Experience changing spark plugs?

My 2010 LGT has a misfire in cylinder 4 when running any non-Stock ECU map, which seems likely to be the spark plugs (50k miles on car, ~5k miles were pro-tuned stage 1+)... I would LOVE to avoid the dealership and do this work myself, but I don't have the knowledge/experience or tools for this job... Though from my understanding the spark plug swap is the same for 4th gens and 5th gens?

Does anyone local-ish have the knowledge and desire to help me out? I'll provide the beers and spark plugs (and whatever else) necessary to complete the job... Obviously I could travel to wherever is most convenient for you, as you would be doing me a huge favor!

I know that this is a bit of an odd request, but figured it was worth asking if any gear-heads are willing to help in exchange for some beers and a desire to test-drive a stage 1+ 5th gen (with brand new spark plugs!), before I pay the dealership $250ish for this job... Let me know! TIA!

good luck. I almost jumped off the roof of my house while changing mine it was so bad.

i bet the next time around will be easier.

Thanks PP, I was hoping to avoid any roof-diving...

Any others had the same experience? Is it just not worth my time/effort/knuckle skin?

If you want to avoid the dealership, and don't want to do them yourself. Motive Auto Works is fairly close to you.

I've pulled engines, pulled trannies to swap clutches, pulled the turbo several times, changed CV boots, I still bring the car someplace for the spark plugs... It's a crappy job..

It is a suck job for sure. I'd just call motive in Woburn. Pm me for his number if you need.

You can do it! Lots of great DIY threads here. I planned for the worst, but I'd rate the job as moderately difficult. Not because it is technically challenging, but more because of the space you have to work with. If you have any basic wrenching experience, it can be done.

In the end, I used a stubby 3/8" drive, a 5/8 plug socket, a swivel, 10mm socket for the coil packs, pliers for the air assist hose clamps, anti-seize, ramps and a 3" extension for hand threading.

See my post

God hates a coward. Get in there and do it yourself. It's just spark plugs, fer krisake. Don't let some spark plugs emasculate you.

(Actually, it sucks, but you have to prove to yourself that you can do it. After that, other work looks much easier.)

Originally Posted by VermontGT

(Actually, it sucks, but you have to prove to yourself that you can do it. After that, other work looks much easier.)

LOL, this. I proved to myself that I can do it, now I will never do it again

Not a difficult job did it Saturday it took me about 1.5 hrs with a few breaks for morning coffee. Enjoying the subaru since I got it now showing it some love with maintnance it may not need.

I'm in the camp of this being an easier job than it's made out to be. Space is tight, sure--but not impossible by any means. I had very little frustration when I changed mine--couple of relaxed hours and it was done. YMMV.

I watched Motive do mine a couple weeks ago when he did the leakdown test
seemed fairly easy to do (w/ proper tools)

Agreed, first time isn't 'fun', but its not too bad just tight spaces. Second time will take you half as long.

I've pulled plugs on Subarus 5 times and my LGT will be due soon, its pretty easy now.

The second time is much easier.

Much easier.


Make a day of it.


A whole day -

I've never had mine changed still running the oem sparks at 116,000k