I went through a couple different spark plugs over the past week, and heres my feelings on the differences.

Before all this, I was using the stock platinum plugs, where were totally SHOT. So changing to ANY new plug at that point probably would have felt better, no matter what kind it was.

Anyway, from the worn out platinums, I went to some NGK V Power non platinum plugs, heat range 6. These plugs were night and day compared to the stock platinums, but probably because the plats were so worn. Anyway the V Powers felt pretty good. My car actually felt kinda torquey . For $1.68 each, you really cant go wrong

Then I decided to give the NGK Iridium IX's a try, also heat range 6. Cost around $7 each. I cant believe how quiet my car drives now, and how smooth the power delivery is during accel and decel, on/off the throttle. However, the IX doesnt feel as torquey, especially in 5th gear on the highway. Its smooth but feels slower.

Anyway those are my butt dyno impressions. Im gonna try to get on the dyno this weekend and actually do a real comparison, but just thought Id share what I had for now

 

RTW DC2,

I've got a question. It does not pertain to an import actually, rather a domestic.
I had check engine codes that translated to:

Lean mixture
Rich mixture
o2 sensor

I swapped out the o2 sensor, plugs and wires. I noticed the plugs were deeply covered in black soot, evidence of running rich. My good friend told me I still should get a diagnostic to dtermine why I was runnign rich. Does he have a point, or would it be safe to assume that it was the o2 sensor? I am just afraid that the car is having other problems, and that it's not showing a code. Thanks, and sorry for jacking your thread.

 

if the plugs are black, chances are its running very rich, which is why its was throwing the codes bc the O2 was picking up the richness.

 

I'll save you the trouble as I've done back to back dyno comparisons on plugs (brand new, same heat range, same gap Denso Iridiums, stock NGK plats (yes I bought a brand new set just for the test $$), and NGK copper Vpowers).

The plugs were run up to operating temperature for as bit, then I did multiple runs and avergaed the results of each plug to normalize the results.

There is absolutely no difference between any of plugs. The slight vaiation I saw was within the normal range a dyno varies between runs.

Dont believe the hype and marketing and even dyno graphs you see in ads. For 99.9% of cars just stick with cheapo NGKs. The reason is that worn plugs perform poorly period. So you would do much better to replace the $0.99 copper NGKs more often then an Iridium or platinum plug - hell do it every 6 months because it's so cheap.

IMO, the ONLY reason plat and iridium plugs exist (besides higher profit) is so car manufacturers and plug companies can stretch out the required maintanance periods, which is what the average lazy and dumb soccer-mom caliber American family wants. It is not for pure HP reasons.

- Slater

 

I think I agree with most of what you said.

But, even if there is no performance gains/losses, the difference in smoothness between the 2 plugs I "tested" was noticable.

:shrugs:

 

i need new plugs, i think i'll go with the NGK Iridium IX's. If i hit the lotto between now and then, i'll go buy the Spoon Plugs at 60 each

 

I run NGK temp 7 iridium plugs. I installed them with new MSD wires and there was a bit more gitty up as per my *** dyno when I put them in.

Then I added the MSD procap and Blaster Coil a few days later and fugged everything up

MSD products blow goats for ill fitting POS'

 

LOL

MSD > opie

Lets fix it this weekend!

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RTW DC2 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Lets fix it this weekend!</TD></TR></TABLE>

I was planning on it actually... And your gonna help me, right? Okay good

I want to take a few passes this Sunday w/ the MSD in then rip that crap out and go back to stock and see the difference because I know i'm loosing power with that ****

 

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

I was planning on it actually... And your gonna help me, right? Okay good

I want to take a few passes this Sunday w/ the MSD in then rip that crap out and go back to stock and see the difference because I know i'm loosing power with that ****
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah Ill help you!

Ryan, who doesnt know jack **** about ignition systems

 

I remeber you saying that

Oh well its only like a $600 tow ride home from Island anyway..

 

The thing I wonder is if the vpower are better than the regular ones because they cost the same.

