Spark Plugs Early=Better Performance? Any Brands/Metal Better?
#1
Spark Plugs Early=Better Performance? Any Brands/Metal Better?
Thinking about changing spark plugs early on my 05 with 36k (I know, I know) basically I want the closest thing to a new car feeling with the crispest performance stock I can get before I do any intake/exhaust mods later.
My 2002 had plugs replaced last summer due to year, not mileage recommendation from someone here on CL and I just went with stock OE plugs and I felt an improvement in torque as well as saw better mpg.
Any proven HP gains with the iridium vs platinum and any other brands recommended over the stock OE ones? Please let me know if you have experience with anything other than OE and what the results are.
With some of my other performance cars, plug upgrades did make a difference. Thanks!
My 2002 had plugs replaced last summer due to year, not mileage recommendation from someone here on CL and I just went with stock OE plugs and I felt an improvement in torque as well as saw better mpg.
Any proven HP gains with the iridium vs platinum and any other brands recommended over the stock OE ones? Please let me know if you have experience with anything other than OE and what the results are.
With some of my other performance cars, plug upgrades did make a difference. Thanks!
#4
The OEM Denso plug was a SK20R11. A better choice is a Denso IK20.
The OEM NGK plug was a IFR6A11. A better choice is an NGK BKR6EIX-11.
Lexus/Toyota provided a plug that would last around 100,000 miles. This plug is a compromise between long life and fuel efficiency. The plug electrode is iridium and is 0.7mm in diameter. The better choice (IMO) has plug electrodes that are 0.4mm in diameter. Why? More power, better efficiency and better mileage. The down side? The plug doesn't last as long; perhaps 40,000 miles.
Why? The smaller the tip the better the spark. The sharper the edges of the electrodes the better the spark. For size and durability Iridium wins. The 0.4mm tip is smaller and works better, but because it is small it wears down faster.
The 0.7mm OEM plugs allowed the manufacturer to compete with other manufacturers saying you don't need a tuneup for 100,000 miles.
These Denso links provide some additional info:
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/produc.../features.html
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/produc.../features.html
http://www.globaldenso.com/cgi-bin/g...&action=search
I use the Denso IK20's and am satisfied. You can find them on eBay in 8-cylinder quantities.
I began using them when my '01 LS mileage began to decline. The new plugs put me back to at least where I began and I again can eek out 27-28-29 mpg hwy with a light foot and no cruise control. My mileage had slipped from there down to about 21-23 mpg max. I had around 70K miles on the original 0.7mm OEM plugs.
The OEM NGK plug was a IFR6A11. A better choice is an NGK BKR6EIX-11.
Lexus/Toyota provided a plug that would last around 100,000 miles. This plug is a compromise between long life and fuel efficiency. The plug electrode is iridium and is 0.7mm in diameter. The better choice (IMO) has plug electrodes that are 0.4mm in diameter. Why? More power, better efficiency and better mileage. The down side? The plug doesn't last as long; perhaps 40,000 miles.
Why? The smaller the tip the better the spark. The sharper the edges of the electrodes the better the spark. For size and durability Iridium wins. The 0.4mm tip is smaller and works better, but because it is small it wears down faster.
The 0.7mm OEM plugs allowed the manufacturer to compete with other manufacturers saying you don't need a tuneup for 100,000 miles.
These Denso links provide some additional info:
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/produc.../features.html
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/produc.../features.html
http://www.globaldenso.com/cgi-bin/g...&action=search
I use the Denso IK20's and am satisfied. You can find them on eBay in 8-cylinder quantities.
I began using them when my '01 LS mileage began to decline. The new plugs put me back to at least where I began and I again can eek out 27-28-29 mpg hwy with a light foot and no cruise control. My mileage had slipped from there down to about 21-23 mpg max. I had around 70K miles on the original 0.7mm OEM plugs.
Last edited by Bon; 11-19-09 at 05:49 AM. Reason: another link
#7
Good news, I guess, is that sparkplugs.com has them for 12.95 each. So if you want to experiment you can do it for a whole lot less now!
Last edited by Bon; 11-20-09 at 05:53 AM. Reason: more info
Trending Topics
#8
^^^^spark plugs use a lot of gimmicks to sale their product. there's no such thing as a "better" spark. there's either a spark, or there isn't one. if you're not getting a spark, you're misfiring, so you're losing power and gas milage. most plugs will give you near 100% reliability. after that, any performance gains are in your head.
#9
And this is why I love CL...opinions, experience...great knowledge and advice! You all are great. I think I am going to try the .4mm Denso and see if there is any difference.
One time a very wise rx-7 master tech who rebuilt thousands of rotaries told me that most of the time people spend all their money and time upgrading or modding their cars for performance when they started in the negative on their OEM setup---i.e., plugs, brakes, etc. He said, "get your car starting, accelerating, stopping and handling the best you can to OEM specs" THEN do your mods. In essence what he was telling me was that my stupid strut tower brace bar I was DYING to install I should pass on because my plugs and filters were nasty and I needed new pads! lol
One time a very wise rx-7 master tech who rebuilt thousands of rotaries told me that most of the time people spend all their money and time upgrading or modding their cars for performance when they started in the negative on their OEM setup---i.e., plugs, brakes, etc. He said, "get your car starting, accelerating, stopping and handling the best you can to OEM specs" THEN do your mods. In essence what he was telling me was that my stupid strut tower brace bar I was DYING to install I should pass on because my plugs and filters were nasty and I needed new pads! lol
#10
There is a new type of spark plug that is being made for underground racers. Its a 24 kt gold electrode that makes the best electrical contact out there . They cost $ 800.00 a piece and thats not bad considering gold is $ 1150.00 per oz . The only down size is they only last for about one mile before they burn up and your engine swallows the gold up. what a deal . I was going to trade for a set from a guy who had them I was trading 3 magic beans for them .
Jack
Jack
#13
I, too have to do my spark plugs. This should be a very simple DIY, correct?
Just a matter of what to get for the plugs. I would not mind using the same spec plugs as the OEM.
Just a matter of what to get for the plugs. I would not mind using the same spec plugs as the OEM.
#14
scdroptop, if you wait, I will do a DIY on this. Let's just figure out what to replace the plugs with.