infidsg35

iTrader: (2)

I have 13000 miles on my car. Im going to install a Vortec in about 1 month. Do I have to change them? If so is it hard or is there a write up on how to change them?

Thanx

Sharif@Forged

iTrader: (92)

Most FI folks recommend one step cooler NGK's. I've never changed them before so I can't help you with installation.

infidsg35

iTrader: (2)

one step colder??? I thought it was just new ones but the same..... Hummmmm

jesseenglish

Yes, you should use one step colder plugs. Some people say to use Iridiums, but I use coppers. Main difference is the cost. Coppers are a couple dollars each whereas Iridium plugs are around $14 each.

Iridiums will last longer than coppers however.

Platinums are not recommended.

fluidz

www.hopupracing.com can get you the NGK 1 step colder IRIDIUM plugs for 9.00/each. Thats what i got.

Enron Exec

I just found out my dealer is charging me $236 to change my spark plugs. What is going on here? How hard is it to change the spark plugs on the VQ35 guys, cause im going to do it myself next time?

etx

I cannot be too hard. I just changed my with the intake plenum off so I am not sure. You need a 5/8 spark plug socket, get the one with the extention built onto it. Look on the left and right of the intake plenum and you will see three coil packs on each side. Disconnect the harness from each one, remove the bolt holding it to the rocker cover and pull the coil out. I think the bolt is a 10mm. Pull the old plugs install the new ones, torque them to about 20 ft/lbs. Reinstall the coil packs and your done.

Enron Exec

Cool, thanx for the instructions. Now i wish i had done this over the weekend myself. >8-(

ravaz

iTrader: (1)

$236, are you serious? It took me about 20 minutes to change my plugs including gapping them, that is insane. Do it yourself it's just simple.

Enron Exec

Im a fk'n terd for not researching this sooner.... the dealer is on it as we speak and im going to hate myself for months. FK!

ravaz

iTrader: (1)

Listen go argue with them, tell them it's a 30 minute job at most, maybe you can negotiate or something, that's just BS.

infidsg35

iTrader: (2)

what do you mean gap them?? I know what a gap is but what do you have to do when you get the new plugs? I thought all I had to do is get the one step colder plugs and install them.. Now im a lil confused?!?!?!?!?

fernandito7

iTrader: (2)

Why do u have to change the spark plugs? WHats wrong with the stock ones with those having FI? Fluidz: I went to hopupracing.com and did not find the NGK plugs. ALl that was listed were the greddy ones.

etx

Oh No! Spark plugs NEVER come 'Pre-gapped' you always have to check the gap before you install them. Use a feeler gague or a cheapo 99 cent spark plug gap tool from your local auto parts store.

The gap and the heat range are two very different things. The gap is the distance between the ground and the electrode. The heat range is how quickly the plug transfers heat from the body of the plug to the head. The hotter a plug runs the cleaner it can keep itself, but you have a higher risk of predetonation with FI because the plug is hot. It would almost act like a desiel glow plug.

Chances are your not going to be able to barter with the Dealership at this point. It is a quick job, but as you guys probably know shops charge by the book, not by the hour. If it says 4 hours in the book to change the plugs that's what they charge you. Even if it only takes them twenty minutes.

infidsg35

iTrader: (2)

so what is the proper gapping for our cars?

fluidz

Call Steve at Hopupracing.....his number is 1-858-509-0179 and just tell him you want some NGK Iridium one step cooler plugs.

mprowe350

You will need to lower your gap so the boost does blow out the spark. My are set to .030" some people might say that is kind of low but it is needed for 8 pounds of boost. Changing spark plugs takes all of thirty minutes and some longer extensions for your ratchet. The spark plugs might seem tuff but they are just hidden behind their coil packs and once uncovered they remove the same way as any other cars plug would.

infidsg35

iTrader: (2)

Ok it seems somewhere between .30 - .39 gap should be good for FI. Now With the one step colder plugs and this gap position can I run it without the SCer? I want to install the plugs a few days before my SCer install. I want to make sure they work and that the install went well so I can eliminate that from troubleshooting (if needed) once I install the SCer.. Plus it takes an hour or so and I rather put that time and energy into the SCer.

Thanx

mprowe350

It will be OK to run the plugs and gap without the supercharger installed. I would wait to change until charger instll because alot of things will be removed making it easier to access the plugs.

infidsg35

iTrader: (2)

Yea but if I F up on the plug install as others have already done then install the SCer.. If something goes wrong with the install I want to know if it has to do with plugs or SCer install.. Its just a way to eliminate and make sure of problems. If I install the plugs b4 and my car runs good then the SCer install is all I have to worry about on the plugs..