[Carciprete]

Does the motor need to be jacked up in order to change the spark plugs closest to the firewall on an 06 STi? I tried my best to weasel those suckers out of there but I just don't think I have the clearance. Any help would be appreciated.

[jv01]

nope i did one step colder plugs its tight but they came out there is a thread some where on plug removal

[XxSCAxX]

you dont need to lift the engine up. its tight but they come out. my 05 had plenty of clearance to pull the actual plug out.

[Turbo_Joe]

I'm swapping out plugs and doing a compression test tomorrow, 1st time for both. Should be interesting.

I installed my Denso Iridium (1 step colder) spark plugs today. DIY included!!

[fourseasonsandles]

I just did mine recently. It is a tight fit, but it can be done. Just be patient and take your time. It wasnt a hard job, just a bit time consuming with the tight fit. I would imagine it will get easier each time you do it.

[VSGTS14]

just get the right tools and it'll work.
it's just a pain in the rear.

[Carciprete]

Thanks guys. I'll give it another whirl and take my time.

[Scout255]

I haven't done an STI, but the WRX I did all you need is a 5/8" deep socket, a 3" extension and a ratchet. I had to put the socket and extension in first, get it seated on the plug, then wiggle the ratchet into position and you'll just barely get it locked onto the extension.

Then once the plug is loose I just removed the ratchet from the extension, pulled the extension and plug out with my hands.

I was even able to fit a torque wrench in there using the same method

Oh, and remove the windsheild washer tank, battery and intake.

Hope this helps.

[beecha91]

Just pull the motor.... JK its a struggle fit wise but can be done in an hour with a few cuss words here and there haha

[Carciprete]

My problem is getting the coil pack off closest to the firewall. It seems that no matter how I turn it, I still can't get enough clearance to pull it out. I have no doubt that once the coil pack is off I can reach the spark plug. I'm trying again tonight and will let everyone know how it pans out.

[Scout255]

Hmmm, strange. The coilpacks were the easiest part for me. I would ratchet off the one bolt securing it to the block, and then use that bolt to pull off the coilpack quickly and easily (the bolt is firmly attached to the coilpack cover). The coil packs are pretty flexible on the end, so I just pulled back once it was pulled off the plug and lifted up. It came out without any troubles.

However, this was on a WRX, perhapse its different on an STI.

[gabedude]

You can turn it and bend the shaft. It will be ok. They come out just fine on the 06 and 07.

[BenW]

Originally Posted by Scout255

I haven't done an STI, but the WRX I did all you need is a 5/8" deep socket, a 3" extension and a ratchet. I had to put the socket and extension in first, get it seated on the plug, then wiggle the ratchet into position and you'll just barely get it locked onto the extension.

Then once the plug is loose I just removed the ratchet from the extension, pulled the extension and plug out with my hands.

I was even able to fit a torque wrench in there using the same method

Oh, and remove the windsheild washer tank, battery and intake.

Hope this helps.

This is exactly what I was about to post, word for word.

I would like to add that it helps if you don't lock the ratchet head into the 3" extension. Just put it in half way where it doesnt lock. This will give yourself more finger room against the valve cover.

[Carciprete]

Originally Posted by gabedude

You can turn it and bend the shaft. It will be ok. They come out just fine on the 06 and 07.

Thank you gabedude. That's what I needed to hear. I'll try bending the shaft just a little for more wiggle room on the way out.

[Carciprete]

Originally Posted by Scout255

Hmmm, strange. The coilpacks were the easiest part for me. I would ratchet off the one bolt securing it to the block, and then use that bolt to pull off the coilpack quickly and easily (the bolt is firmly attached to the coilpack cover). The coil packs are pretty flexible on the end, so I just pulled back once it was pulled off the plug and lifted up. It came out without any troubles.

However, this was on a WRX, perhapse its different on an STI.

The difference that I see is that you have the clearance between the coil pack and the wheel well. The clearance that I have is so small that you would have to bend the coil pack shaft like gabedude indicated.

I'm going to give it a try now......