need new plugs, open interior engine compartment

[robscherer]

My 3/4 ton 1996 Express has a 5.7 liter. The van has 55000 miles, has a little stutter when accelerating hard that seems like a spark problem. I wanted to change the plugs to keep them from becoming one with the cylinder heads anyway and hope this could cure the stutter. After all the van is almost 9 years old.... The plugs are not visible from under the hood, so I am guessing the "doghouse" must be pulled. The Chevy dealer wants over $500 to change the plugs, wires, rotor cap, and rotor. Ouch!!!!

Are there any gotcha's I need to know about before I start taking the center console out??? What is entailed in doing this???

Thanks!
Rob

[carnut0687]

Im not sure how similar the two are, but i am currently working on the engine of an 87 van w/ the 5.7L, in order to get to the interior engine compartment, it consisted of 2 screws and 4 clips, it was very easy and only took about 2 minutes so you should have no problem, but like i said this is an 87 van so it may be different, hope this helps

[RNRea]

My '92 console isn't too hard to get out, but it does take a bit of wrestling once I have the bolts out and snaps off to get it out of the van past the seats. Once you get that far, check to see how accessible the plugs are. You might want to spend some money for the funny wrenches that get into tight places if needed. The time saved is usually worth the money spent. Good time to check on the rest of the ignition (wires, cap, rotor, module, etc. as applicable). Finally look at the hoses - especially the vacuum hoses, as they get brittle and crack. Air filter replacement is a good idea, too. This is where I usually end up making four trips to the parts store because I just think of one thing to do and forget to check around for other things that need attention. After I get done, I put the doghouse back in place but only snap the side snaps in and make a test run to make sure that I don't have to go back in there again before I put the bolts back in and replace all the dash stuff.

Richard