Hi,
Is it possible to remove the spark plugs from an 82CE without going under the car? Any recommendations as to what type of plugs to use?
Thanks,
Tom

After installing all of the upgrades outlined above.....what is the basic gain from not going stock. I read and understand each item but what is actually gained or realized in the performance of the car? Is it really measureable? Because of my novice automotive "hands-on" experience I have read many threads which propose some upgrades. The parts used are explained but is the extra cost really justified and the difference is never really presented.

The key to any upgrade is to do it with a total goal in mind, and consider the other aspects of the car.
Some upgrades will help a lot in one car, and hurt in another car. If you do some thing to help one area, such as low torque, and something else, say high rpm, the overall effect could be to actually slow the car down. You may hurt the performance in one area, or overall drop.

The example of bosch plugs. They have less resistance then AC plugs. So the spark at the plug is longer lasting, but cooler. You could have some very negative effects from the cooler plugs. Hense, the high output coil. Note the two compensate each other for a break even at some rpm, but at higher rpm the spark may have more duration without fading. By also adding the low resistance wires, the effect is now a better spark at high rpm.

The low resistance plug or wires alone would cause a cooler spark and would likely hurt performance. The two together without the coil could make the car a real dog. At low rpm the plugs could easily foul. The coil alone would have too much power for the stock wires and plugs, and would cause ignition breakdown and arcing at the wires. This would drop performance. Doing the coil and wires, but not plugs, would make the spark longer, but the spark temp would raise too much and could damage the spark plugs.

All of these thing vary depending on each component in the combination. Some coils are bit stronger, and work well with stock components. Some are much stronger, and would fry stock components.

Again, the key is a complete combination that all parts complement each other. It does take some research. The guys at Summit racing tech line can help. So can the tech lines for Holly, etc. You may need to make several calls. Each one will recommend their products. And each will be good, but some will be better. Do the homework, learn all you can for what you want to do, then post the results found here and see if someone else has done that, and how it worked. Keeping in mind the other person here may have a different cam, compression, emissions etc.

Nope, it's not easy. The more people you talk to, the better. Don't forget to ask what someone did that did not work.

Hi,
Thanks for the advise. I'm just trying to smooth out my idle, so I figured I'd start with the plugs. The L83 motor in my 82 has a lot of issues that hinder performance, but I just cruise around town with the car, so I don't need alot of power.
Regards,
Tom

For your situation, I would stick with the AC

Ken
You are an AWESOME resource!!!
Thanks from every reader.

Glad to help where I can. I learn a lot from everyone else as well. Thanks all.

It's possible, but easier to get under.

If the car is stock use A/C Delco plugs.

If you are jacking up either side of the car,I found it easiest to reach the rear two plugs, closest to the firewall, from underneath. The front two plugs you can get to through the wheel wells.

I agree...use AC plugs. Unless a car came with the newer exotic type of spark plug, there's no advantage to using anything other than OE type plugs. All you'll do is lighten your wallet with the exotic type and your car won't run any different.