Is there a way to tell what type of stock park plugs I have?

[alpha]

I have an '01 996tt, and have been thinking about getting an ECU performance flash. I was told that the OEM FR5 spark plugs are not very good, and that I should the FR6's (OEM on the '02 and later models, as I understand it) before getting the ECU flash. My question is this: my '01 car is a 6/01 build date, and was there a distinct model year cutoff for the switch of spark plugs, or could it have been a running change affecting my later MY '01 build (so that I might have the FR6's and not the FR5's)? Is there anyway to tell from looking at /under the engine?

[Loren]

From the TSB (which Contributing Members can view):

The spark plug heat range has been increased on the 911 Turbo (996) and 911 GT2 (996) models. This will eliminate complaints of starting problems due to fouled or wet spark plugs. A heat range of 6 is replacing the old spark plug that had a heat range of 5.

The new spark plugs were introduced into production on August 14, 2001 from the following engine numbers:

M96.70 64 2 00618 911 Turbo (996).

M96.70S 64 2 20515 911 GT2 (996).

Effective immediately: if spark plug replacement becomes necessary, install the spark plug with the higher heat range.

I would say you have the older heat range 5 unless they have been changed.

[alpha]

From the TSB (which Contributing Members can view):

The spark plug heat range has been increased on the 911 Turbo (996) and 911 GT2 (996) models. This will eliminate complaints of starting problems due to fouled or wet spark plugs. A heat range of 6 is replacing the old spark plug that had a heat range of 5.

The new spark plugs were introduced into production on August 14, 2001 from the following engine numbers:

M96.70 64 2 00618 911 Turbo (996).

M96.70S 64 2 20515 911 GT2 (996).

Effective immediately: if spark plug replacement becomes necessary, install the spark plug with the higher heat range.

I would say you have the older heat range 5 unless they have been changed.

Thanks, Loren. I appreciate the information. I think I'll have to wait until it's time to change the plugs before thinking about the ECU upgrade.