70 spark plug shieldz and exhaust smog tree's

[Dennis D.]

I know why I left the shielding off my 70 L46 to change plugs, but now I'm dealing with a 70 LT1 ignitiion shielding and A.I.R tubes.
Should the Ignition shields be able to be removed without removing the A.I.R. pipe? Got the front passenger side off ok, but the rear is a problem.

Found a pic without the ignition shields to show what I mean.

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 spark plug shieldz and exhaust smog tree's

I know why I left the shielding off my 70 L46 to change plugs, but now I'm dealing with a 70 LT1 ignitiion shielding and A.I.R tubes.
Should the Ignition shields be able to be removed without removing the A.I.R. pipe? Got the front passenger side off ok, but the rear is a problem.

Found a pic without the ignition shields to show what I mean.

Your post states you are changing spark plugs. To do that one only needs to remove the "chrome" shields (Yes. I know some are stainless steel). No removing heat shields or AIR tubes. That also assUmes your AIR tubes are the ones installed by the factory workers. If you are using reproduction AIR tubes I can offer nothing but my sympathies. I am told the reproduction tubes have different configuration, but I am not sure how different in the spark plug area. I know how to identify them from the shape where the check valve is, but I have no experience to offer with them. I have been able to change spark plugs on my 1970 LT1 (with all four ignition shields) by removing only those shields. Reinstalling them is much easier if one loosens the manifold bolts to free the alignment with the retainers for the ignition shields. loosening the manifold bolts also allows the retainers to swing out of the way for more clearance, especially around the temperature sensor for the TCS (on the passenger side rear) and the engine temperature sensor at the driver's side front. In theory one should not have to loosen the manifold bolts, but I found it much easier to do so. YMMV.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 spark plug shieldz and exhaust smog tree's

Leaning toward the air tubes being replacements, but I guess I'll find out. I do use your method for the shields. I've done it many time on my 70 l46. Now I just leave them off. BTW the 2 plugs I removed from the lt1 and checked were in bad shape. Thanks Terry.

[Dennis D.]

Re: 70 spark plug shieldz and exhaust smog tree's

That also assUmes your AIR tubes are the ones installed by the factory workers. If you are using reproduction AIR tubes I can offer nothing but my sympathies. I am told the reproduction tubes have different configuration, but I am not sure how different in the spark plug area. I know how to identify them from the shape where the check valve is, but I have no experience to offer with them.

Would you say these look like originals?

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 spark plug shieldz and exhaust smog tree's

Leaning toward the air tubes being replacements, but I guess I'll find out. I do use your method for the shields. I've done it many time on my 70 l46. Now I just leave them off. BTW the 2 plugs I removed from the lt1 and checked were in bad shape. Thanks Terry.

Leaving the ignition shields off is the common solution to the difficulty of changing spark plugs.

Last time I changed plugs and wires (I put the original wires back on for judging) I spent 2.5 8-hour days to remove and re-install spark plug wires and plugs; and that was with the car in the air to improve access. I think I still have scars on my hands from that. Changing plugs and wires is only one of the many advantages BBs have over SBs.

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 spark plug shieldz and exhaust smog tree's

Would you say these look like originals?

Hard for me to tell with them not installed on the car, but I lean toward reproduction. I think I kn ow someone who is better at that than I am. He might even have pictures.