Mechanic Opinions Welcome

[starkcb]

I am getting ready to have my sparkplugs changed out becuase my CTS (03 3.2l) has over 100,000 miles now. I went and bought the NGK Iridium IX to replace the old ones I have. I have read other threads talking about the spark plug gap. Not knowing a lot about cars the "gap" subject has me confused and concerned that my spark plugs will not have the right gap. I know I probably need to change the plugs but I am getting "paralysis by analysis" becuase all the research I am trying to do to make sure I do not mess up my vehicle (to much gap / not enough gap).

Also I was curious should I just use GMparts or are the plugs I bought just as good.

I have already searched this forum for threads of this nature and couldn't find enough information to satisfy my concerns.

[JimmyH]

I am no mechanic, but GM does not make spark plugs. A major manufacturer like Bosch or NGK makes them and packages them as GM. So I would not worry about that.

As for gap, you need to get a feeler gauge. You can get one for $5-$10 at any autoparts store. You find the correct gap for your car (it is in your owners manual, or someone else will chime in with right gap) add up the correct number of strips on the feeler, put it between the electrodes, and gently but firmly tap it on a table until it is tight. If the correct thickness of feelers wont fit it, you will need to pry up the electrode ever so slightly to open the gap, then do the tapping.

If you are not comfortable in doing this, you would be best to let a shop do it.

Hope this helps.

[Cadiman1983]

I posted on another thread, I didn't do the work myself, but I recently installed a set of Denso Iridium Power plugs, work wonderful.

[nickc50310]

My baby is having denso iridiums put in as we speak......

[Cadiman1983]

Hope you like them Nick, I am very happy with mine.

[nickc50310]

Thats what i like to hear!!

Heres what all is being done on my car today and tomorrow:

18" Sport wheels
245/45zr18 dunlop direzza tires
Eibach lowering kit
FE4 shocks
V Sway bars
Strut tower brace
Denso iridiums
clean volant intake
fix exhaust (right muffler moved, warranty)


WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!

[starkcb]

Thanks for the feedback so far. I am currently searching for the correct gap.

[tommy compton]

Try the spark plug website, i'm sure that's where i found the gap size when i did mine. be very carefull when gapping iridium spark plugs, one slip and you will bust off the electrode very easily, then you'll have to shell out for another set of two.

[tommy compton]

here ya go man, i even did the searching for you.
.032

[Cadiman1983]

Damn Nick, you won't recognize your car when you get it back, lol

[starkcb]

Thanks Tommy!

I appreciate the help on that.

[kfx]

Originally Posted by tommy compton

here ya go man, i even did the searching for you.
.032

Hey Tommy, I was reading another thread about changing the plugs on a 3.2 and Ody said the gap is .053. I will probably be changing plugs sometime this year & I'll do it myself so I'm taking notes and wanna get it right. Ody did mention that this was the "factory gap", would it be different for the Denso's? Where did you get that number?

[starkcb]

Originally Posted by tommy compton

here ya go man, i even did the searching for you.
.032

Tommy or anybody,

I am looking at the owners manual and it says to gap 0.060 inches (1.4mm). Is that right?

https://www.mygmlink.com/pdf/go2cont...ac/2003cts.pdf
Then look on page 6-73. I just want to make sure that I am seeing it correctly. That the gap should be 0.060

[kfx]

Originally Posted by nickc50310

Thats what i like to hear!!

Heres what all is being done on my car today and tomorrow:

18" Sport wheels
245/45zr18 dunlop direzza tires
Eibach lowering kit
FE4 shocks
V Sway bars
Strut tower brace
Denso iridiums
clean volant intake
fix exhaust (right muffler moved, warranty)


WOOOOHOOOOOOOOOO!!

sweet Nick, yer definitely gonna be ready for the meet. Does that mean your mechanic will have a set of the FE4 spacers for me soon? I'm hoping to get my shocks & eibachs installed before the meet. Hell, I still gotta find a couple days of decent weather so I can Zaino the car, looks horrible after this winter, I'd be ashamed to bring it to Davenport lookin the way it does right now.

[kfx]

.032
.053
.060

??????
Now I'm really gettin nervous.