 

Guys... I was on the Inline Four website and I can get the NGK Laser Platinum spark plugs for $50 and the NGK Iridium IX for $60 for a set of four. Can anyone tell me if these are good prices, where I can get them cheaper, and if its worth getting the Iriduim IX instead of the Laser Platinums. Thanks!

 

Auto1, Repco, Super Cheap Auto carry them in Australia. IMO, the OEM plug is just as good and readily available from any Honda dealer.

btw Iridium NGK vary between AU$15-$19 in price depending on shop.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by opie &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Then I added the MSD procap
</TD></TR></TABLE>

fitty dolla distributor cap , good gawd.

:cough: 92-93 Accord cap with external coil :cough: OEM part :cough:

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Doctor CorteZ &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">:cough: 92-93 Accord cap with external coil :cough: OEM part :cough: </TD></TR></TABLE>

I'll sell mine for $100

 

"What are the model number for the non platinum ones? I had some before and want to see if it is the same one you are using."

I got off my *** and looked up the exact model as shown in the pic. Just picked up some yesterday from NAPA. About $9

My old Denso iridiums show that I am definitely running rich.




Thanks,

AW


Modified by AW at 3:19 PM 4/10/2004


Modified by AW at 3:19 PM 4/10/2004

 

I don't know the model number, but you can check it out on http://www.inlinefour.com
So can anyone lese give me feedback on the prices for the NGK Iridiums? Thanks.

 

Nice. . I have denso iridiums that will probably need replacing soon.

Sven-who has installed and removed the msd on his car more times than he cares to remember (and got rid of that **** a long time ago)

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mistersparco &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">RTW DC2,

I've got a question. It does not pertain to an import actually, rather a domestic.
I had check engine codes that translated to:

Lean mixture
Rich mixture
o2 sensor

I swapped out the o2 sensor, plugs and wires. I noticed the plugs were deeply covered in black soot, evidence of running rich. My good friend told me I still should get a diagnostic to dtermine why I was runnign rich. Does he have a point, or would it be safe to assume that it was the o2 sensor? I am just afraid that the car is having other problems, and that it's not showing a code. Thanks, and sorry for jacking your thread. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Since no one really ANSWERED your question I will fill you in pal. Yes you can assume the 02 was the cause for your blacked out plugs, as they should have been. Your 02 went off the deep end, your car really never went into closed loop and when that happens(just like when you start your car up in the mornin and its cold) you run very rich to reduce any chances of detonation or a lean condition. Im sure now that youve replaced the 02 and your plugs and reset the ecu you dont throw any codes and if you were to pull your plugs out you'd see they look tan and healthy.

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Slater &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'll save you the trouble as I've done back to back dyno comparisons on plugs (brand new, same heat range, same gap Denso Iridiums, stock NGK plats (yes I bought a brand new set just for the test $$), and NGK copper Vpowers).

The plugs were run up to operating temperature for as bit, then I did multiple runs and avergaed the results of each plug to normalize the results.

There is absolutely no difference between any of plugs. The slight vaiation I saw was within the normal range a dyno varies between runs.

Dont believe the hype and marketing and even dyno graphs you see in ads. For 99.9% of cars just stick with cheapo NGKs. The reason is that worn plugs perform poorly period. So you would do much better to replace the $0.99 copper NGKs more often then an Iridium or platinum plug - hell do it every 6 months because it's so cheap.

IMO, the ONLY reason plat and iridium plugs exist (besides higher profit) is so car manufacturers and plug companies can stretch out the required maintanance periods, which is what the average lazy and dumb soccer-mom caliber American family wants. It is not for pure HP reasons.

- Slater</TD></TR></TABLE>

Your exactly right, coppers are more common in domestics but I sell platinums every day at the dealership I work at(ford dealership) becuase they last forever and increase a good clean burn over a period of time unlike coppers. Which burn out at a faster rate.

I dont think you will ever notice a difference in plugs unless your running nitrous or very high comb. temps and you need a cooler running plug. Alls a good plug do is increase low emissions, as well as increasing fuel economy.