Updated Ignition Coils (thicker) Protective Plate doesnt fit

So I am in process of updating the ignition coils on my 1999 P car for the thicker ones (99760210702) that superseded the original ones One issue that I am facing is that the aluminum protective coil cover/plate now does not fit. Does Porsche sell an updated one or should we just not use it thanks

Yea, you are correct that the new updated coils are thicker and required longer bolts to mount them and due to that the protective shield will not fit nicely anymore. I think you should definitely try to mount that shield back on and for me I added some washers to compensate for that extra space behind the shield to make it fit flush/tight again. Anyway I am sure there are other ways to mount that shield back on on even with these updated coils. Cheers,

Washers work, but are a pain because they fall off the bolt as you're trying to get it threaded. Try to find a "spacer"/sleeve" of the correct depth. Also, be careful not to over tighten the bolts as they won't be going as deeply into the block as before. Good luck

Definitely use the cover, works surprisingly well on keeping road debris and gunk off of the pack and connectors. Take the bolts to a hardware store and get longer ones to compensate for the added size. Grab some washers for insurance, mount it up and rock on down the road.

Quotes source post: 15110928

Exactly right! I also had hard times to keep those washers on the bolt while trying to tighten it down with the shield on, but just be patient and cool about it and everything will be fine... Cheers,

I used something like this from my local home improvement store. This one is 3/4” long, could cut in half so only one is needed per side. Cheap!

I put in the newer thicker coils and discovered the same thing. I got SS studs at the correct size and length, put those in then added a spacer nut, then installed the heat shields on the studs and ran a locking nut w/flat washer on the studs. It was easy to do and is super secure. I got SS studs that have an internal hex head on the end, so installation was also easy and perfect. I think my measurement was it needed to come out by 5mm to clear the coil packs.

Wouldn't a dab of RTV on the washer or spacer work to keep things attached while replacing?

Quotes source post: 15111061

I made up some spacers for mine with bolts. But, I like this idea by DBJoe996. Definitely replace them though.....I think they help shield the coils from exhaust heat.

Same problem here. Two of my coils had developed cracks, probably heat and # of cycles. Was surprised to see coils were marketed as "Bosch direct replacements" (surprise!) Used spacers and longer studs. Definitely do not go without the heat shield, it's there for a reason.

I recently bought the Beru ones that have the longer bolts. They are slightly thicker than the stock on my 2002. But the protective cover still fits with no mod.

Here is a picture of the coil packs I installed. The bolts on the old coil packs are recessed and are a pain to remove with the internal hex head. These went on easily using (I think) a 10mm wrench to snug them up. The difference is the coil packs are bigger and the bolts stick out rather than recessed. I did install the heat shields without realizing they were hitting the heat shields, and bent them. Bought two new heat shields and installed as I described.

I'll check my part numbers when I get home. I have three more ready to replace the older ones. I bought them from Pelicanparts.

Quotes source post: 15111061

I'm getting ready to do this. Where did you buy the studs and do you have the specs?

I replaced my coils last fall with the same updates beru unita and made wiser they came with longer bolts. Went in with no problem. If you failed to order the coils that came with longer studs just order them separately to make sure you get bolts witht the thread pitch as you risk stripping with something from your local hardware store. My $.02.

A simple trick to keeping washers from coming off before they're installed is to use a drop of superglue. It dries fast and holds long enough. It will keep the washer in place long enough to get everything in its spot. Often the washer will come loose from the head of the bolt once you start to tighten them.

Quotes source post: 15136716

The original bolts are M6 x 16, so I think I got the SS studs as M6 x 24 (I'm pretty sure I tried M6 x 21 and M6 x 24...got a set of both), enough threads to go in the head, place another nut (5 MM thick) on the stud (also provides some locking of the stud in the head), then the heat shields, then a M6 locking nut with a flat washer. I got the studs at a specialty fastener shop in town. Looked something like this:

Quotes source post: 15137202

Thanks. Looks like a great workaround. I assume that the 24 is the length. Do you know the thread type? This is the closest thing I've been able to find online: https://www.boltdepot.com/Product-De...x?product=8737

Quotes source post: 15110878

I'm almost certain the early 996s need a spacer to get the heat shields to clear the updated coils. There is an official Porsche part number for these but it would probably be cheaper and easier to just use something from lowes or ace hardware.

I'd be interested in seeing what is used. I just used the M6 x 25 bolts from the the old coils to fasten the shield. With the old coils in place, the heat shield rested against the plastic part of the coil. With the new style coils, the heat shield rests against the bolts that hold the coil in place. I'm curious as to why it would need a spacer. Also, what heat is the shield protecting against? Since the coils are connected to the heads, it seems like they would only be shielded from the muffler, which I would think would be a little cooler than the block. Maybe it's just shielding the coils from road debris?

I just installed the newer updated coil packs on my 99. I did not have any problem with the original heat shield using the original 10mm bolts. I was pretty worried about the heat shield not fitting with all that I read on the forums and then having to find and locate new bolts and nuts and such. But I was pleasantly surprised. Just snug the bolts on until tight but don't over tighten to where you start bending the hell out of the heat shield. And yes, the heat shield will touch the new updated bolts but I'm not bothered by that. I only wish Porsche would have come up with an updated heat shield along with the updated coil packs. As for the actual coil pack install, especially if you are doing all 6 (which I highly recommend), it went much easier for me with the bumper, muffler, and heat shield removed. Those items took me about 30 minutes to remove. Removing the 3 nuts to the muffler bracket consumed the most time because the ratchet will only click once and so takes forever to get each nut off. So much better and clear access as opposed to fighting those last coil packs on each side. For those that can get to those last 2 coils I salute you. Not having a lift and baking in the 100 degree heat made the last two almost impossible for me, until I removed everything. The spark plugs were easy to install and I did not use a torque wrench to tighten them down. There comes a point where the plugs will not screw in anymore and that's where you stop. Getting a couple of the electrical connectors back on were somewhat of a pain. If you don't hear the click, then just use a long metal extension or bar and get some leverage on the connector to get it to lock. Make sure you pull on them afterwards just to make sure they are locked in place. As for the one connector that did not have the rubber protective boot, I just duct taped some electrical tape around it. Overall, a very simple job once everything is removed. Man I love these cars. Once you get the hang of it, they are fairly easy to work on.

I've done my spark plugs twice now and gone in there another two times to make sure they didn't loosen up. I never removed anything to do this. Having a good horizontal bit driver is key. However, I have removed the front bumper to clean radiator ducts and that probably isn't much harder than removing rear bumper.

Sorry to necro an old thread, but does anyone know what year the coil packs were updated? I have an 04, trying to figure out if I need longer bolts or not.

Quotes source post: 15431730

If it ain't broke...

Quotes source post: 15431730

I think they were updated for the 997

I just recently went from the old style to the new style coils. You don't need to buy any new bolts for the heat shield. Reuse the bolts from the old coils for the heat shield. They are the correct length, width, and thread count. The coils come with new longer bolts.

Quotes source post: 15434796

I think the issue that I as well as others have run into, is that the heat shields don't clear the new taller coils without using spacers/standoffs... Are you saying that yours do clear? Are you sure that the shields aren't sitting on the coils? Clarification would be appreciated - Thanks

The shields are now touching the top of the coil screws, which protrude from the newer coils. I'm not convinced that they are "heat" shields. I think they're just to keep debris/rain from hitting the coils. The coils are bolted to the block, so how would an external piece of metal shield them from heat? Porsche calls them "Trim plates". The new coils aren't higher than the old ones, it's just that the screw holes are no longer recessed.