SCHM1AN

I just replaced my plugs, which were 10K miles overdue (for the 30K interval, they are the "laser platinum" NGK OEM plug). Then went on a roadtrip. I swear my mileage was 2-3 mpg better than I'd been getting. Seems surprising.

My mileage jumped up for the first few subsequent fillups. Then it went back to normal. Although the mileage jump also came with 0% ethanol gas + fresh plugs.

YMMV

Are the center electrodes made with ground down unicorn horns?

Geez.

And don't forget to reattach your front O2 sensor wire stand-off mount to the number 4 coil pack bolt. Was replacing my O2 sensor this past weekend and found that I didn't reattach the mount so it was just dangling there. It didn't help that I was replacing the plugs in a torrential downpour, so was going as quickly as I was, but it's easy to miss the O2 sensor mount. Just saying...

This. It's easy to miss but it takes just a few seconds to line up and secure it

I did the spark plugs on my car yesterday along with a friend. It took us over 3 hours to do mainly due to the two rear-most plugs.

I have a feeling most of my prior issues were due to not tightening the plug down enough. When I went to take that one out, it was extremely loose.

Everything has been changed over to NGK Iridium IX plugs and the car idles like a dream now.

I just stopped by a local Subaru tuner shop and asked them for a quote to do this job since I don't have a garage of my own... they suggested changing pads/fluid. After I told them that the problem was the flexible firewall, they suggested buying the GS brace and installing that.

What don't they understand about "I want to swap out my MC/BB for an STI MC/BB"

My friend tried installing a 6-spd into his WRX a few weeks back and over-tightened some things and ended up making the car un-driveable. He took it to Synergy tuning and everything has been fine since. That, and he knows one of the guys from his Ford Probe days, and recommends his work.

I'm from Port (currently live in Cedarburg), so I'll probably take my car there at some point for tuning work

I've got an 06 5EAT and I have TC.

it's my right foot.

So I put the old plug back in, and my car has been running a little strange since. My voltage used to be around 14.3V but is now about 13.9V, and my gas mileage is down about 10-20%. Intake temps used to be about 3 degrees (F) higher than ambient, but they're now about 20 (F) higher. Additionally it just feels a little sluggish and sometimes stutters before taking off.

Along with the plug, I also oiled my K&N filter-- maybe a little too much. I'm guessing my symptoms are from the plug and not oil that could be on the MAF.

Any thoughts on this?

Gotcha... either way, its an exhaust leak in your exhaust. Which is what i would have a hard time digesting (im a bit Type A )

You and me both, lol

You're not ... an accountant or an engineer or an actuary ... are you?

I dunno... my catted DP increases flow & somehow allows for more powah.

 

I'm an electrical guy, don't confound me with this stuff.

haha no problem. I'm a mechanical guy... I don't understand electricity, but I know enough about it not to mess with it

Would it really create Power loss? I mean a high flow aftermarket cbe would therefore create power loss with that understanding.... No?!

 

I'm likely wrong. Lol

Sorry, but yes. lol.

With a high flow cbe, you're (you guessed it!) increasing the flow, making it easier for the car to breathe, per se.

And many of the high flow systems have larger diameter tubes, larger mufflers, or of different geometry making the sound resonate differently.

With aftermarket systems, you bolt everything up tight. With HZ, you're intentionally putting a space between the exhaust and the mufflers. Think of it as a leaking garden hose

has anyone used the pulstar plugs? are they good or bad?

I would use the NGK Iridium IX plugs, like everyone on here has recommended. It's worked for so many of us before, why not use what's been tried and true?

Has anybody noticed a smoother idle or better mileage with new plugs?

Sorry if this has been covered before... I don't feel like reading through 44 pages

Changed plugs this weekend. Things are a bit tight, but the job wasn't too bad.

 

Key piece of equipment? A hex drive to socket adaptor, like you would chuck into a drill (similar to the pic).

 

I ended up attaching this to the 5/8" spark plug socket and it gives you enough something to hold onto when you are seating the new plugs back in. Hand tighten them a bit and then you can pull on the drill bit piece and the whole spark plug socket will come out, leaving your new plug partially screwed in. The fact that it's screwed in a bit gives you enough clearance to now attach a short extender and universal joint to the sparkplug socket, reattach the setup to the plug, and torque it down.

Good thing I have one of these laying around! I've been putting this off for so long, but I finally have to give it a go either next week or in two weeks, so thanks for the tip!

My friend with the Probe was pw_cc_runner... Josh was his name. He has the hot-rod Probe. I also know V3rtigo, Tom from college and from being friends with Josh.

I would join you for coffee, but I'm stuck here at work. Blah.

I'm surprised I haven't seen you at all (I've got a RBP LGT). I'm originally from Port and usually make my way up there about twice a week. I'm currently in Cedarburg and work in Mequon. I'll honk/wave if I catch you sometime in the future

I think my friend whose got a Probe told me about you... you're not formerly from WISPOC, are you?

I saw one the other day at lunch that said "VEQLSIR"

I want the one that says "FEQLSMA" but it's been taken already