Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Always exciting to get some new plugs. I looked around but decided OEM iridium Denso was the way to go. I'm a little early on mileage - 110K but that is enough for a set of plugs. I purchased mine from Lexus of South Atlanta for $64.72

LexTechs, a local Lexus repair shop will do it for $135. That's pretty fair. If my dealer will match it I will go there instead. It know it's pretty straight forward but I don't have a garage and honestly, I don't feel like doing it myself.

I'll post pics of the old plugs. I don't think I have missed any other preventive maintained. All my fluids are done. Throttle body de-carbed. Maf cleaned. Any other suggestions?


Edit: Dealer called back and will match the price. Always helps to ask. Now, I'll do the work at the dealer.

fangtl

I suggest you do this yourself and save $135.

1) take engine cover off
2) sip beer
3) remove 2 bolts for each coil pack
4) change plug and tq to 13lbs
5) sip beer
6) repeat 2-5 seven more times

LiCelsior

iTrader: (32)

damn if u were closer, i would do it for $100 to save u at least $35 lol. so simple to do!

Tom57

You could do this faster than the time it takes you to drive to / from dealer, and wait for them to do it. Way too easy to pass up on DIY ... and save a few bucks too. It's cold in GA now, but you could wait 'til the weather warms a bit.

XJSFan

I would do it for free if you bought the beer. LOL...

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Ok, I guess I should do this myself. If it is that easy. Do I need a few socket extentions? I don't have many tools anymore. Just a basic socket set with a 3" extension. I guess all I need is a spark plug socket and 8" 3/8 extension. Maybe I should just go buy a new set.

jimbosr1

pick up a swivel for your socket.3/8 inch you will need it.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

You guys convinced me. Guess I was being lazy. I went ahead and picked up a new set of tools with the swivel extention you mentioned. I needed one anyway... I'll take some pics and post them tomorrow.

writes123

I recently bought the Denso Power version of the plugs. They cost about 30 cents more per plug. I got them from rockauto and installed at Vinam's Auto Repair in Midway City in SoCal. He told me that the power version has a slightly different tip or something along those lines and may be why they are the "power" plugs vs the OEM plugs. I had 123k on the plugs and they looked ok. Interestingly, he told me that the newest Tundra trucks only take the power version of the denso plugs for some reason.

I played around with doing the plug install myself but figured to let the pro do his work. 60 bucks later along with a differential fluid service, I was a happy customer. I provided the parts.

It was a pretty straight-forward job. Some of the air take housing needed to be uncoupled and I think the oil dipstick might have been unscrewed to along some more room. Just make sure you don't cross thread and put a little antiseize.

Best of luck.

Oh, the local So Cal dealers want $435-560 for the same job. No thanks.

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

Just looked up those Power plugs. They look nice. The difference seems minimal to the oem Denso. Did you notice improved power, mpg, etc.?

writes123

I'm not entirely sure if the mpg increase is due purely to the plugs. I only drove on the old plugs for about 300 miles and never really tested out the car (power wise).

I did get an increase in my avg tank of maybe 1 or so increase in mpg. During the initial tank, I did 2 transmission drain and fills, a rear differential change, oil change with Penzoil Ultra, and a set of new Continental Purecontact 235/50R18 vs a set of bald Nitto 245/45R18. It's possible that the thinner tire would increase the mpg though they do have full tread so some negation is possible.

My thinking was that the "best" denso plug was 30 cents more. Why not splurge an extra $2.40. I only change them every 120k after all.

The mechanic said that I should theoretically be able to obtain more power due to the design of the plug, possibly better mpg. Not drastic by any means.

Jabberwock

Sounds like you are taking really good care of your LS. It should run forever with good maintenance.

1WILLY1

iTrader: (9)

I want to do a full tune up as well soon, did you not get the wires as well?

Caps and rotors?

Lavrishevo

iTrader: (1)

None of that on the 430. The coils sit right on top of the spark plug. In general, you don't replace them until they fail.

writes123

When my plugs were replaced, the coil assembly "boots" were in pretty good condition. Seeing as they retail for 123.24 each, I sure hope they don't need to be replaced every 120k with the plug change. I figured that I didn't want to spend an extra 575 or so on new coil assemblies.

In my particular case, I needed 2 new air struts and LCA bushings. So that's where my "extra" money went.

BTW, my mechanic said that, in general, the LCA bushings are always shot once they pass 100k.