Ok, so i've been fighting my 4.6 for the last week and a half trying to get it to pass inspection but the computer still says 8 is missing.

So far i've changed the plugs, the wires, and now I changed the driver side coil pack tonight in hopes it'll pass tomorrow when I try. but in case it doesn't, anybody have any ideas of what to try next?

 

camshaft sensor? Just a guess but worth a shot.

 

I don't have the IM readings, but if the HC's are high, you can be that the cylinder is overfueling. I'd bet you have a dripping injector, which will give you a misfire reading, especially if it hasn't had time to clean out the excessive fuel. (like on a long run).

Injector would be my first guess, with the things you have done so far. Of course, if you were to do a compression test, that would help to eliminate cylinder other mechanical problems.

 

I was thinking injectors also, I guess it'll be a good experience to change them and see what it does for the ride/gas mirage

Also, anybody have any ideas of how to get a spark plug out that I can't get the socket to grab onto?

 

Long magnet or 12'' needle nose pliers. Can you push a piece of soft or warm hose over the plug end and slowly lift it out that way? I've done it before with a bit of wD40 on the end going over the plug end. Just some thoughts that I have. Good luck.

 

as the mechanic told me when I asked how much he would charge to change out my plugs... pull the motor

 

O.O pull the engine to change the plugs on a 99? Not much of a mechanic in my opinion... I already got the hard plugs, there's just something caked around the plug so I can't get the socket onto the plug to break it loose, once it's loose i'll have no problem pulling it out