Author Topic: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?  (Read 6365 times)

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Offline S Q U I N Y

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How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« on: June 03, 2009, 07:52:20 pm »
Hey everyone,

So I was trying to change my spark plugs in my jdm gc8 the other day
but I could only get the two outer coil packs out. The bolt for the one's closer to
the firewall get stuck between the wheel well when you wrench them
out to a certain point.

Does anyone know and have a step by step write up on how to change the sparks plugs?
or would it just be the same as doing the newer subarus (the same way as the other posts say)

Thanks
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Offline silent

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2009, 08:24:55 pm »
99% of work done on a jdm subaru is the exact same as a usdm impreza.  They are not special or different, just have a steering wheel on the other side of the car.

Offline Speed Stick

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2009, 09:00:58 pm »
Yeah that's a tougher one to get.  You have to use a smaller socket and wrench is all.  Then to get the coil out you gotta kinda twist it sideways. 
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Offline doubtless

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2009, 10:35:29 pm »
99% of work done on a jdm subaru is the exact same as a usdm impreza.  They are not special or different, just have a steering wheel on the other side of the car.

AKA, boxer motors can be annoying for this, no answer other than figuring out what's wrong with the tools you have, then go buy ones that do the same thing, but in the space provided.

Offline AdamMc

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2009, 10:42:32 pm »
I remember the first time we went to change the plugs in my FIRST subaru..

we were used to plugs being up front and personal.. well.. There was a lot of  ??? ??? when we found out the Spark plugs were on the sides!  "MOTHER FUKER!" was the phrase of choice that night haha.

Sorry i have nothing important to add.

Offline SubieRoo

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2009, 11:23:40 pm »
I used a short 3/8ths drive ratchet, small extension, and the spark plug socket. It can be done, it is definitely a pain in the butt.

Offline rockcrete

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2009, 05:15:38 pm »
You don't need to unscrew the bolts all the way out of the coilpacks to remove them.

Just unthread them to the point that it's out of the head and then pull the coilpack out with the bolt still in it.

A 10mm combination wrench is your best bet for this.

Moving the windshield washer bottle helps, too (not to mention the airbox).

Complaining about changing sparkplugs on a Subaru???  These cars are a piece of cake - you guys obviously have no experience with small block Chevy's or transverse V6's where you have to take the intake manifold off to get the rear bank :D

It's a 10 -15 minute job max :D

Offline Scout255

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #7 on: June 04, 2009, 08:34:37 pm »
If you need help doing this PM me.  I've done it before on a non-JDM WRX, i'm sure its very similar.  You just need the right extension and whatnot.

Offline Pee_Sack

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #8 on: June 04, 2009, 08:39:30 pm »
You don't need to unscrew the bolts all the way out of the coilpacks to remove them.

Just unthread them to the point that it's out of the head and then pull the coilpack out with the bolt still in it.

A 10mm combination wrench is your best bet for this.

Moving the windshield washer bottle helps, too (not to mention the airbox).

Complaining about changing sparkplugs on a Subaru???  These cars are a piece of cake - you guys obviously have no experience with small block Chevy's or transverse V6's where you have to take the intake manifold off to get the rear bank :D

It's a 10 -15 minute job max :D

^^word

I believe it is the 6 cyl corollas that you need to take the downpipe off to get the back middle.

Although it still takes me more then 15 mins.

Offline S Q U I N Y

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #9 on: June 06, 2009, 12:47:31 pm »
Thanks everyone!!!
i'll give them another try on monday when i have my day off
hopefully this time will go a lot smoother...
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Offline 93GC8

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #10 on: July 11, 2009, 06:02:06 pm »
hears a question!....what do you torque them to when  your putting the new plugs in!?

Offline GrantC

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #11 on: July 11, 2009, 06:14:15 pm »
hears a question!....what do you torque them to when  your putting the new plugs in!?

Your plugs (if they have a built in washer) likely have a torque spec on the box.  Or an amount to turn after the washer makes contact.

The service manual says 15.2ft/lbs, so it's not much more than "not-loose".

Offline 93GC8

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #12 on: July 11, 2009, 06:19:28 pm »
thanks for the quick reply...im in the process right now!..haha

Offline Marshal

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #13 on: October 28, 2009, 07:25:37 pm »
What spark plugs did you guys use for the jdm cars?
Just the same ones as the usdm ej20 cars? 

Offline sniper512

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #14 on: October 29, 2009, 12:08:07 am »
You don't need to unscrew the bolts all the way out of the coilpacks to remove them.

Just unthread them to the point that it's out of the head and then pull the coilpack out with the bolt still in it.

A 10mm combination wrench is your best bet for this.

Moving the windshield washer bottle helps, too (not to mention the airbox).

Complaining about changing sparkplugs on a Subaru???  These cars are a piece of cake - you guys obviously have no experience with small block Chevy's or transverse V6's where you have to take the intake manifold off to get the rear bank :D

It's a 10 -15 minute job max :D

Bingo lol.

Offline Vicar

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #15 on: October 29, 2009, 12:17:44 am »
What spark plugs did you guys use for the jdm cars?
Just the same ones as the usdm ej20 cars? 


yeah,

OEM NGK iridium is a good plug

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Offline crazynova

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #16 on: September 13, 2010, 12:31:09 pm »
Quote
yeah,

OEM NGK iridium is a good plug

should you gap them first or is the .044 that they come with good enough?
I heard somewhere that they should be .8?

Thanks in advance.

Offline Speed Stick

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Re: How do you change spark plugs in a jdm gc8?
« Reply #17 on: September 13, 2010, 01:01:56 pm »
The 0.044 is the NA gap. The turbo models should be 0.028-0.031 I believe is spec.
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