Notices

Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs

Old 03-01-2006, 07:14 PM
  #1  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Integra21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs

I was just searching through some threads and found a lot of debateable info about copper and iriduim plugs.

from what i learned...copper conducts better, iridium is "too hot" for turbo but lasts longer.

which plugs should i get for my teg. stock ignition, NGK wires.

NGK BCPR7ES #3330
NGK BRK7E..???
????

gapped to .030 for 7.5psi daily and 10psi on high boost?

thanks
Old 03-02-2006, 11:43 AM
  #2  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Integra21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (Integra21)

no one?

i also wouldnt really like changing the plugs every oil change but if it will be beneficial then i wont mind.

thanks
Old 03-02-2006, 11:48 AM
  #3  
 
SiKid86's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: C BuS, Ohio, 43146
Posts: 661
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (Integra21)

who said you had to change them every oil change?
Old 03-02-2006, 12:16 PM
  #4  
Honda-Tech Member
 
DRAGLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Orlando,FL
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (SiKid86)

Iridium are not to hot for turbo applications.

last year in tampa, Matt scranton dynoed 1100hp on iridiums bkr7eix to be exact.


But honestly you will not notice a difference between copper and iridiums, I have run both on my supra,integra and na civic and have not noticed a difference.
Old 03-02-2006, 12:19 PM
  #5  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Unsivil_audio's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: Sheridan, WY, 82801
Posts: 2,271
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (DRAGLS)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DRAGLS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Iridium are not to hot for turbo applications.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I think he was thinking of "platinum." Platinum plugs are junk for turbo applications, IMO. Iridium is best, and copper will do just fine, imo.
Old 03-02-2006, 03:56 PM
  #6  
Member
 
nfn15037's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 3,611
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (Unsivil_audio)

Why are Iridiums the best?
Old 03-04-2006, 04:18 AM
  #7  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Integra21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (nfn15037)

which NGK iridium plugs should i get for my 7-10psi turbo teg?

gapped to .030???
Old 03-04-2006, 05:49 AM
  #8  
Honda-Tech Member
 
DRAGLS's Avatar
 
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Orlando,FL
Posts: 1,382
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (nfn15037)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nfn15037 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why are Iridiums the best? </TD></TR></TABLE>

1) According to NGK iridium is 6 times harder then platinum, which it ensures maximum durability and life of the plug.

2) The fine center electrode reduces the voltage requirement for spark.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Integra21 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">which NGK iridium plugs should i get for my 7-10psi turbo teg?

gapped to .030???</TD></TR></TABLE>

Use either the 6 or 7 heat range. part and stock numbers are below.

6-hottest
9-coldest

Iridium plugs
Bkr6eix- 6418
Bkr7eix- 2667
Bkr8eix- 2668
Bkr9eix- 2669
Old 03-04-2006, 06:30 AM
  #9  
Member
 
beepy's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Pearl City, HI, USA
Posts: 2,451
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (nfn15037)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nfn15037 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why are Iridiums the best? </TD></TR></TABLE>

Iridium melts at a very high temperature and does not oxidize. Iridium plugs are used in aircraft piston engines for this reason.

Platinum does not melt at a high temperature. It does, however, not oxidize. SO they are good for OEM engines for people that don't want to replace their plugs all the time. Don't use them in a high-power engine, though.

Copper melts at a decent temperature and is the most thermally and electrically conductive common metals. It does oxidize, though, so they have to be changed periodically. I change mine every 8000 miles or after I have to regap them twice.
Old 03-04-2006, 09:28 AM
  #10  
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
 
nholmes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Riding The Endorphin High
Posts: 4,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default

Good info in this thread, thanks for the read.
Old 03-04-2006, 12:48 PM
  #11  
Member
 
YiNYaNg's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Join the DarkSide. Boosted I mean.
Posts: 1,116
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (Integra21)

Read this and what kind of spark plugs did they say to use?

http://www.xs-engineering.com/...t.pdf
Old 03-04-2006, 02:25 PM
  #12  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joseph Davis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ashEVILle, NC, USSR
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (nfn15037)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nfn15037 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why are Iridiums the best? </TD></TR></TABLE>

They aren't. They are a expletive in the ***, marketed to you as performance by someone trying to sell you something.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DRAGLS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">2) The fine center electrode reduces the voltage requirement for spark.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Translation: The pinprick of pointy metal aka iridium electrode makes an excellent hot spot in the combustion chamber, allowing pre-ignition to destroy your engine. Also, lowering the voltage requirement for spark to bridge the plug's air gap reduces the amount of energy discharged from the coil, which in turn reduces the amount of amperage available to flow across the initial ion trail and form a decent plasma kernel, whereby you have trouble igniting charge densities that are mundane to a properly designed spark plug with copper, steel, or silver/nickel electrode that cost as much as 1/6th the price.



