Please forgive my newbie-ness...

I've had a 2007 Equinox LS for over 2 years and we are just now going to change spark plugs and wires... we've always been a Chevy family, so always used AC Delco plugs...which type are recommended for the Equinox? Iridium? Double Platinum? Or does it not really matter and just a matter of opinion?

Thank you!

 

The only spark plugs I recommend are the AC Delco p/n 41-101 (iridium). They are a bit more expensive, but they are worth it. They last the longest, come pre-gapped, and you get the piece of mind of knowing they'll work fine since that is what the engine came with.

There really isn't any particular brand of plug wires that I prefer. As long as they are made with a silicone jacket they should work fine. Some cheaper offerings are not made with silicone so avoid those. FWIW I used Denso wires when I replaced ours. They fit really well, but I felt like the connections at the ignition coil could be more secure. However, I haven't had any trouble with them. They've been installed for a few years and have around 40K miles on them. If I could do it over again I would have used AC Delco p/n 9746TT.

 

The plugs and wires are my next job on the equinox....did you keep the originals in for 100,000 miles? Any tips/tricks for getting the back three out? Looks to be somewhat challenging.

 

While GM still recommends replacing them at 100,000 miles, I've found that iridium plugs can go much longer than that. Toyota actually recommends replacing them at 120,000 miles in their vehicles. I replaced ours at 95,000 miles, but they still looked pretty good and could've easily stayed in there for much longer. I only replaced them because I had parts in hand and was anxious to get it done. I replaced the wires at the same time and highly recommend it.

I surely remember removing the coils and ignition module for better access. I think I also removed the alternator, but can't say for sure since it's been a few years. Be sure to use an air compressor to blow any debris out of the spark plug wells before removing the plugs.

I usually only recommend the spark plugs that the vehicle came with - in this case AC Delco iridium 41-101. I used Denso plug wires, but I'm not as picky with them. As long as the part number is specific to the application (in this case 2005-2009 Equinox/Torrent w/3.4L engine) the lengths of the wires should be pretty close to the originals. You can find this out by clicking on the part number when looking up parts at rockauto.com. You must use an actual computer to do this because this function isn't available when visiting their website from a mobile device. Also, opt wires that use a silicone jacket. All but the very cheapest wires normally have these characteristics.