auntjemima

How often do you guys change your spark plugs? Do you base it on a random number, something you read or when you notice a decrease in performance?

I never had a problem with my car but slowly over time I have noticed it doesn't have the power it used to so I finally changed them at 116k kilometers. I wasn't able to get AC Delco so I got NGK platinum instead... Thoughts?

Old Crow

Just changed the original AC Delcos and wires in the wife's '04 Malibu LS 3500 at 111,000 miles. Plugs looked like new but the wires were toast. It wasn't running "bad" but it runs a LOT better now. It was still getting 33 MPG on the old set. Wish my Impala got that kind of mileage.

auntjemima

I was getting 32MPG already. I haven't been able to test the new plugs though as my wires were shot and I broke 2 of them. I won't be able to check a difference until tomorrow. My old plugs were rusty but the lead colour looked great overall.

00impala123

Should be around 100k at minimum. I use autolites and some people start to have some problems after 2 years, so I usually just do mine ever other summer..thyre cheap enough


Also those NGKs are fine plugs

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Dwayne J

double platinum or iridium OEM quality plugs can do 100K miles.
Basic copper plugs much less and depending on how much you drive annually might be a good idea.
Single platinum fall somewhere in between.

__________________
Dwayne
96 Caprice with AI 200cc package
Best et 11.5
Best MPH 116
Just another taxi

Joe

50-60K for me.

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2005 Impala - Base with a bunch of options
1967 Camaro RS/SS L78 - Perpetual restoration project

auntjemima

So I got new NGK plug wires and boy do those new plugs and wires put some pep back in the car. I knew I should have changed them a while back.

MixedImpala04

I read some where here ngk was ac delco?

auntjemima

An older mechanic at work told me the same thing. No idea though.

00impala123

NGK made AC Delco's spark plugs for them. So they are basically the exact same thing.

Which is one reason why NGK is one of the few good SP brands for our cars

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Joe

I've used NGK & Delco on my LS truck for years without issue. Not time for a change on the Impala yet.

Based on the effort it took for my (new then) Olds Ciera GT with a 3.8l V6, I'm not looking forward to it

__________________
2005 Impala - Base with a bunch of options
1967 Camaro RS/SS L78 - Perpetual restoration project

kingnutin

Not that hard at all, ten times worse to change them in that truck of yours.

__________________
1978 Caprice Classic Landau
350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl
Stock rebuilt TH350
Edelbrock performer cam + intake
Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed)
Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks
95 9C1 3.08 posi
4 wheel disc brakes!
16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

Joe

the 5.3 is a breeze. Need a combo extension/swivel to get to the right rear plug is all :)

I remember loosening/removing the dogbone and having dad pry the motor forward as I changed the back three plugs on the Ciera GT. Going in blind and with fingertips

__________________
2005 Impala - Base with a bunch of options
1967 Camaro RS/SS L78 - Perpetual restoration project

kingnutin

Maybe it fits in there different than the LS motors I've worked on, I always had to go through the fenderwell to get that one. The impala is going to be the same deal, remove dogbones, rock forward, go in blind. Not too hard though.

__________________
1978 Caprice Classic Landau
350 2-bolt, stock 4bbl
Stock rebuilt TH350
Edelbrock performer cam + intake
Dual 2 1/2" Flowmaster exhuast (waiting to be installed)
Edelbrock IAS Classic shocks
95 9C1 3.08 posi
4 wheel disc brakes!
16x8 American Racing Baja's with 225/60/16 Pirelli P4's

auntjemima

Was more trouble getting the plug wires off then it was removing the plugs. As king said, bones off, strap it forward and presto.