spark plug opinions

[jeffryscott]

Just curious as to people's opinions on spark plugs. It is time to put new ones in the Vitara, and wondering if some of the fancy platinum ones would be beneficial.

I know it depends on the vehicle - the Land Rover didn't like anything but plain old OEM-type plugs, the platinums would mess it up. But on newer engine designs, it seems the higher end plugs can be of help.

Also, has anybody used/heard of or know anything about the E3 Spark plugs:
http://www.e3sparkplugs.com/

Thanks,

Jeff

 

[bigreen505]

My general opinion is stick with OEM type plugs. If OEM is platinum, run platinum; if OME is Denso, run Denso.

 

[flyingwil]

OEM is the way to go, the more fancy one just don't last as long, and is minimal performance once they start wearing. Iridium coating is beneficial to prevent rust, other than that it is just a spark plug.

 

[HenryJ]

Long gone are the days of the old standard plugs. I like the Irridium plugs. Less quench and better characteristics than platinum.
NGK "IX" irridium plugs

"NGK iridium plugs represent the ultimate evolution of spark plug technology and performance. The iridium center electrode is both stronger and harder than platinum. This allows NGK engineers to design an ultra-fine (0.6mm)center electrode reducing the voltage requirement for spark. This allows for a brighter, stronger spark from your existing ignition system. The ground electrode has a tapered cut at the firing end which reduces quenching for better flame core growth and increased ignitability. The combination of fine wire center electrode and tapered cut ground will increase performance, improve acceleration, and fuel efficiency."

Irridium has some nice properties-

and should out perform platinum plugs. I would buy them again.

The price is a little hard to swallow , but they are performing well.
I am running a MSD , so I'm sure to be harder on plugs than stock would be. I have been running them for 2 1/2 years and about 25,000 miles. There is a little wear to the outer electrode. Without a good cleaning I would have to estimate 25% of the serviceable life is gone now.
They still fire at the first revolution, and idle smooth.
Mileage has been in the range I would call normal, for my truck all through out the time I have been running them.

Overall, the stock AC Delco platinum plugs might perform adequately, but I would say they might last only half as long as the NGK iridium plugs.

If you plan to keep your truck for at least another three years, then I would say they are worth the investment.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

Great Info...........Henry!

While we are at it..........

Can we include Info. about Spark Plug Wires?

I found these at the Link above.

Would it help to upgrade to these wires...........only $35 bucks!

I'm sure the wires on my truck are from 1988.......! Although they only have 68,000 miles on them.:smiley_drive:........ :sombrero:

NGK: Premium wire set

Custom performance wire set with ferrite magnetic core. Wire Length No.1 920mm 36.22in. Wire Length No.2 380mm 14.96in. Wire Length No.3 1040mm 40.94in. Wire Length No.4 420mm 16.54in. Wire Length No.5 1120mm 44.09in. Wire Length No.6 480mm 18.9in. Coil Wire Length = 297mm 11.69in.

NGK performance wires are custom manufactured for your vehicle, all have original equipment identical connections, but are constructed with superior quality cabling. The NGK ferrite magnetic core wire has only 1/2 the resistance of traditional carbon core wires, yet has all the same RFI suppression capabilities. In addition, traditional carbon core wires have a tendency to increase resistance with age while NGK's wire wound ferrite magnetic cables remain virtually unchanged. This means more power to the spark plug to begin with, plus longer life. Oil and high heat resistant (250 deg. celcius) silicone outer jacket.




.

 

[HenryJ]

Wow, nice find. Worth a look for sure.

I have had good luck with Taylor wires over the years. I like the formed boots at the plug.
I run 8mm SpiroPro's on the truck and 10mm 409's on the HenryJ

 

[bigreen505]

I've been running NGK wires for about three years and have no problems. I have no idea if they are better than anything else, but they are certainly good enough. I'm also a big fan of NGK plugs, but all the cars I've had are designed with them.

 

[datrupr]

Jeff, like your Land Rover, the Troopers are very picky about plugs. Mine came with Champion Iridium plugs, and I just replaced mine with the same. It runs great. There have been stories floating about the Trooper's computer freaking out if you put the wrong plugs in them. As for wires, I don't know as I am distributor less ignition, and Colette's GV is also. I don't know about your truck though, as it is a different engine.

 

[Brian McVickers]

I would say to stick with OEM plugs as well. One of those instances that you trust the millions of dollars the manufacturer spend on the initial R&D. Although it is tempting with all the marketing hype associated with plugs.

As you mentioned Jeff, I have heard the same thing about Rovers and plugs. I am actually getting ready to change mine out for thier 60K service but the darn things are $40 a piece fromt the dealer however I think I found them for $20 from another source.

Good luck, go with OEM:sombrero:

 

[gjackson]

Spark plugs SUCK! :sombrero: Go diesel!!!!

(I know it's not useful, but you asked for opinions!):beer: :beer: :beer:

cheers!!

 

[goodtimes]

Spark plugs SUCK! :sombrero: Go diesel!!!!

(I know it's not useful, but you asked for opinions!):beer: :beer: :beer:

cheers!!

Yea, what he said! 17.xx:1 compression ratio along with 20psi of boost will light diesel fuel just fine!

With gassers....personally I never saw any *real world* benefit of the fancy plugs on a stock engine. You can publish all the numbers you want, but if a $10 set of plugs gives me the same milage and longevity as a $40 set of plugs...you can bet I'll spend $10 and keep the other $30 in my pocket. The only thing I avoid is anything made by Champion. I had trouble with 2 sets of them back in '90 or '91, and it soured my opinion of them. I have never bought a set since.

 

[bootzilla]

I've used Autolite, Denso, and NGK's before, all with fine results. Platinums never seemed to make any difference.

Those wires look nice - the thicker the core, the better. You may want to do the rotor and cap, too - if the 'zuk has a distributor - I always found that a new cap an rotor made a huge difference over a worn out one...


On a side note - I have read that the Trooper plugs have a resistor in them, and the lack of that resistor is what can possibly cause the computer to freak out.

 

[jeffryscott]

well, had I bothered to look at my manual, I'd have answered my own question. Factory calls for Iridium plugs (NGK or DENSO). That answered that ...