I want to replace the spark plugs and wires on my 03 impala 3.8l. There is a heat shield on th eplug. Can this shield be removed? is there a special tool to remove the wires?

The heat shield on the plug wires are there to keep the heat off the wires.I believe they are only on the rear ones.Yes they do come off.They need to be installed on the new ones.There are some special pliers that are for removing the wires but sometimes they ruin the wires.The best way to remove the plug wires is to grab and twist back and forth and out.What happens is the rubber part kind of sticks on the porcelin part of the plug and you have to twist it to break it loose.Hope this helps.Good luck.

The heat shield on each spark plug is easily removable. I always twist the rubber spark plug boot a few times (back and forth) before removing the spark plug wire. Please grab the spark plug wire by the boot only! The heat shield will stay on the end of the spark plug boot when you remove the wire. Simply pull it off the end of the spark plug boot and place it on the new spark plug wire.

You can buy a spark plug wire removal tool (available at any auto parts store), but it not necessary. Usually the tool is yellow plastic. The cost should be around $5.00 or less.