Okay, so I realized its time to replace my spark plugs since my car is 05 and at 50k miles (7 yr interval).
I have a couple of questions:

1. Do I need to replace coil packs as well at this time?

2. Curry wants $200 to replace (plugs included) or $120 if I bring my own plugs. Is that reasonable?

3. I'm N/A so should I go with OEM or NGK BKR8EIX which is the Iridium that a lot of people recommend on this forum. If I purchase the Iridium version how do I regap it?

4. If #2 is unreasonable where should I take my S?

 

1. No

2. No

3. OEM, and I think it comes gapped.

4. Do it yourself and save money. One of the easiest things next to an oil change. The tools will cost less than having someone do it.

 

Yep, Najib summed it up. You can get oem plugs for under $40 if you shop around. They come pregapped too, but it's good to check them before installing them.

 

This. The only tools you need are a ratchet, extension, and a spark plug socket. Maybe a couple small tools to get to them. I can't remember.

 

MSRP on the plugs is $20/ea... so someone charging the full $80 isn't too far fetched. (But you can do much better.)

Majestic Honda is $13.
Amazon has them for $10. (Denso) or (NGK)

Check rockauto ($5.72!).. partsgeek ($7.35), etc.

Also, $120 for labor isn't terrible. Figure it's about an hour and a half of shop time. That's a pretty standard rate.

I have a DIY in my signature block that hopefully shows it's not a hard job. The main thing is not to cross thread the plug in the head or else you'll have big, big problems. (Spark Plug DIY)

 

1.5hrs for spark plugs? I can do them on a Subaru in less than 45 minutes and they are a heck of a lot harder to get to on those cars. I'd be surprised if it took more than 20 minutes to change plugs on the s2k.

 

Its REALLY not that hard. Save yourself some money and do it yourself. Took me less than 30 min. Remember NOT to over tighten anything.

 

Well, first, most shops charge time in labor hours -- not necessarily how long a job takes. I would be surprised if any one charged less than 1.5 hours. The rate itself could vary.

Second, 20 minutes barely allows for time to pull the car into a bay and pop the hood. That time also needs to cover all labor associated with the job. The technician, the service writer, etc... They also have the over head of running a facility, insurance, etc. (You have a driveway.) Mechanical work costs money. Do-it-yourself and save your money, or pony up.

This always happens in every thread on S2Ki about how long a job takes. (I can do an oil change in 4 minutes!) I could probably do it in 20 minutes, too. Assuming the hood is already popped and tools are gathered and laid out. If you're rushing plugs, though, you're risking cross threading your head. It's not a job I want to do against a stop watch.

 

Mitchell On Demand says that the job pays .7 hours. Easily done by yourself to save some money. If your near Springfield and want to get it done by a shop PM me.

 

Well, there you have it. 45 minutes. Much better than a wild guess.