic spark plug socket so it won't fall off plugs while I reach for the 3/4" wrench.....

WORKS GREAT!!!!!

 

I get to most of my plugs from under the car. Get yourself some ramps or jackstands and have at it. #8 is actually easy to reach from underneath. I think I change 1, 2 and 3 from the top, the rest from the bottom.

Since this operation is a PITA, last time I put in a set of platinums to hopefully stretch out the plug change interval.

 

I have also found the "exo drive " type rachet and ssockets are very handy for this.