Spark plug wires

[ez1286]

hi, i'm helping my friend with his car (97 3.5l) and it looks like i'd have to pull the intake manifold off to change the plug wires, is this true?

[A. Souphound]

No, you don't have to pull the intake manifold to change the wires. I change one bank at a time working from front to back to remove, and back to front to replace. It's a tight fit and there are sensor wires etc. in the same area, so be careful you don't damage those.
Alvin

[AWP9521]

Like already stated, becareful around the sensor and injector wiring, it is tight under there but can be done without removing the Intake Plenum but it is advisable removing the black plastic intake cover for added room, take your time and do one at a time removing and replacing and you'll be fine.

As an added note, if the replacement wires do not come with the protective plastic split tubing already installed on the wires, reuse the the old tubing as that helps protect the wires from the heat of the intake plenum and heads and if the new wires are not prelubed with silicone gel, get some and put some in both ends so it will be easier to remove them again.

[kbp0427]

OK. but what if you need to replace the spark plugs? Do you need to take the plenum off (as I was told)?

[1thunder]

no you don't now we are still talking of a 93-97 3.5L
engine {intrepid LH body}