991 Spark Plug renewal - is it worth it?

[OSHB47]

My 991 GTS is having its 4 year service at a Porsche main dealer. They’ve ‘recommended’ I get spark plugs renewed but it’s over £700. Car has done 36k miles.

Is it worth it?

Many thanks.

[Twinfan]

For me yes it would be as they can seize in the head if left there too long.

YMMV, IMHO etc etc.

[Grantstown]

I’ve had a 4 year service at a fantastic independent specialist. A couple of the plugs were hard to remove. Various peripheral items bolts etc are a bit rusty, despite always being garaged almost 0 winter driving. My preference is to gradually replace stuff to a higher standard than original.

[WG]

Contrary to the cynics on here, Porsche recommend a 4 year plug change for a good reason and it is not simply to boost OPC profits. My view is that if it is in the recommended service schedule ( which it is) get it done.

[Megaflow]

Twinfan said:

For me yes it would be as they can seize in the head if left there too long.

YMMV, IMHO etc etc.

What he said. The 4 year life is almost as much for making sure the plugs can be removed before they seize into the head from all the crud that gets thrown at them.

[rev-erend]

Changing plugs and also the air filter are the two most effective things that will help maintain performance and economy.

They are both essential.

[Pastie Bloater]

WG said:

Contrary to the cynics on here, Porsche recommend a 4 year plug change for a good reason and it is not simply to boost OPC profits. My view is that if it is in the recommended service schedule ( which it is) get it done.

Yep especially if they're single ground electrode 4 years / 40k miles is not an unreasonable interval on a high performance engine.
Although I assume the plugs will only be say £150 of that £700.

rev-erend said:

Changing plugs and also the air filter are the two most effective things that will help maintain performance and economy.

They are both essential.

Oil, plugs and air filter are the holy trinity for engine longevity.

Edited by Pastie Bloater on Tuesday 25th May 12:20

[Illya Kuryakin]

Pastie Bloater said:

WG said:

Contrary to the cynics on here, Porsche recommend a 4 year plug change for a good reason and it is not simply to boost OPC profits. My view is that if it is in the recommended service schedule ( which it is) get it done.

Yep especially if they're single ground electrode 4 years / 40k miles is not an unreasonable interval on a high performance engine.
Although I assume the plugs will only be say £150 of that £700.

rev-erend said:

Changing plugs and also the air filter are the two most effective things that will help maintain performance and economy.

They are both essential.

Oil, plugs and air filter are the holy trinity for engine longevity.

Edited by Pastie Bloater on Tuesday 25th May 12:20

My last service at OPC Wolves a set of plugs were £280.

[Pastie Bloater]

Illya Kuryakin said:

My last service at OPC Wolves a set of plugs were £280.

Is that parts and labour?
Thinking about it again proper racing spark plugs can be £50-100 each but I don't think that will explain OP's £700.

[Illya Kuryakin]

It was the 4 year major service. £1600 total invoice ; £280 for plugs. Labour was separate but it didn't break down the time for each aspect of the service.

[boxsey]

Under the old Porsche service menu pricing a spark plug change was almost always £395, inclusive of parts and labour, for most 911/Cayman/Boxster models. So £700 just to cover that sounds like a huge increase!

[OSHB47]

Well I queried the price and they’re doing it for £489 inc VAT. I’m sure an indy may be cheaper, but as it’s there anyway (and they’ve given a nice loan Macan) it makes sense to just get it done.

Thanks all for your advice.