Just want to share my thoughts on spark plugs:

My car was getting poorer mileage (17-18 mpg instead of 19-20 w/ mostly hiway). It actually stalled a few times while sitting in traffic too.

I changed the plugs at 22k mi. They look brown and was darker than the last time I had replaced them at 15k mi. I think I will change the plugs every 15-20k mi going forward.

The job took me 1.5 hrs from bottom and top of the car. You need a 21MM deep socket to get the plugs out. I bought a little die electric grease and anti sieze lube also. It now runs very smoothly and the time was well spent.

 

the plugs aren't metric...FYI

 

23 mm is closest to 15/16"

But a 15/16" deep socket is what you want.

 

It took you an hour and a half? Good god...

 

your going to change your spark plugs every 20K miles?

 

Last time I changed mine, it only took about 15-20 minutes. And I did it from the top. All you need is a long extension (18") and a swivel socket or universal swivel adapter. Bada Bing Baby!

BTW: I try to change mine every 6K miles.

 

fwiw. 20 min out of the garage from under the car.

 

I thought I was slow, took me 30 min from the bottom. I recommend you change plugs every year.

 

arent you suppose to change the every 10k miles?

 

Thats what most do.

 

When my car was stock, the plugs lasted about 30K.

Once I started adding PFC, M2 larger, dp, mp and 13 psi, they last about 10K.

With the HKS TwinSparks, it's less than 10K. I put a brand new set in and about 3K later, it looked like it had 10K on it. Car ran better though. Havent' had time to dyno the car yet.

 

I got 15k miles out of the last set of plugs but they really should have been changed before then. IMO, plugs are about 10-12k miles in these cars. I switched to all 9s last time, so we'll see if that improves the durability.

 

damn, only takes me 15 minutes tops from the top and i have to change mine about ever 3-5k. i guess that's why i've gotten so quick at it! lol

 

i was at rotary power here in cali today and they were changing the plugs on a car when the motor was hot. less than 10 minutes.... wow

 

I can change the plugs in my car in record time...but changing plugs in a stock car(P/S and A/C equipped)...gee christ that sucker's a PITA from the top. Easy as pie from underneath though.

FWIW, I change my plugs every 6 MONTHS. The last set of plugs went thru 3 or 4 engine REBUILDS. All about the tuning!

 

I only changed the spark plugs once and took me less than 30 minutes from the top. I just removed the intake elbow and used a 15/16 deep socket with an extension.

 

what are the torque specs on the sprak plugs from the factory manual?

 

Not a whole lot of torque that's for sure. I always hand tighten then then give her an 1/8th of a turn with the wrench.

 

you'll get faster. It takes me about an 1/2 hour. I go from the top and remove my greedy elbow. I change mine every third oil change. about 9000mi.

 

I did mine without removing anything. I don't know about 15/16 socket but the 21 MM socket worked fine for me. Mine is pretty much stock so 20k mi is my plan. Local rotary shops recommend every 15k mi though.

I don't know how you can do your plugs in 15 min. It takes me that long to change plugs on a v6 that has the plugs in plain view. Time yourself with a stop watch next time...

 

14 ft-lbs, I think. Not much.

-Max

 

Drat! My first double post!

-Max

 

your claiming your plugs lasted 3 or 4 rebuilds before they had to be changed due to good tuning? I Think i would rather have the engine last 3 or 4 spark plug sets with better tuning.

 

Fastcarfreak, you stole the words out of my mouth.
Yeah, that's some impressive tuning. I want his maps.
NOT!!!!!

 

???