Jas89TTA

Ok, I want to change my spark plugs on my 350 TPI but I can't with the headers installed. I can get the #1 and #2 plug out but that's it. The rest I can't reach, not enough clearance from the header to the tip of the plug. I tried a plug socket and a open end wrench and neither will work. So what's the trick. Is there a tool I can buy to change plugs on the car with headers? Thanks, Jason

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350 TPI, 5-spd, 3.73 gears, Posi-Rear, LT4 Hotcam, 1.6 Roller Tip Rockers, Accel Intake, Ported SLP Runners, Ported Stock Plenum, Ported Cast Iron L98 Heads, Coated Hooker Headers, 52mm Edelbrock Throttle Body, SLP Cold Air Intake, Holley AFPR, LS1 Aluminum Driveshaft, Flowmaster Exhaust, Taylor Wires, MSD Coil,
Engine pic at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...410&a=13413975

[This message has been edited by Jas87T/A (edited June 29, 2001).]

giovanhalen

use a plug socket that has a head that can be turned with a wrench. then you just have to find the right combo. for each plug. sometimes turn the socket with a wrench. but usually just need the right length of extension and the right ratchet. vary between 3/8 and 1/4 ratchets some with out a swivel head some with, sometimes use 1/4 to 3/8 adapter and 3/8 to 1/4 adapter as extensions. Number 6&8 are easy to get from under the car after you drop the starter using a plug socket and a 3/8 breaker bar. #7 is also easy to change from under the car.

Jas89TTA

The problem is I can't get the socket over the plug. I have a plug socket that that has the hex end on it but it won't go over the spark plug it hit's the header and on some cylinders the headers are directly in front of the plug and I can not get the socket over any part of the plug. BTW It's Ac-Delco Rapid Fire Plugs so they stick out futher than other plugs (at least that's what I've heard) so I want to install a header plug (shorter ones) on the car.

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350 TPI, 5-spd, 3.73 gears, Posi-Rear, LT4 Hotcam, 1.6 Roller Tip Rockers, Accel Intake, Ported SLP Runners, Ported Stock Plenum, Ported Cast Iron L98 Heads, Coated Hooker Headers, 52mm Edelbrock Throttle Body, SLP Cold Air Intake, Holley AFPR, LS1 Aluminum Driveshaft, Flowmaster Exhaust, Taylor Wires, MSD Coil,
Engine pic at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...410&a=13413975

Drkhrse89

iTrader: (1)

We just did a tune up to a 350 with headers and we used an open face wrench on it. It took a while but it got done.

Matt87GTA

Who was that guy????? He must be a genius....... rofl....

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1987 GTA L98 MD8 GH3
355 '97 Vortec 4-bolt block, TRW(suck) forged pistons 10:1 CR, TFS 23*, LT4 Hot Cam, Ported plenum and intake, SLP Siam Runners, Edelbrock TES, gutted Cat, Flowmaster, K+N cone, AFPR, TB bypass, AirFoil, !AIR, !A/C, !EVAP, ARAP, 2300 stall.

"Stop Lights timed for 35Mph are also timed for 140Mph"

whiterocz

thats strange, it became way way easier to change my plugs after i put on headers. the only two i have to take along time on is the two nearest the firewall on the passenger side. i have to go from underneath, but once under there, its a straight shot. easy as pie. the rest come out simple and i can get a socket on them all but the two i have to get from underneath.

Ski89Z28

I didn't have any problems with the L98 iron heads but when I put on the Edelbrock 6085 AL heads then the same problem!
This is what I did.
I got another spark plug socket for a 3/8" driver that has a nut on top of it. I removed the rubber insert and then cut about 1" inch off the end. Then I used a dremel to grid out the 3/8" square till it was round.
Then check with a new spark plug and see that it will fit in the socket with the top of the plug fitting through the 3/8" hole.
Then I put the car up on ramps and change the plugs, from underneath the car, putting the socket over the plug and carefully using a open end wrench to turn it.
It takes a little bit of time but it does the job. At least it works for me.

Hope it Helps.
Good Luck!

