Wow I thought the -5* last week (and tomorrow) is bad here in Ct. but that -18* is just crazy. I wouldn't even go out the door. Thanks for doing that cold start and letting us know the results. I might try these in my 94 if available seeing how I'm due for new soon.
I don't drive mine in the snow either but that's only cuz my tires are very bad.

 

Here is research on availability of Ruthenium plugs:

Auto-Value (Bumper-to-Bumper) Stocked in Illinois/Michigan warehouses

NAPA is special order currently, but hitting stores/warehouses in April/May
Summit Racing
Motovicity
www.sparkplugs.com
Oreilly is currently special order (You have to be patient with them)
RockAuto shows inventory

 

so is there any positive updates since the install that you can note over the course of 6+ months? I'm considering these plugs since Rockauto has them for $7.93 a plug currently vs. $5.69 or $5.83 for Denso and NGK Iridiums.

If they perform that much better in winter starts, then I think I'll be on board for the additional $20 cost.

 

The plugs are performing quite well.
Noticeable difference in cold start-up and stop and go City driving.

Provided a set to Lexus tech who claims 2 MPG increase while commuting over OEM spec plugs that had but 12,000 miles on them.

NGK is not about gimmicks so trust their investment, development and production of this technology was not off the cuff.

If you determine to dismiss the benefits, then consider the Ruthenium alloy is harder than the Iridium tipped plugs and will perform as new longer.

 

One person on a Porsche Boxster forum even noted 5 degree cooler engine temperatures, but got flamed for it

http://986forum.com/forums/performan...gine-temp.html

 

Man, that was some good reading. I haven't laughed like that in weeks. Thanks

 

Shut up and take my money....7.50 each at Rock Auto.

 

Best quote of the entire thread: "I'm still thinking the NGK plugs are sparking at a more optimal time with a higher intensity spark"

 

Haven't changed my plugs since I got it, not really in need yet but I guess I'll grab 8 of these.

 

I've got about 60k on mine, but Timing belt was done back in June 2005 at Lexus by the previous owner so they're really old.

 

Prior to me recently doing it the timing belt was done 50k miles ago.

 

I did some additional research and found out Denso makes a TT Iridium plug that claims faster cold starts, better idle and smoother acceleration as well. Is this attributed to the twin tip design moreso than whatever the electrode is made out of?

https://www.rockauto.com/en/moreinfo...=2595&jsn=2595

These are $5.36 on Rockauto right now.

 

NGK can keep their Ruthenium snake oil but with everything I've seen recently re phony Chinese plugs in counterfeit (NGK, Denso, and even Toyota/Lexus) packaging...
I might be inclined to buy the Denso TT for the simple peace of mind that no one is attempting to counterfeit them yet. Wishful thinking

 

Sparkplug materials evolution: Copper, Platinum, Iridium and now Ruthenium.

Wait and see whether OEMs adopt Ruthenium.

 

NAPA has a special on them for 6.63 a plug in store so I'll for sure be getting the genuine item, but not sure if that's a better deal than the Rock when you factor in shipping and tax.