I talked to a Porsche tech today and he told me that 997.1 you can change plugs without pulling the mufflers but on 997.2 they pull mufflers and rear bumper cover.

 

997.1 or 997.2 ?

 

that's good , I don t feel like I did a bunch of extra work then....

 

Got a new torque wrench today and put it all back together. I must admit the plug shields and coils all went back together much faster as I knew what I was looking at after taking it apart.
Started up a little faster and when the roads dry I ll give it a test.
Re installation of Plugs out to the exhaust and cleanup in less than 2 hours. I guess I d never make it in the business, LOL.

 

997.1 now that I think about it.

 

You can do it from beneath the car on your back or from the side sitting on an adjustable mechanics seat on wheels. I chose the later. Of course the rear wheels and mufflers need to be removed but that effort makes the rest of the job a good deal easier from both an access standpoint and being able to see what your doing. Wasn't under any time constraints so didn't get out the stop watch. After 6 years and 37k miles the plugs needed to be replaced as did the coil packs. Some where better than others but all but one had visible cracks. Will save the good one as a spare . All but the muffler clamp bolts came off without any drama. Clamp bolts had been soaking in PBBlaster for a couple days and did not snap off but where not worth saving. Didn't have any issues with the heat shields but mine don't look like the ones the OP has on his floor. Just a rectangular cover and 2 bolts.