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89 IROC 350 Auto
Custom DUAL Exhaust
Edelbrock Performer 6085 Aluminum Heads
ZZ9 Cam
TPIS Level 5 Chip
And Free mods.

Moderator of http://www.iroczone.com

Member of JFA Crew

LeeH

iTrader: (2)

WIth my Edelbrock TES headers and aluminum heads, I couldn't get a socket over the plus either. All the box/open end wrenches I had were too long, so they didn't fit. I took a 5/8" box wrench that had a pretty good offset and cut it down until it was only about 5" long.
Problem solved.
(Pics of wrench available upon request.)

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http://www.havemann.com/lee/firebird.html
1989 Firebird Formula, WS6 Package
ZZ4 Crate engine, Accel 24 pound injectors, Accel Superram intake, Accel Large tube runners
SLP 58 mm throttlebody, Edelbrock TES headers, SLP 3" SS exhaust, Random Tech 3" hi flow cat
700R4 trans w/ vette 2/4 shift servo, worked valve body, kevlar band, 2200 rpm stall converter
Borg Warner 9 bolt rear (full poly mounts) Hotchiss panhard rod, Lakewood LCA's, Spohn subframe connectors, custom chip.

[This message has been edited by LeeH (edited June 30, 2001).]

Jas89TTA

Thanks for the replies. I'll just make something work. I was hoping for someing already made up. Oh well. LeeH If you have a pic of the wrench your talking about can you email it to me. Thanks, Jason

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350 TPI, 5-spd, 3.73 gears, Posi-Rear, LT4 Hotcam, 1.6 Roller Tip Rockers, Accel Intake, Ported SLP Runners, Ported Stock Plenum, Ported Cast Iron L98 Heads, Coated Hooker Headers, 52mm Edelbrock Throttle Body, 24# SVO Injectors, SLP Cold Air Intake, Holley AFPR, LS1 Aluminum Driveshaft, Flowmaster Exhaust, Taylor Wires, MSD Coil,
Engine pic at http://albums.photopoint.com/j/Album...410&a=13413975

Z28Man

I have SLP headers and Vette angle plug heads. I had to cut the end of a spark plug socket and weld it to an old open end wrench. Works great!

LeeH

iTrader: (2)

I have the wrench here, but not the camera...
I will try to take it tonight.

MikeS

I took a spark plug socket that an open end wrench fit on, and cut off part of it to make it shorter. So what if I can't use it on a ratchet cause the spark plug sticks out the end of it, it fits on all of them and I can turn it with a wrench! Yeah, sockets are made of some serious metal...tough to cut

92305TBI

SLP has a socket exactly like the one Ski89Z28 was saying he made. It is 20 bucks.

okfoz

I used an offset Box wrench to do some of mine with my SLP headers.

If you have the SLP headers, I hate to tell you this, but I think it would be easier to drop the "Y" pipe and the starter, it makes a world of difference when you are reaching up from underneeth.


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87 Formula Yellow/Black
Engine & Transmission
.040 over 5.0 converted to TPI, 9.5:1 Compression, SLP Cam Dur 206/212, Lift 480/487, Cent Line 112, SLP headers, SLP cat-back exhaust, K&N Airfilter, Modified Stock cold air intake, Ported & polished Stock TPI intake, Holley Adjustable Fuel Press regulator, AC Rapidfire Spark Plugs.
Gil Younger (no yo-yo) Shift Kit, Aluminum Driveshaft, 3.73 Posi gear
Suspension & Brakes:
Baer 12" brakes 4 wheels, KYB AGX Adjustable Shocks & struts, Hotchkis strut tower brace, South side machine frame connectors, Custom reinforced control arms and pan hard bar.
Interior:
Custom Leather interior, CUSTOM Yellow Gauge Faces, Kenwood Receiver, Pioneer Speakers, Kicker Substations, Kenwood 10 Disk Changer, Pioneer Amp.

87 Formula TPI (5 Speed) Yellow/Gray STOCK

1967 Buick Riviera 430hp Turns high 14's (Not bad for 4300 lbs)

83 Camaro (Parts)
83 T/A (parts)

http://www.3rdgenformula.com

[This message has been edited by okfoz (edited July 03, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by okfoz (edited July 03, 2001).]