Wow...I feel bad about my wrenching skills after reading this thread. I easily spent 5 hours my first time doing plugs, but I took my time. I bet a good mechanic could do it much quicker.

 

I've been quoted 5 hrs (just to do plugs) from two reputable shops in the bay area. Must be the going time for independent shops around these parts...

 

Yip... taking your time 4 hours is about right... once you have done it a few times you should get it down to half that.

 

......

 

^ lol

 

I just remembered that I also removed the taillights and the exhaust heat shield. I seem to recall that I probably didn't have to remove the heat shield, but for some reason removing the taillights was required/helpful.

 

Did my plugs today with the help of a couple of guys and a lift. Took 3 hours for just plugs. It is not a super difficult job, just lots to take off and put back on.

I think your estimate of times is very optimistic!

Bumper has 3 - 4 bolts on top, four on bottom and two top sides. You also have to take off the bumperettes and tail lights and disconnect the plate light wire harness. Simple, but not 4 - 6 bolts... Then you have to take off the rear inner wheel well liners and I would pull the rear wheels if I did it again. Gets to tight with the tires on.

5 minutes to take the intercoolers out each side! I would love to see it done in 5 minutes! Have to take out 5 bolts, two heat shield nuts disconnect two hoses and wiggle it out. At least 10 - 15 minutes per side if you know what you are doing. If you have air ratchets and everything lined up with an assistant, you might get it at 5 minutes.

Changing the plugs in 2 minutes. Yeah, if you are staring at them. Have to take out the rear heat shield, bend the side ones up, take off the heat sheilds on the heads, then take out each coil pack all in a confined space. Once you get that done, then 2 minutes per plug to take them out, inspect them, then install and torque. Again, not a hard job, just tight and many bolts.

Anyway, 45-50 minutes for a plug job with one person is totally unrealistic! I think I could probably do it in 2.5 hours now with help. We had to locate a hidden intercooler bolt on the first side that killed about 10 minutes and I would take the tires off that would save a little time.

Anyway, just my 2 cents. Did you change yours yet? I think you mentioned in a thread you were going to do it soon?

Thanks!
Chad

 

Oh crap! I cant remember doing that! Dang it! I was in a hurry. I need to go and turn the lights on and see. I sure hope we did!

-- edit -- Crap! just checked it, no lights... Looks like I get the pleasure of taking the bumper off again. At least it is easy...

 

lol too funny...

 

I did my divertor valves without taking off bumper, dropping engine .. nothing.
and man it SUCKED! took like over 2 hours and I scratched my bumper.
its soo tight in there.

 

Thanks guys, I had the same question

 

Wait.............................................. ..................




did I just see............................................... ..........................................








Diverter valves in 15 minutes???????????????????????????????

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ?????????

?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????

 

I did my diverter vales in about 2 hours, with the help of a friend.
Sometimes you need extra power and force to wrestle down some of the cables/hoses in the tight engine compartment.

Plugs is a different animal. What were the Porsche engineers thinking when they decided on the plug location ?
Today I've been working on a full turbo/exhaust swap and deciced to change the plugs while I had so many of my critical components stripped down. Let me tell you...it doesn't go that quick. After 7 hours of work I've taken off rear spoiler, bumper, intercoolers, exhaust, turbos and changed the plugs. Tomorrow the Hybrids and the Europipe go on.
While I performed some extra steps, changing the plugs is NOT a 3 hour job !