spark plugs
 

So anyone see how much of a pain in the butt it is going to be to change the spark plugs?

Remove front tires then inside fender panels to start. loads of fun.:bonk:

This, and everything else about FR-S/BRZ engine maintenance save changing the oil filter, practically made me give up on the car. But I'm trying to stay open-minded.

Note: I'm not completely useless when it comes to working on cars, but this engine looks like it will be challenging.

prolly not as bad as some 8cly engines that have spark plugs almost under the dash, you just need the long extensions, all we needed for my friend's 2.5 rs :o

Shouldn't be too bad I Hope!

It'll be easier than most any other subaru because you can go in through the wheel wells rather than having the frame blocking you.

IIRC it was either RaceComp or Perrin that said getting the spark plugs was quite easy as long as you had the correct extensions.

And its not like youre changing the plugs once a year anyway....

this!

:) Most people say this about an inline four compared to lawnmowers and go-karts.
I love the Lotus replica Toyota powered, Caterham 7 for everything being ideal, except that the shape of the car isn't exactly sexy or comfortable to drive. LOL!

The original AE86 with a twin cam 4A-GE had its oil filter under the exhaust manifold! And starters under that, next to a steering rack... That wasn't fun about those either.
But yeah, there isn't a single balance and solution to ideal automotive design, performance characters through ideal weight distruibutions, and serviceability.
At leas the short term maintenance items on the BRZ/FRS is EASY, and Long-Term things like plugs today last a ton of miles...as in more than 75k miles even under hard driving!

Suspension changes are as easy as it gets for a 2013 car, the interior panels are EASY to pry off and locate aftermarket parts.
Alternator, AC, and just about any peripherals for the engine is right on top!
Clutch and brake changes are easy on the FRS, and there is even a feed-hole to put sensors and gauges built-into the car's firewall!!

For a modern car, it doesn't get much better I think...

This is unless you're talking about swaps and turbos and custom built racing stuff that requires you to service heads and mechanicals of the engine.
But that for the most part in a real racing operation, is done with engine dismounted from the car, and that complete dismount is also no more difficult, or easier to do on a BRZ/FRS than most RWD cars I know.

I've looked under the hood of a BRZ. It's a mess. Take it for what it's worth.

Plugs on my RS can be swapped in under an hour by me, I didnt flinch when I saw the BRZ bay. Its all about the right tools for the job.

I will be happy as long as servicing the spark plugs takes less effort than my SC300, which requires the removal of the throttle body and upper intake manifold, and what seems to be a few 100 vacuum hoses.


Edit: I am not sure anything can phase me after having to change out the waterpump on a Porsche 944.

Info from a guy at TMCA (Toyota Australia), you need to undo the engine mounts and jack the engine up maybe 100mm to get to the spark plugs.

I havn't done it myself yet, but it will also depend on what tools you have.

Odd, I think mine looks clean and easily accessible for a boxer engine.

The Service Department at Santa Monica Subaru told me something similar.

Can't be any worse than a 4th Generation Camaro...

And seriously, more effort compared to an I4 for changing the spark plugs would keep someone from owning this car? After a test drive and getting some seat time with one you'll change you mind... "This isn't a normal handling car - it's a sublime and exotic handling sports car that stock feels better than modded "sporty" cars...

Just need rachet extensions

This car has Iridium spark plugs. They don't need changed until 60-100k miles unless you plan to heavily modify it into a different heat range. And if you plan to modify it, you have bigger things to worry about. If you don't feel like changing them yourself every 5-10 years, then have a mechanic do it for 50 bucks.

It's ridiculous to say you don't want this car anymore based on the spark plug location!

Say what you want about BMWs and maintenance, but at least on the older ones they did a great job of putting every right where you wanted it for maintenance. Even the oil filter was remote mounted right up in front of the engine so you could replace it standing over the car.

Ya, I read that you had to jack up the engine too. That is crazy, but we will have to see if there is a way around that.

Also for those looking to change the plugs out to something colder, that may not be something I would do right away. These direct injection engines are super picky with their spark plugs. A shortened electrode can cause misfires, too cold and misfires. It may not be something to mess with for a long time.

Probably no more difficult than the rear plugs on a EZ30 Subaru engine, now they are HARD to do.

The EJ20/25 SOHC engines are the easiest thing on the planet to change sparks in, DOHC WRX engines a bit more work

Changing the coils on my 2.8 Saab 9-3 was horrible. In order to expose the rear bank, the intake manifold needed to be removed and the purge valve, which is incredibly delicate to handle. Once removed it was still a struggle to get them out. There was such little room to move.

I am amazed at how much room is in the engine bay of the FRS/BRZ.

These are a load of fun, especially with 1/2 the engine under the dash.