1970 GT500 Spark Plug Removal

[tahart]

Before I get started changing the plugs, can anyone give me tips on how they have done it? I've read everything from swivel sockets, 3' extensions, rubber hoses, needing small hands, standing on your head, etc, etc. Can somebody that's done this condense the procedure into useful steps? My car is a '70 GT500. Tks.

[Bill]

Before I get started changing the plugs, can anyone give me tips on how they have done it? I've read everything from swivel sockets, 3' extensions, rubber hoses, needing small hands, standing on your head, etc, etc. Can somebody that's done this condense the procedure into useful steps? My car is a '70 GT500. Tks.

New School-quality 3/8th ratchet-Craftsman will do nicely
New school-3/8th drive 8-10" flexible extension (these are fantastic)
3/8th drive 5/8" spark plug socket

Old school-3/8th drive stubby, swivel head snap on ratchet-part # FKF80A
Old school-3/8th drive universal swivel
3/8th drive 5/8" spark plug socket

With these items, you can actually swap out all 8 spark plugs without removing the valve covers.

However, removing the valve covers makes the job much easier.

Bill S.

[6s1802]

Or, just drive G.T.350's problem solved.

[TA Coupe]

Take 2 days to do it so you don't get to frustrated. Have cold beer and or whiskey near by. Play some good rock music also.

          Roy

[pbf777]

   

................, you can actually swap out all 8 spark plugs without removing the valve covers.

However, removing the valve covers makes the job much easier.

     This is true, but particularly if you have the tall aluminum covers, just take'em off!       It will make the job much easier, far less frustrating, and actually turns this into not such a bad event.   

     But, if your into challenges, and need to brush-up on your profanity vocabulary, well then...........   

     Scott.

[FL SAAC]

GT 500....sparkplugs.....take a look at these comments

https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=15975.0

[PR]

I don't think a 5/8" socket is correct, I believe it's 13/16",

[427hunter]

Do you have the smog rails on the heads ? If so it will be much easier to just remove the rails then working around them to get to the plugs, with the rails removed it's a lot more straightforward.

[Cobrask8]

Have fun with 7 & 8 no matter what you take off!!!

Besides valve covers off, I also jacked up the car from the middle to relax the export brace, and took that off too.

Put in a high-power ignition system, so you don't have to change them again! I did in my 428 SCJ 4-sp.

[FL SAAC]

Have fun with 7 & 8 no matter what you take off!!!

Besides valve covers off, I also jacked up the car from the middle to relax the export brace, and took that off too.

Put in a high-power ignition system, so you don't have to change them again! I did in my 428 SCJ 4-sp.

Petronix  fits inside the cap and it's inexpensive

[S7MS427]

Petronix  fits inside the cap and it's inexpensive

+1.  The Igniter III is an MSD type system that fits completely under the cap.  That's what I'm using on my 427.

[TA Coupe]

High power ignition systems will deteriorate plugs faster but you can open the gap 5 to 10 thousandths for better ignition. You can leave the gap stock and as it opens up you can leave them in longer than you could with a standard ignition due to the extra power of the high performance ignition.

         Roy

[shelbymann1970]

Have fun with 7 & 8 no matter what you take off!!!

Besides valve covers off, I also jacked up the car from the middle to relax the export brace, and took that off too.

Put in a high-power ignition system, so you don't have to change them again! I did in my 428 SCJ 4-sp.

Yes better with the valve covers off and hopefully the prior owner installed the plugs correctly like they did on my Mach1  . I only changed mine because they were in the engine since...I think Dan changed them last. The ignition system still works great. The problem though is that  the tires are too slippery. They keep spinning real easy. 

[crossboss]

Guys,
Back when I raced my CJs, I had the plugs removed and replaced in 20 minutes per side. Yes, with the valve covers and smog tubes in place! Don't get me wrong, it took years to perfect this technique. I used long extensions, short extensions, and swivel sockets. I 'found' the sweet spots aka the best angles to remove/replace the plugs. In my experience, the most difficult was the spark plug wire removals (without breaking the ends), and getting them refitted on the plugs. As mentioned, removing the valve covers and taking your time on this job.

[Cobrask8]

Gary, you are correct. Under-Cap electronic, MSD Blaster II coil disguised as stock, 8mm Plain black Jacob's wires, plugs were gapped a little bigger. Great system, something I recommend to everybody. Looks stock, much better than points and stock coil.