03 Yukon Spark Plug And Wire Reccommendation

[sxwhite]

Folks,

 

I have 2003 Yukon 5.3 Flex-Fuel that has 99k miles on it. I know its time for a spark plug and wire change. Trying to get some reccomendations/suggestions on what everyone else is using. I have questions like...

 

1. GM or aftermarket?

2. Installation procedures and reccommendations?

3. Cost?

4. Special tools needed/required?

5. Best practices or lessons learned

 

THANKS in advance!

 

Shawn X

[C & A s Dad]

I can offer some info here. You can also search the forum on this and find tons of info.

 

I personaly like NGK or AC plugs in the 5.3. NGK was the OE plug for the first few years of production but I believe that GM moved away from NGK in 03. Still a great plug, You have the choice of 2 premium options with NGK, one is Plat only and the other contains Iridium.

 

Wires: Ours (CARQUEST) are supplied by Prestolite, the world leader in OE wires. I would also recommend Belden which can be found at NAPA or Standard Motor Products. If you want a High Perf wire, I like Taylor Wires. I do not recommend economy wires for your truck. Don't skimp on the wires.

 

The wires are very hard to get off the plugs. Grab them, twist and pull. Don't worry about breaking the wire since you are replacing.

 

Allow the engine to cool. Do not remove plugs from hot alum heads. The threads may come out with he plugs.

 

Re-install with antiseize on the threads and dielectric grease in the boots.

 

The right rear plug looks tough but it is not bad. If you are not at least 6 ft, get something to stand on, use a 3/8" flex handle ratchet and a 1" extension and a sp plug socket directly on the plug. It will come right out

[klunkerbus]

Seems like a lot of people have posted about situations where driveability problems are solved by going back to OEM plugs and wires. I know that on my wife's 03 Malibu, it had idling problems until the new NAPA-Gold Belden wires I put in were replaced with OEM wires.