Tips/Tricks to Change Spark Plugs

[ROCKET62]

Figured that since many Vipers are coming out of hibernation that I would start a post on tips/tricks for changing spark plugs as I just did mine yesterday. Would really like to hear of any tips to get at #9.

My first tip that makes changing 6, 8, & 10 easy - remove the air box. It's only 4 nuts and makes a HUGE difference.

Second tip for #1 - I used a 3/8" to 1/4" reducer and a 1/4" extension which allows for better clearance to get by the cooling tube on my Gen 1.

Third Tip - Patience and one Cold Beer per spark plug!

Good Luck!

 

[VIPER GTSR 91]

Prior to removing the plugs, use compressed air to blow any grit away. The base area can hold a lot of debris which can fall into the cylinder after removing the plug. Also use anti-seize on plug thread and there is a product for applying an anti-seize around the tip so the boot will not stick to the ceramic. Check to verify gap as many plugs are off from the factory. If you accidently drop a plug, throw it away.

 

[1TONY1]

Harbor freight (and others I guess) sells a 3/8" extention with a swivel plug socket built on the end......only $8/$10 and worth $100 when changing plugs.

 

[Jack B]

Different length wobble extensions help.

 

[trainville]

After taking off A/C airbox, I had no problems whatsoever getting all 10 plugs out on the '98 GTS. Some needed an extension, some had to be removed w/o the extension. No prob......

Now getting the new plug WIRES into their little clips and organized neatly was a little more tricky.

 

[Silver Snake]

Third Tip - Patience and one Cold Beer per spark plug!

Good Luck!

Whoa! I can change my spark plugs in about an hour, but I don't think I would do so well if I drank ten beers in one hour!!!!

 

[thebigsnake]

I didn't even realize there was issues about spark plug changing on Vipers when I did mine. Particularly compared to some other sportscars I've had.

 

[GTSnake]

Whoa! I can change my spark plugs in about an hour, but I don't think I would do so well if I drank ten beers in one hour!!!!

An hour! It only takes me 10 minutes. That's a beer a minute... I think I would spend more time chugging then wrenching.

 

[DanAuito]

Someone read my mind today! Damned if I wasn't going to ask this exact question! Rocket you are DA MAN! I'm picking up a 98 RT in a couple weeks with 10,000 miles on it, the question now is, is it to soon to change the plugs? One other question here as well, I hear/heard that if your going to be racing (I won't) that you use 9 quarts for an oil change, if not you use 7. Never heard of such a thing, what's the deal with leaving a pan 2 quarts low if your not going to be ******* it? Thanks!

P.S. I know to use Mobil 1 synthetic oil but what is the best plug?

 

[PatentLaw]

Thanks for the tips Rocket62. These types of posts are some of the most valuable. I would stick with OEM plugs as I have seen others here get wrong sizes. Would hate to do that with my engine. Others may disagree. Can anyone else chime in as to what plugs they use?

 

[ROCKET62]

DanAuito - might want to double check this, and I believe that the capacity for the 98 was 8.5 qts. This may change +/- based on how much oil you let drain out of the oil cooler.

From my research many seem to think the stock champions work well unless you are adding Super/turbo/nitrous. Might be the one part you can buy without a Viper Tax.

Hardest part is #9 and getting the plug wire back on. I added a little bit of die-electric grease to the plug boots to help them slide on.

Good Luck.

 

[whitebluevipe]

i use champions as well. i tried the bosch platinum II's and went back to champion. i think people go a bit overboard with what they put on these cars. if it's not broke don't fix it. i.e. unless you change something like put nitrous that calls for a different plug or a supercharger don't be so worried that your losing hp. people seem to go out and blow money for stuff they don't need. i use to be that way but buying more expensive bosch and finding that the champion work better taught me a lesson.

 

[DanAuito]

Both my grandparents retired from Champion Sparkplug in Detroit, so I'll be glad to patronize the old plant! Thanks~~

 

[danalt]

I do-know but that beer thing sound like good advice
one beer per plug that is.