okay so im starting this thread only because it is time for a mini tune up i think.

Spark plugs and wires. i know NGK is probably one of the best brands out there. I do a lot of driving where quick acceleration is needed and the plugs that were installed 30,000 miles ago i think are lacking in that department.

Knowing i need quick accel...what about these ? http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/s ... p?mode=nml

should i consider also changing out the coil pack?

the only engine mods i have are the gutted airbox with the k&N drop in and a new catalytic converter. would the new plugs really make a difference. im not in the market for the ported LIM gasget and UIM gaskets...theyre already new at 20,000 miles ago. when the new radiator went in.

thanks in advance

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2007 Impala SS - 30k 5.3L V8
1997 LeSabre Limited - 115k
Gone but never forgotten:
2001 Bonneville SE
1992 Bonneville SE

for plugs get the tr55's and a set of the belden premium wires. i dont think the coil packs are necessary, did the check the resistance?

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-Juan

No bonnie!
93 s10 ex cab: 2.8: t5: exhaust: tbi mods. 5.3, 76mm, and a D.r cam on a stand

You should also check things like the PCV valve, O2 sensor, and cleaning of the maf and TB. Other than the O2 sensor these are all cheap and fairly easy to do.

hey, sounds pretty good...did you notice an improvement in pickup and fuel economy? right now i net 28 on the highway and if there is no traffic sometimes 30-32 mpg. but that was like once.



where is the PCV valve, o2 sensor and whats a TB. i know what the maf is and it was cleaned with the filter change.

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2007 Impala SS - 30k 5.3L V8
1997 LeSabre Limited - 115k
Gone but never forgotten:
2001 Bonneville SE
1992 Bonneville SE

I installed NGK TR55s a few months ago and they're very nice. I noticed that it seemed to start quicker and easier. The TR55s are iridium spark plugs, which are better than platinum or other metals because the tip is sharper...allowing better spark and a whole bunch of other technical stuff. Iridium also resists corrosion and holds up better.

I researched this pretty thoroughly when I did my tuneup, and the NGK TR55s where the best choice. A bit pricey, but worth it IMO.

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"SLE without the ugly" - leather, climate control, sound, 3.05 gearing, 180* t-stat, tints. http://www.gillsystems.com

i didn't feel much of a difference, plugs don't neccasarily add power, but restore lost power from bad plugs. i got mine for $2.07 each at the auto parts store.

_________________
-Juan

No bonnie!
93 s10 ex cab: 2.8: t5: exhaust: tbi mods. 5.3, 76mm, and a D.r cam on a stand

The PCV valve is under a little plastic cap on the passenger side of the upper intake manifold (see arrow in picture), the O2 sensor is in the exhaust, and the TB is the throttle body.

great stuff from everyone, thank you all.

let me ask this, do the TR55's do better MPG wise vs standard cheapo plugs that are in now. again, around town i net 24 to as low as 19 mpg and on the hwy with the heavy foot i get around 25- 28

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2007 Impala SS - 30k 5.3L V8
1997 LeSabre Limited - 115k
Gone but never forgotten:
2001 Bonneville SE
1992 Bonneville SE

I did notice a slight improvement in gas mileage compared to my old plugs, but only about 2-3mpg. The reason for this is because the point is finer on an iridium plug and burns the fuel more thoroughly. Here is a link for the TR55s from NGK's site: http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/s ... p?mode=nml

I wouldn't say that spark plugs are going to give you a MAJOR boost in performance or gas mileage. Typically it's 1-2% and basically just restores lost performance from bad plugs. The primary thing motivating my purchase of the NGKs was durability, corrosion resistance, and overall quality of the NGK product. They'll last longer and have less issues than cheapo plugs.

In my opinion, if you love you car, and want it to last you will spare no expense. In the long run, it's cheaper to do it the right way.

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"SLE without the ugly" - leather, climate control, sound, 3.05 gearing, 180* t-stat, tints. http://www.gillsystems.com

yeah its a saturday afternoon project for me.
you prove a good point. i treat my car like my parents do the Buick grand national. . . i spare no expense. lol

ill try to get pics posted if i can.

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2007 Impala SS - 30k 5.3L V8
1997 LeSabre Limited - 115k
Gone but never forgotten:
2001 Bonneville SE
1992 Bonneville SE

i guess i should ask this. . . does anyone have pics or a "how to" on installing plugs?
i know to do it 1 by 1 but those rear plugs..cylinders 2 4 and 6 are not the easiest to access.

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2007 Impala SS - 30k 5.3L V8
1997 LeSabre Limited - 115k
Gone but never forgotten:
2001 Bonneville SE
1992 Bonneville SE

There's no set way that works best for everyone. Some remove the rear engine lift bracket to give more room. Some work from the side, others come in over the top. The hardest part will be getting the boots off, not replacing the plugs. You're mostly working blind, but can do most things by feel. Push the metal covers toward the engine as far as you can get them to give yourself more room to grip.

I came in from the passenger side for 2 and 4, and driver's for 6. On the passenger side, I slid my arm under the alternator and heater hoses, and above the power steering pump to get in. Long sleeves will help, as the clamps for the heater hoses will cut up your arm. I you have gloves, those will help to protect your hands while working back there.

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*Gone, but not forgotten* - Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley. ZZP Power Log.

Yay I get to be another victim of the cut up knuckles from spark plug swap coming this Saturday.

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FWI, converted low beam bulbs into high beam bulbs, 20% tint all around, MSD wires, NDK TR55 plugs, auxiliary line in, scan gauge, custom FloPro/MagnaFlow Cat back exhaust
2002 Bonneville SE

well I did it. The wires and the NGK TR55's are in. only took under a minute per plug to remove except #4. OMG that wire didn't want to come off no matter which way I stood on the car. But the easiest way was to stand on the cross bar above the rad and kneel on the engine. Took me 15 to 20 minutes to remove #4 wire. Plug came out easy.

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FWI, converted low beam bulbs into high beam bulbs, 20% tint all around, MSD wires, NDK TR55 plugs, auxiliary line in, scan gauge, custom FloPro/MagnaFlow Cat back exhaust
2002 Bonneville SE

Good job! You're right. Once you get the wires off, the plugs are a breeze.

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*Gone, but not forgotten* - Black 2000 SSEi, HIR Headlights, Angel Eyes fogs, 3rd brake light overlay, hi-flo cat, 180 degree thermostat, HS 1.9 rockers, LSx yellow springs, Intense FWI, PCM, shift kit, push rods, and 3.4 Pulley. ZZP Power Log.