For many of us that are tracking our cars and approaching the 12k mark the manual calls for a spark plug change. I decided to do a DIY to show all of you just how easy this is. I accomplished the task in just 30min not counting putting the car on the lift and being extra careful my first time doing this.
I recommend removing the rear wheels to give you easy access and visibility especially if you plan to do this job with the car on jack stands. I have a full scissor lift and could do the job either way, with or without rear wheels removed. For the most part you have easy access to all of the components on the head.
Specs
Porsche Bosch spark plugs 999 170 153 90
Torque 14-21 ft. lbs.
Note I was unable to get a torque wrench on the plugs so I hand tightened.

Tools Required see photo 1
ETorx socket # 10
Torx T27 I know you guys will try and use a T25 but just buy a T27 used throughout the car
3/8” socket drive
3/8” 6” socket extension
3/8 socket swivel
14mm 12pt deep socket

Optional
¼” driver for the T27 Torx short bit or other driver.

Procedure
Always do this procedure with a cold engine.
Start by removing the heat shields 2 Etorx # 10 fasteners Photo 2
Remove the electrical feed socket to the ignition coil Photo 3
Remove each ignition coil after removing the T27 retaining fastener. Pull out the coils and set aside. Photo 4
Remove the spark plugs with a 14 mm 12 point deep socket. I started with the number 1 cylinder lower left side and worked in order. You will run into a little interference at cylinder # 3 just work around it. Photo 5
I numbered each box and put the used plugs back into the old box for later inspection and keeping. Photo 6
Install new plugs, DO NOT use any anti seize paste or lube. Be careful when installing plugs so you do not cross thread them. I hand tighten just to make sure and then torque the plugs down.
Reverse the procedure and you’re done. You just saved yourself 500+ dollars. I paid 24.15 for plugs as a reference. I understand Bosch will import plugs for this car starting in December. The price should drop at that time without a Porsche monopoly.

 

This is great! Thanks man! I'm ordering plugs now!

 

Great write up....I guess if I did my own Sharkwerks and do my oil I could do this as well.....thanks!

 

Can't wait for the video.

 

Excellent write-up. Thanks!

 

That clears up the uncertainly of doing this for myself since I've never done a plug change on a 911 before. Thanks for doing this, Ed!

 

And how much does the dealer charges for this?

A friend of mine paid $2000 for a plug change and alignment. Yep

 

Thanks for sharing. Been waiting for the 2 yr interval to pop up so you beat me to it (due in another 3 weeks).
Good luck.

 

Outstanding

Thank you

 

I would have done a video but didn't have the right digital camera and sound system. What I needed was Money 2536 to star in the show but he lives on the right coast..and I am on the left....lol

 

Thank you Ed.

 

Actually you were the real trail blazer, and now you have encouraged Matt to put together a 5 part video series on replacing plugs. LOL

 

Great write-up! I'm sure nobody here would mess it up, but I just thought I'd mention that with Aluminum heads, you really don't want to cross-thread the plug. So be patient and make sure you have the threads aligned (sometimes helps to slowly reverse-rotate the plug until you feel the plug seat into the threads before tightening in the correct, clockwise, direction).

 

No truer words were said. Do not screw this up, like I did once upon a time on an old VW..bug.

 

Much easier than on my old 996TT. The shop manual had it as a 6 hour job, which included removing the rear bumper and intercoolers.

I used to do it in ~ 3 hours after the first time and that was without a lift.

I am encouraged that the access is so much better on the GT3s.

thanks for posting.