I'm going to be changing my spark plugs out on my 04' Z71 5.3L. This will be the first time I have ever done this.....don't laugh at me! Is there anything I need to be prepared for, surprises, or difficulties? I think I will go with some E3's, or do I need to look at some other plugs? I will utube, a "how to" before I get started. But would also like yall's input. Any advice is welcome. The dealership quoted me $208.00 to do it, so I told them I would do it myself. If I change my plug wires out at the same time, what do ya'll recommend? Thanks

 

Careful on pulling wires- I've ripped guts out before (connector/ to spark plug) I like to twist them first before wobbling and pulling them off- I'm cheap and still rocking the original 99 plug wires with 230 k and running boost with them. But you said your doing wires anyways. Any mods in future? I ran the tr55 (NGK ) changed them out about 20k (20 bucks)

 

Advice- don't get E3's. Just use a normal plug.

 

its an easy thing to do make sure you gap the plugs to specs, have the 5/8 plug socket so you dont drop the plugs when going in/out to make it easier, use different extensions to fit ur needs the hardest one will be the passenger side last one but dont rush and you can take it out once you do it once you will see how easy it is... i recommend changing the wires while your there also...

 

Probly won't do any future upgrades, at least nothing major. I may do LT's and an ORY this year. I've seen a lot of guys here use NGK's, I kinda think that may be overkill for my daily driver. If y'all do suggest NGK's, which ones. I've been told not to re-gap brand new plugs, just make sure they are correct for my vehicle. Is that correct? Thanks for the info, keep it coming.

 

Also, suggestions on plug wires?

 

1) E3 plugs suck.
2) OEM delco plugs are the best option for a near stock truck like yours IMHO
3) Its recommended you don't gap the oem plugs because the platinum coated iridium tip is easy to bend and ruin, but you would want to gap an NGK copper plug for example.
4) At only 9" long, super high quality wires are not required. However, some of the "performance" wires offer greater protection from the high heat generated by LTs.

 

Will the NGK TR55 drop my fuel mileage due to the gap being .060, AC Delco plugs for my vehicle come gapped at .040? It says not to attempt to re-gap the NGK. If the TR55 will be fine for my basically stock truck, is there a specific part number I need to look for? Also, what about plug wires. Texas Speed is offering a plug and wire combo option for about $80. Its MSD wires and NGK plugs. I've read a lot of material that past few days trying to "get it", but I need some help here. Thanks for the info offered so far.

 

I wouldn't use MSD wires if they were given to me for free, their name stands for May Suddenly Die. I have never had good luck with them on 2 different trucks!
I like the Summit LS wires, have tried 2 sets and both have worked great!

 

You can re-gap the TR55's if you are careful to not damage the point when you squish the strap down. I would recommend using between .035 and .045 gap.