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1970 GT500 Spark Plug Removal

Started by tahart, October 30, 2022, 09:02:37 PM

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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

Quote from: tahart on October 30, 2022, 09:02:37 PM
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.
Instead of being part of the problem, be part of a successful solution.
HOW TO IDENTIFY A FORUM TROLL
https://www.saacforum.com/index.php?topic=16401.0

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
If it starts it's streetable.
Overkill is just enough.

pbf777

#4
   
Quote from: Bill on October 30, 2022, 10:23:19 PM
................, 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

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. ~
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus

Home of the Amazing Hertz 3 + 1 Musketeers

I have all UNGOLD cars

PR

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

427hunter

#7
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.
"You keep using that word, I do not think it means what you think it means"

Inigo Montoya

"This life's hard, man, but it's harder if you're stupid"

Jackie Brown


2000 hours of my life stolen by 602 over three years

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

Quote from: Cobrask8 on November 01, 2022, 01:09:29 PM
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
When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. ~
Marcus Aurelius Antoninus Augustus

Home of the Amazing Hertz 3 + 1 Musketeers

I have all UNGOLD cars

S7MS427

Quote from: FL SAAC on November 01, 2022, 02:34:56 PM
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.
Roy Simkins
http://www.s-techent.com/Shelby.htm
1966 G.T.350H SFM6S817
1967 G.T.500 67400F7A03040

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
If it starts it's streetable.
Overkill is just enough.

shelbymann1970

Quote from: Cobrask8 on November 01, 2022, 01:09:29 PM
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.  ;D
Shelby owner since 1984
SAAC member since 1990
1970 GT350 4 speed(owned since 1985).
  MCA gold 2003(not anymore)
1969 Mach1 428SCJ 4 speed R-code (owned since 2013)
"2nd" owner of 68 GT500 #1626

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.
Past owned Shelby's:
1968 GT-350--Gold
1970 GT-500--#3129--Grabber Orange.
Current lifelong projects:
1969 Mustang Fastback/FOX chassis, 5 speed, 4 wheel discs, with a modern Can-Am 494 (Boss 429), Kaase heads, intake with a 1425 cfm 'B' Autolite Inline carb, ala Trans-Am style
1968/70 Olds 442 W-30

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.