Is there anything I should worry about changing the plugs in my 01 STS? Also should I use the same plug as noted in the manual. Thanks

 

Lots of serious things to worry .. but 1st tell us why are the plugs beign changed?

 

The reason I wanted to change the plugs is I have 90,000 miles on the car.I plan on keeping the car for a few more years and I thought I might gain some benefits from the new plugs. thanks for the reply.

 

Unless something is happening, you will most likely not see any improvement by changing the OEM plugs at this point. I believe you got 100,000 mile dual platinum plugs that can and often go double that mileage.

The old days of a tune-up at whatever mileage, gone .. the less one messes with the stuff under the hood, the better your car is. however, IF you must change them, these are the negatives:

- primary wires are damaged upon improper removal, the shell material is though against heat but very delicate to physical touch.
- plug cavity area is not cleaned prior to removing plugs, allowing crap to enter the cyl.
- replacing with cheap plugs - I do not and will not use anything but the Delco stuff, experience.
- improper gaps.
- cheap spark plug loses an electrode, which in turn jams into the piston rings, which in turn destroys engine.
- spark plug threads are not properly coated.
- primary wires are not properly lubricated before installing.
- primary wires are unmounted from the conduits and thereby allowing heat and chaffing damage.
- damaging coil banks.
- disturbing connectors, wiring, vacuum lines, etc.
*** and my favorite ***
- the job is all done, start her up and lets see if the engine can now rev to 8,000 rpm? ouch !



note:
primary wires = spark plug wires

Long life recommendations?

probably, the best things one can do to extend the life of the mechanics in a car is to:
- perform ALL scheduled maintenance, look in your Owner's Manual,
- clean the engine/transmission every year (specially the underside),
- change out coolant (protect your $3,000 headgasket) every other year, even if GM says not needed,
- flush/change brake fluid (hygroscopic , absorbs moisture) every other year (regardless of mileage or GM's req),
- add a 24oz bottle of Lucas fluid then do a transmission service (new filter / fluid, no flush), and then add a 24oz bottle of Lucas fluid upon refilling.

Hygroscopic: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygroscopic

Long life for the Electrics:
- buy a 12oz can of dielectric grease.
- apply to every connector and switch that you ever disconnect.
- make sure every harness and wire remains secured and protected.

Long life for the body:
Damaging rust cannot occur unless salt or moisture ac***ulates and that often requires dirt, debri, leaves or sitting water.
- stick a water nozzle into every access cavity and rinse dirt, dust, etc.
- dont let leaves ac***ulate.
- salt? rinse and then rinse some more.
- a good drive on a dry day helps get the sitting water inside panels off.

*** water stains do not hurt the car, rinse even if you cant dry and buff the car.




Lots of information on these are in the FAQ section.

 

Thanks stomper for all the info on the plugs, guess I will wait on the plugs as the engine is running fine. thanks again