The plug on the VCT isn't (or shouldn't) be really tight because of the "O" ring on it. It's a torks 55MM (star) on the plug. The one inside the VCT Gear is a inverted torks (looks like a torks (star) bit itself) I used a 12 point MM socket to grab that sucker because I couldn't find a socket like that. I think it was a 16mm 12 point (has to be 12points to slip on and a deep well socket) in the photo it's a adjustable wrench on the flat spots on the cam (put there for a wrench so it's safe) and the socket going inside the cam gear. I would recommend getting the correct size wrench to hold the camshaft, (find a long one for leverage) have someone hold it, and use a breaker bar on the internal VCT camgear bolt. That should free it right up.
No I didn't replace the plug, just made sure I didn't over-tighten and damage the o-ring.