But, then again, I am commonly regarded as an idiot. Do not listen to me.
Old 03-04-2006, 02:56 PM
  #13  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Integra21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (J. Davis)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by DRAGLS &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">


Iridium plugs
Bkr7eix- 2667
</TD></TR></TABLE>

thats a lot - goin out to buy a couple sets
Old 03-04-2006, 09:48 PM
  #14  
Member
 
nfn15037's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Boston, MA, USA
Posts: 3,611
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes on 2 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (J. Davis)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by J. Davis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">They aren't. They are a expletive in the ***, marketed to you as performance by someone trying to sell you something.

Translation: The pinprick of pointy metal aka iridium electrode makes an excellent hot spot in the combustion chamber, allowing pre-ignition to destroy your engine. Also, lowering the voltage requirement for spark to bridge the plug's air gap reduces the amount of energy discharged from the coil, which in turn reduces the amount of amperage available to flow across the initial ion trail and form a decent plasma kernel, whereby you have trouble igniting charge densities that are mundane to a properly designed spark plug with copper, steel, or silver/nickel electrode that cost as much as 1/6th the price.



But, then again, I am commonly regarded as an idiot. Do not listen to me.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Glad to see someone else questioning the mass marketing tactics
Old 03-04-2006, 11:32 PM
  #15  
Honda-Tech Member
 
CRVRX's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Tampa, Fl
Posts: 1,519
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (nfn15037)

Let me tell you my probelm with these junk plugs.

I had them in a supercharged motor I built, the motor pinged a high end a little after installing them, Little did I know untill the next run one of the tip fell off into the motor.
Iridium is very hard, a lot harder then the sleeve it destroyed by cutting a slot from top to bottom.

Go with copper plugs, I have never seen /had an issue with them. Change them every 5000miles or so and your set.
Old 03-05-2006, 07:20 AM
  #16  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Integra21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (CRVRX)

John, quite being modest, your ITR has nearly 600whp

anyway -- ill just buy a few sets of the brk7e - #1283 and change them every 4-5k
Old 03-05-2006, 02:13 PM
  #17  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Joseph Davis's Avatar
 
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: ashEVILle, NC, USSR
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (nfn15037)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by nfn15037 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Glad to see someone else questioning the mass marketing tactics </TD></TR></TABLE>

No, that is the furthest thing from what I am doing. What I am doing is understanding how the system functions so I can determine what works, how it works, how I need it to work, and how I can improve upon it.

But, when you have companies whose advice and products fly in the face of physics... or more often, plain common sense... I have no other explaination for their actions than they are trying to create TeChNoLoGiCaL hYpE to sell snake oil. Great way to pad your pocket, I guess.

Old 03-05-2006, 02:27 PM
  #18  
Honda-Tech Member
 
Bailhatch's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: ME
Posts: 5,517
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (J. Davis)

I heard that if you use a tornado(R) the iridumb plugs will add up to 13% more power for only pennies per mile!
Old 03-05-2006, 04:17 PM
  #19  
Honda-Tech Member
iTrader: (1)
 
nholmes's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Riding The Endorphin High
Posts: 4,335
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (J. Davis)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by J. Davis &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Translation: The pinprick of pointy metal aka iridium electrode makes an excellent hot spot in the combustion chamber, allowing pre-ignition to destroy your engine. Also, lowering the voltage requirement for spark to bridge the plug's air gap reduces the amount of energy discharged from the coil, which in turn reduces the amount of amperage available to flow across the initial ion trail and form a decent plasma kernel, whereby you have trouble igniting charge densities that are mundane to a properly designed spark plug with copper, steel, or silver/nickel electrode that cost as much as 1/6th the price.</TD></TR></TABLE>
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by CRVRX &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I had them in a supercharged motor I built, the motor pinged a high end a little after installing them, Little did I know untill the next run one of the tip fell off into the motor.
Iridium is very hard, a lot harder then the sleeve it destroyed by cutting a slot from top to bottom.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Holy ****!
Old 03-07-2006, 08:47 AM
  #20  
Honda-Tech Member
Thread Starter
 
Integra21's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Tampa, FL
Posts: 3,384
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
Default Re: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs (nholmes)

ordered bkr7e today, 2 sets

no one local stocks them
Old 03-07-2006, 10:15 AM
  #21  
Honda-Tech Member
 
servion's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Colorado Springs, CO, USA
Posts: 1,822
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
Default

I tuned a KMIII surpa once that had 6 month old iridiums. Past a certain power level it would miss like mad, so we changed them out for the good 'ol coppers and it cleared up the problem.
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
i-VTEC_DOHC
Honda Civic (2006 - 2015)
11
04-05-2008 09:51 PM
OneCrzySetup
Acura Integra
7
11-17-2006 11:53 AM
josephshark
Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000)
10
12-15-2005 01:39 PM
2kstreetcivic
Tech / Misc
9
03-31-2005 02:18 PM
Tobal
Tech / Misc
4
07-21-2003 09:12 PM


Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Quick Reply: Copper vs. Iridium Spark Plugs



All times are GMT -8. The time now is 01:55 AM.