SleepyCyclist

I ended up having both on hand (long bolt/washers and the transom plug). Both came in handy in different locations.






variety of extensions helped w access behind muffler support





small ratchet can be very helpful for the coil bolts. I used one of these

KellyMN

I love this discussion!

I’ll very likely be doing this job in the near future, and really appreciate all of the tips and tricks offered.

I wonder if a flex head ratcheting wrench would help with some of the coil bolts in tight places?

koth442

While I'm all for buying more tools, I didn't have any troubles reaching the bolts with the mufflers off. I would put the money elsewhere. Like posted in the pictures above, a combination of extensions & swivel adapters meant I was able to use the holes in the muffler brackets. However, that bracket is plasma cut & welded. Not exactly known for precise manufacturing tolerances. Possibly why some of us don't have any troubles while others do.

Also, I have a brand new set of 996.2 Bosch plugs sitting on the work bench. I'll sell 'em cheap
I didn't realize I had .2 plugs until after the return window expired (my car is a .1).

C2-996

Excellent write up with photos. I did my plugs, spark plug tubes and coils about 3k miles ago. This write up will definitely be useful and help others save time. I did have success using the boat plug, but I like the some of the other options discussed to more easily pull the tubes. I’m hoping to get many more years and miles out of my tubes- Not a hard job, but also not particularly enjoyable!

evoroadster

Found this thread while researching my random misfire codes. I replaced plugs and COPs this weekend. Ordered parts from FCP and was sent Bosch 79173 (FGR5KQEO) plugs. The removed plugs are NGK BKR6EKUB. I now have P0300, P0302, P0303, P0304 and P0306 fault codes. The car ran fine for about 15 minutes then the CEL came on and it ran like horse hockey. After cooling down same symptom repeated. I will reinstall the old plugs and see if the heat range 5 instead of 6 is the problem. Car is a 2003 Carrera Coupe.