Jack667

How would you guys rate changing sparkplugs on a 997 compared to pads and rotors, in terms of difficulty and time?

iammulva

I'm REALLY grateful for those who post DIY's like this! This job is next for me and with yet another great write-up I have no concerns.

THANKS!!!!!!

niner niner seven

I did this myself about a year and a half ago, I hated it and don't look forward to doing it again at 120,000. 80k on my car now. Plugs/coils are a lot harder (since you have to remove stuff) than pads/rotors = easy. Good write up by the org poster, wish I had it when I did the 60k. I didn't remove everything the org. poster did, I only removed exhaust manifold and heat shield. Perhaps I should have removed more.

I saw this posted couple days back to help anyone with pads/rotors:

https://rennlist.com/forums/996-foru...-tutorial.html

USMC_DS1

Plugs are more difficult mainly due to the EM, exhaust manifold, obstructing access to the rear most plug on the passenger side - bank 2. I've found that removing the EM allows ample room to work on the plugs with a torque wrench. A smaller 1/4" torque wrench is also helpful for that last plug. As this DIY is fairly intensive I replaced my set of coils at the same time. GL with the project and share your insight afterwards.

Jack667

Thanks 997er and USMC!

I'm hoping to tackle this in June and I'll post my thoughts. I like the idea of getting a 1/4" torque wrench to complement my 3/4 inch one that I mostly use for lug nuts. I'll need to buy the parts and tools first and carve out some time...

sixgun95

What warranty do you have? Sounds like your happy with it.

JW911

Great write up. I did this myself last fall. I did not remove any of the exhaust system. It took about 3 hours. Just wanted to point out that removing all those exhaust items is not mandatory.

niner niner seven

just curious how you get to the plugs and coils without removing the exhaust manifold etc. looking to be efficient the next time i do this.

JW911

It is a tight squeeze and a few of the coils required me using a box wrench on the T40 Torx bit instead of ratchet wrench because the ratchet wrench would not fit. If you do a search, I posted photos of this setup last year. Overall it was a bit of a pain but in my view it was much easier than removing and replacing the exhaust.

PelicanParts.com

Both projects are the same difficulty level which is low but plugs and coils take more patience and a few more steps.

Here's a great DIY article for pads on your 997:
Replacing 997 Brake Pads

Mark/Pelican Parts

alexb76

Great write-up!

What were the benefits post upgrade? Are you getting higher performance or better fuel efficiency or smoother engine operation?

AWay

Just wanted to update this thread with my experience as I changed my plugs this weekend at 24,500 miles. I have to say, relatively straight forward and not too terrible of a DIY. Yes, some small spaces to wiggle your hands around in but otherwise no real maladies to speak of.

I slightly jacked up both rear sides of the car, removed the bumper and mufflers. Two of the three plugs on either side were downright simple to do, with the remaining two taking nearly twice as much time due to the tight quarters.

My coil packs at 24,500 miles looked brand new. No corrosion, cracking of any signs of wear to speak of. All the clips unlocked easily enough with no extra force or breaking. I can't say I noticed any difference in driving or idling since changing plugs, but I still feel better having done it.

If you have 4 hours on a nice weekend and a good selection of tools, this is a straight forward DIY project. Definitely worth my time and effort versus the $600 or whatever the dealer charges, especially if you like doing this kind of stuff.

Thanks again for the DIY!

Papa Fittig

Why do it at 24.5K?

Robocop305

24K? That seems early to change plugs.

AWay

The recommended interval is 4 years or 60k. My car is a 2006. Cheap insurance IMO.