LS1TECH - Camaro and Firebird Forum Discussion

Camaro and Firebird: How to Replace Ignition Coils

A bad ignition coil can cause engine misfires and wear down your spark plugs. This article will show you how to replace the ignition coils.

By Jared Hammond - March 2, 2016

This article applies to the Chevrolet Camaro and Pontiac Firebird (1990-2002).

When an ignition coil wears out, it can cause all kinds of problems for your engine; problems such as misfires, loud noises, and stalling engines. When these problems start to happen, it results in a check engine light and a trouble code. If you get the trouble code read, it will tell you which ignition coil is causing the problem. Ignition coils are not that expensive individually, but a full set can be costly. However, if one coil is out, the others are likely soon to follow, so you may need to replace all of them eventually. The instructions below will show you how to replace a bad ignition coil.

Camaro and Firebird How to Replace Ignition Coils

Materials Needed

  • Replacement ignition coil packs (AC Delco D580/D585 recommended)
  • Ratchet and 10mm socket

Step 1 – Remove old ignition coil pack

Start by disconnecting the negative terminal on the battery. To get to the ignition coil pack, you'll need to remove the fuel rail covers. You can pull them off from the bottom. The covers are held down by a series of clips. To remove the ignition coil pack, unplug the electrical connector. Pull off the spark plug wire. Then unbolt the two bolts from the coil pack. Pull the coil pack off the engine. If you're removing all the coil packs, simply remove the nuts on the bracket after disconnecting all of the coil packs and remove the bracket itself.

  • Ls1 lt1 camaro firebird v8 corvette spark plug ignition coil plug wire replacement DIY how to replace remove change
    Figure 1. Disconnect the electrical plug.
  • Ls1 lt1 camaro firebird v8 corvette spark plug ignition coil plug wire replacement DIY how to replace remove change
    Figure 2. Remove the spark plug wires.
  • Ls1 lt1 camaro firebird v8 corvette spark plug ignition coil plug wire replacement DIY how to replace remove change
    Figure 3. Remove the bolts on the bracket to remove all four coil packs.

Pro Tip

Models that use the LT1 engine have a single ignition coil mounted near the front of the engine. The same removal instructions apply, but it will also require removing the hose clamps in front of the coil in order to access it. The coil is mounted by two screws instead of bolts.

Step 2 – Install new ignition coil pack

Insert the coil pack to the engine, and bolt it down. Reattach the spark plug wire. Reconnect the electrical plug. Repeat the first step for the other coil packs you're replacing. Then reattach the fuel rail cover and reconnect the battery when you're done.

Ls1 lt1 camaro firebird v8 corvette spark plug ignition coil plug wire replacement DIY how to replace remove change
Figure 4. Install new ignition coil pack.

Pro Tip

If you're looking for a neat and simple mod to try, instead of installing the factory D580 coil packs, you can install the D585 coil packs that are used on GM trucks. It can give your car a small performance boost at an affordable price.

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