so first I want to say "THANK YOU" to XsnipersgoX for his post in the DIY forum: https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...ng+spark+plugs

I don't have a lift and I didn't have access to a floor jack and jack stand so I did it all without, but I don't recommend it to anyone..

before tackling all of this I decided to take a good long look at the engine compartment and how much room I'd have ... and I noticed that one of the four plug wires wasn't even connected..

so I went ahead and changed them (it was time anyway) and the change is quite dramatic... I can't say for sure that the dramatic change was from the new plugs or actually getting all four connected...

but either way... it's running great now... prior to this change I had a lop-sided idle which I've had for quite some time and couldn't figure out... I never even thought to check the plug wires...didn't think it would run with only 3..

Thanks again for the concise post, XsnipersgoX!!

 

wait till you do the coils

 

I've read on here that most people recommend the BHR coils... is there a mileage point to replace the coils? or a running condition? I'm pushing 93k right now..

 

wow thats impressive haha. I would've been claustrophobic under there

 

I just change it at 30K. My car did improve with just changing the coils, cranks were shorter and car idled better.

Buy 3 long extensions, then you won't have to go underneath the car. I just remove the LF wheel, jack up the car with the sciossors jack and just did it like that. I dropped the car back down to install the wires and coils.

 

its not that hard. hell just turn the wheel all the way to the right till you can reach the plugs. not like the cars gonna fall on ya its on the ground.

 

One time when I changed my plugs I decided to do it without removing the wheel (got bored).
I laid on my back to reach the plug wires and removed them from the plugs.
Then used the spark plug socket to loosen the plugs (still on my back).
Once they were loose I went up through the engine bay and reached down to remove the plugs.
Basically did the same in reverse, hand tightened the plugs from above, then tightened them with a wrench from underneath.
Fish one wire down at a time since your face is pressed against the tire and can't really see in there.
Feel around for all four plugs and visualize in your head which plug you are touching.

It was an interesting experiment, but its so much easier to just remove the tire.
Hell, we have a little scissor jack in the car already... no excuse!

 

scissor jack FTW

 

Onboard scissor jack for raising is ok, but always use a jack stand. Safety first!

A wobble joint extension is a real aide when pulling the plugs even with the wheel off.

Briangre, you must have had one of the trailing plugs disconnected. If it had been a leading I doubt you would have run at all.

 

I've seen the stock scissor jack slide off so yes like Huey52 said, use a Jackstand, SAFETY FIRST!

 

I hate using those scissor jacks. I had one in my RX=7 and it was always a PITA to get my car up. That's why I went to Autozone and picked up 1 Jack + 2 Jack Stands for $40. Mmmmmmm.

 

Coils are easy to install...Just take off the Intake hose and bam, they are right there...