How much trouble is it to change spark plugs and wires on a 1997 sse.The Dealer wants $385. for parts and labor, and the parts only cost $85. at the auto parts store. are there any trick or special tool I will need? Thanks for any help

Denny to change the plugs and wires is relatively easy. You will need a ratchet, small extension and the correct size spark plug socket. The socket will have a little rubber boot inside of it to hang onto the spark plug when you take it out. Otherwise it'* a deep socket.

Remove one spark plug wire from the end of the spark plug, take out the spark plug (counter clockwise), install new plug by using extension and socket only and turning by hand. You always want to start every plug into the hole by hand. This ensures that you shouldn't be able to turn it if it cross threads. Now you can use the ratchet to go just past snug on the new plug. Then take the spark plug wire off the rest of the way, this leaves one nipple on one coil exposed. Apply a little electrical lubricant inside both ends of the new plug wire and install exactly like the old one was routed. Push firmly on the plug wire boots and you should hear or feel a gentle click when they are seated properly. Once in a while you will not notice the click...make sure they are pressed on firmly.

Repeat the above steps for each cylinder. If you can not sneak your arm past the strut bar to the back of the motor take the nuts off one side and lift to gain better access. Please make sure you only remove one wire and one plug at a time. This ensures you do not put the wrong wire to the wrong plug.

I suggest you go to your local NAPA and get some NGK TR-55'* plugs (if they can't find TR-55'* in the computer another # is 3951). For wires get the premium Belden wires, but request them for a 1995 Bonneville SSEi with VIN 1 (supercharged). Reason being they are bigger (Series I wires are 8mm and Series II wires are only 7mm). Also the 1995 SSEi wires will also be cheaper, so you will benefit in more than one way.
I just payed $33.00 for a set of Belden Premium wires and today I payed $12.68 (+ taxes) for 6 NGK TR-55 plugs.
Also, be sure to gap the plugs to .060". A gapping tool can be bought at Wal-Mart for under $3.

Total for plugs, wires, and plug gapper (very easy to use) should be under $50. And those are top-notch parts too.
The tools BillBost37 mentioned will still keep the total cost under the $85 for parts that the dealer quoted to you.

$385..

$385 ??? How do they justify this? Its less than 1 hrs labor to do the job.
Run don't walk for the door.
I really don't know how they stay in business when they price gouge people like
this!
Report them to your local DMV dealer repairers div.

"I really don't know how they stay in business when they price gouge people like
this!"

I do. How many sets do you have to do at that price to be in profit?

Also, when you try to remove the sparkplug wires, it helps to twist them before you pull them off. I figured they were going to be a biatch to remove, so I just bought a new set of wires when I bought the plugs.

I was right.