View Full Version : Spark Plugs


Bagin,DVS
05-25-2003, 12:02 PM
what are better spark plugs, for the money. denso bosch or ngk
and what is an ideal gap for them, if i get the bosch 4 i know i do not have to gap them, has anybody seen a real improvemnet with them, power, fuel mileage or a fireball resulting in the car being engulfed in flames.

mule2k
05-25-2003, 01:44 PM
Everyone seems to say that the NGK v-power copper plugs offer the best performance, much improved over stock. I have a set myself that I need to install soon. Copper should give better performance than platinum, but they don't last nearly as long. According to the NGK master catalog, the correct gap is .044. Also, I'm assuming you don't have a WRX; or else you wouldn't be in the N/A forum.

Kevin M
05-25-2003, 09:52 PM
Most folks believe copper plugs are best for performance, they just need frequent changing. In a comuter type car, go with the Bosch platinums, you may never need to change them. I have NGK coppers ($1.19 at Kragen! w00t!) in the RS and Bosch platinum in my daily driver 280ZX.

awns729
05-26-2003, 12:58 PM
do they impove milage?

Kevin M
05-26-2003, 03:33 PM
Originally posted by awns729
do they impove milage?

Nah, not much you can do to improve mileage.

Peaty
05-26-2003, 03:38 PM
Spark plugs won't give you better GM unless your old ones were bad.

Myself I use copper NGK and change them very spring.


From here:

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/techinfo/spark_plugs/faq/faqpower.asp?nav=31200&country=US

Q: How much of a performance improvement can I expect from changing plugs?

A: A common misconception is that changing spark plugs will result in a large power increase. In most cases, removing even seriously worn out spark plugs will only result in very modest power gains, typically about 1-2% of total engine output. This could be even less for computer-controlled vehicles, primarily because most newer vehicles have more powerful ignition systems and the vehicle's computer can make adjustments so that vehicle operation seems smoother and more seamless.

Many people think that simply supplying more spark to the firing tip can and will combust more fuel. What they don't understand is that most newer cars' engines are so efficient that they are already burning all of the available fuel. Simply adding more spark voltage can't burn more fuel because there is no more fuel to burn.

When a stock or near-stock engine is given a fresh set of spark plugs, peak efficiency is restored. The power gains that come from this restored state of tune are usually minimal. Any company that tells you that their spark plug will provide significant gains in power in a stock or near-stock engine is making blanket statements that may not be supportable.

Forestar
05-27-2003, 01:39 PM
Originally posted by BAN SUVS
In a comuter type car, go with the Bosch platinums, you may never need to change them.

That is very true. I ran a set for about 35-40K miles and when I took them out they looked barely used. The gap was just a bit off than where I had them but not out of range at all. I was going to use the NGK-V's but they only had 3 in stock. I just got another set of Bosch platinums. They cost just a bit more, but I think it's worth it just because they are die hard.

Bagin,DVS
05-27-2003, 02:09 PM
hey thanks, i was looking at the bosch so that is what i think i will go with then.

03impreza2.5rs
05-27-2003, 09:04 PM
whoever doesn't know what a spark plug does better do there homework. bosch +4 is the biggest gimmick out there and does nothing but waste your money. spark will follow the path of least
resistance and only one spark wil happen--not 4.in all actuality.you are losing performance because u can't gap them to spec.best bang for your buck.ngk---also a plug that is recomended by the manufacturer

Kevin M
05-27-2003, 09:09 PM
Originally posted by 03impreza2.5rs
whoever doesn't know what a spark plug does better do there homework. bosch +4 is the biggest gimmick out there and does nothing but waste your money. spark will follow the path of least
resistance and only one spark wil happen--not 4.in all actuality.you are losing performance because u can't gap them to spec.best bang for your buck.ngk---also a plug that is recomended by the manufacturer

I was talking about standard Bosch Platinums, not the +4s. the +4s are a gimmick, but the single electrode platinums are awesome when you don't need every last ounce of performance. They last a LONG time on a not-so-powerful car, and the pre-gap is usually very good. I do still agree with Peaty, NGK coppers are the best for your Impreza, but your 'other' car will be well served with the BP's.

03impreza2.5rs
05-27-2003, 09:41 PM
little confusion there,i was talking about Bagin,DVS comment. i agree with u though ban suv,platinums aren't bad but im not a big fan of bosch,i've seen them play a lot of havoc with other car lines