In removing the boots from the spark plugs, do they pull straight off or is there a trick to removing them? Any special tool needed?
They are original never been removed.
thanks
Larry

You just have to pull straight up on them. They might be tight from never being removed so you might have to twist a little. Also, be careful removing the plugs. I have heard of a couple of people getting sockets stuck in the VC. Might want to get a thin walled socket, or do it when the car is cold (that way the socket doesn't expand when you stick it in there.

Do you suppose it would be ok to use a pair of pliars to pull the boots off ?

The first time I did mine they were rough to get off. I just grabbed them and gave them a nice quick pull up.

I guess you could use pliers, just to get a better grip on them. But I wouldn't recommend squeezing too hard as you don't want to smash them. Are you replacing the wires? Might as well do it while you are doing the plugs.

Hadn't really thought about replacing the wires .. car has 85,000 miles. Felt it was time to change the plugs .. car seems to be running a bit rich and before I take it to dealer for a tune up I thought it would be cost effective to replace the plugs myself.

One last question ... should I stick with original replacement plugs or go with something like the Bosch 4+4 aftermarket plug?

Remember to pull on the boot, not on the wire. They actually do sell a tool to take the wires off, but it's just a fancy wrench. Monkey around with it. You'll get it.

As for plugs, don't buy the multiple point or platinum plugs, no matter what the guy (redneck, cough) behind the counter at Kragen tells you. Try and get irridium. Colder plugs are popular for turning up the boost. Otherwise, factory plugs are great. Check out http://members.shaw.ca/costall/1000Q/ if you're curious why platinum is bad and irridium is good, etc.

Like spyderturbo said, don't drop a regular deep well socket into your valve cover to get the plugs out. I'm one of the idiots that made that mistake :) Took four days to get it out, finally "borrowed" some dry ice from physics lab to do the trick. Get a special spark plug socket. I think it's 13/16ths, but dont' quote me.