Any tips or tricks on changing 100k LS3 spark plugs?

[ex313]

Had my 2011 since February and its nearing 100,000 miles. I am going to do plugs and wires in the next couple weeks. I don't have complete service history so its possible that these are factory plugs. Any tips or tricks for removal? thoughts on anti seize? Anything to watch out for?

[Mr_Draco]

Changing the plugs on this engine is the easiest you'll ever do. Ample room and easy to get to. You can change the plugs in 10-15 minutes.

With that said, never use anti-seize on spark plugs, ever. Not on this engine or any engine. Anti-seize is also a lubricate making it a lot easier to strip the threads on the plug and on the engine block so avoid anti-seize at all costs. Well, unless you want to turn a simple plug replacement into a multi thousand dollar repair.

[SlowLS1]

Buy a new set of wires before start. You WILL likely break some trying to remove them.

I would not expect any issue removing the plugs and it really is a simple job with basic tools. Nothing fancy needed.

And agreed, no anti seize. all modern plugs already come coated for this.

[ABM2SS]

Buy a new set of wires before start. You WILL likely break some trying to remove them.

Yep. I've yet to replace the plugs without damaging a few of the wires. Also helps to have the Wire Boot Removal Tool. And be careful to get the Socket fully engaged on the Plug. The first time I replaced mine, I Broke the ceramic on one of Plugs played hell getting it cleaned-out. They're recessed pretty far into the Head.

[102SS]

Spray some PB Blaster on those rusty things and let it sit over night.

Some good wires and Iridium plugs and your all set for the next 100k

[FASTFATBOY]

Originally Posted by Mr_Draco

Changing the plugs on this engine is the easiest you'll ever do. Ample room and easy to get to. You can change the plugs in 10-15 minutes.

With that said, never use anti-seize on spark plugs, ever. Not on this engine or any engine. Anti-seize is also a lubricate making it a lot easier to strip the threads on the plug and on the engine block so avoid anti-seize at all costs. Well, unless you want to turn a simple plug replacement into a multi thousand dollar repair.

This is hilarious, you'll spend that much time on the one plug under the dipstick tube.

You can't change plugs in a 5.3 truck in 10-15 minutes.

[FASTFATBOY]

Buy OEM wires, there are none better.

I use a straight piece of 3/8 fuel hose slid over the plug to screw them in the head, if the plug doesn't screw in 1-3 turns with your hand it's cross threaded, don't force it.

Plenty of Youtube vids out there I'm sure.

[Mr_Draco]

Originally Posted by FASTFATBOY

This is hilarious, you'll spend that much time on the one plug under the dipstick tube.

You can't change plugs in a 5.3 truck in 10-15 minutes.

Last time I changed mine, I seriously did replace all of mine in about 15 minutes. If you have that much trouble with that one, then you are doing something wrong.

[Rusty Shackleford]

Originally Posted by FASTFATBOY

You can't change plugs in a 5.3 truck in 10-15 minutes.

I can on my '18 Silverado with the L83. Super easy to get to.


I'll be doing them in my Camaro soon, and they look to be almost as easy.

[FASTFATBOY]

Originally Posted by Rusty Shackleford

I can on my '18 Silverado with the L83. Super easy to get to.


I'll be doing them in my Camaro soon, and they look to be almost as easy.

You might want to set a timer bud. From the time you get your tools, open the hood, change plugs and shut the hood. That's less than 2 minutes per plug IF you don't have to fight a plug wire not coming off.

But hey, if ya can.

[Arogg]

Did my plugs on my 72K mile LS3 last month. Took about 20 or so minutes and that included putting the tools back away. Way easier than my old LS1 in my 4th gen lol

[Moto-Mojo]

Yeah, you're not changing these in 10-15 minutes. Nor should you want to. The passenger side bank is the tightest as I recall. I took my time, changed the wires, used a swivel headed ratchet and probably took an hour. It was time well spent with the Camaro.

I changed mine at about 40K. I was having some hesitation issues...that went away with new plugs. At 100K, you might find some a little stuuborn to remove. Not certain.

[SS_Dave]

Righty-tighty, Lefty Loosey.

Otherwise, no miracles here.

[vinman]

Do them when you put your headers on and change the plug wires all at the same time, you'll thank me later