Heard that plugs were under the the intake manifold. Is it pertty much unbolt manifold and there they are? Has anyone one attempted this and could give some advice or poosibly refer me to a place that could give step by step instruction. Thanks in advanced.

I have not done with your model but do know on mine it is a real mission. Apart from the covers and cables you have to remove the throttle body, plenth, ignition coils, and half the engine to get to. Since it is a GDI the plugs are mounted inbetween the intake & exhaust ports. I decided to let my mechanic do and it took nearly 1/2 day to complete.

One bit of advice is to install the best long lasting plugs you can find. Mine were a NGK BZFR5B as recommended in the service manual costing approx $15USD each. Should last 70+ kms easy. Iridium might also be a suggestion.

Jim

Agreed!

Next to doing the timing belt and stuff, this is probably the next biggest pain, and for a literally, supposedly, easy and straighforward job.

Like Jim just said, 1/2 day just to remove the covers and to do the plugs. On my model, the plugs are so well hidden that only 2 was rather easily changed, the other 4 took various hand contortions and acrobatics just to get them out and put them back again.

Anyway, the labor is actually 95% of the job. You just need to open up piece by piece until you think that you can easily access the plugs. That's it.

My manual says to use Platinum tipped plugs (NGK, DENSO) and change every 100,000kms. Iridium plugs were not invented yet then, but I'm using them now. They cost more than regular plugs and last longer, BUT that's why you need not do it every year.

I agree on the iridium recommendation. My 03 suggests this and they have the highest resistance to wear. Once you invest the labor, you dont want to have to go back in and change plugs for a long time!! Use antiseize and torque wrench on all the plugs - do it right the first time!

Good advise x 2.

Jim

Definatly IRIDIUMS are the answer to a well worth it job. All i use . As they say since yur investing the time , might as well put a well worth it replacment plug.

Thanks Guys for the advice.. I think im going to atttempt this one.. Wish me luck!!

Just be very careful of when yu are seperating the upper intake plenum . The ignition coil brackets and ignition spark plug leads. And hoses and electrical wiring.