Ferris decided to buy into the hype and try out a set of irridium spark plugs. So last weekend we installed them. Overall install impressions, Prophet_S4 hit it on the nose when he said, "it's not difficult, just a pain in the ass!" Here's the pics:
First step is to remove all the plastic engine covers. We started on the airbox side because it is a little easier to get to. You will see the coilpacks that cover the plugs.

Unplug the connectors by lifting the silver tab. There are two bolts holding the coil packs in place. once you remove them the coilpack will slide out.

You will need a long rachet extension to get the plugs out.

Here's what it looks like with all three coilpacks removed.

Here's a side by side of the new and old plugs. You can't see in this pic but the diode on the irridium plug is tiny!

After you have gapped the plugs (we gapped at 30) and installed them, slide the coilpacks back in, bolt down and reconnect the plug.

Here's a tip, when reinstalling the airbox, make sure your thumb isn't in the way of the clips. They pack a mean punch as Ferris found out the hard way!

Getting to the drivers side plugs is a little more difficult because the coolant reservoir is in the way. We unscrewed it but left the hoses intact and moved it out of the way.

We had to move it around depending on which plug we needed to get at.

In some cases you will need someone to hold the reservoir when removing and installing the plugs.


All in all it took us about 45 minutes to an hour to do the whole job. It will go a lot faster the next time we do it (on my car). As for the performance difference with the irridium plugs, i'll let ferris comment on that.

z | b

Axis of Evil - Member # 3