96 Z34 Plug dilema

[Shan23]

First off,im glad i came across this site and im hopin someone can help me out here. I have a 96 Monte Carlo Z34 3.4L and im having a problem w/ getting to the back 3 plugs. I seen a post from awhile back on this site where someone said to locate the motor mounts n pull the engine forward but I went to a couple of local car care places i was told that the upper intake gasket and the throttle body gasket had to be removed and replaced in the process of changing out the back three plugs. Obviously if you can just locate the motor mounts and move the engine forward that doesnt need to be done,correct? I bought this car used (at an auction) and didnt get to speak w/ the previous owner. The few minor repairs ive done so far everything has been,or appeared to be original (front three plugs by the looks of them and fuel filter,rusted on) should i proceed to have the gaskets changed as well or not worry about them??

[mjkanejd]

What engine? 3.4DOHC you don't have to tilt the engine. Just remove the upper intake manifold. Need to replace the gasket where it connects to the Lower intake and throttle body. Pretty simple to do.

If the 3.1, I am not sure but I believe that engine has to be tilted to reach the rear bank.

Good luck

[dwalmop]

mjk's right. I think it's actually still nearly impossible even if you do tilt the 3.4 forward to get at the plugs. Remove the intake plenum and you'll have much easier access to them. You'll need some plenum gaskets, though, which are cheap.