OK, so there's not much in the review section for spark plugs. I've got an 04 WRX and I'd like to put in some Iridium. Any suggestions? I hear the NGK are good and not expensive, but I want to make sure they are not going to idle rough or cause me any other problems.

Thanks

Chris
Newark, DE

 

Iridiums are good.....trying to 'gap' them is BAD.

I know EXACTLY how to gap them and I STILL destroy them, once in a while.....the NGK's have a **TINY** pad of iridium in the very tip of the center electrode...looks like a grain of dark sand....and they break off in 1/2 a quick blink by touching them...yep....just touch them wrong and they are done........$9 paperweight...

The Denso IK-22's are a bit less fragile....but the whole center electrode bends/breaks off on those !!!!!

BEWARE gapping iridium plugs !!!!!!!!!!!

 

explain gapping please?

 

...pay someone to do your plugs for you.....if you don't know what 'gapping plugs' is....just pay someone to do it for you.

 

maybe he can pay you to gap them?

 

....I would be more than happy to do so.....

 

I plan on paying someone, i just wanted to know so i could learn... i hate not knowing something when it comes to my car...

Thanks for the help

 

Poor guy asks what gapping plugs is and you guys just tell him to have someone else do it? Punks.
Anyway, the gap between the two electrodes on a spark plug determines a lot about how the plug will work (the spark intensity, duration, etc). And the correct gap distance depends on the type of car/engine they're going in to. So it's important to have exactly the right gap between the two electrodes. You can adjust the gap using special spacers and tools. That's gapping spark plugs in short.

 

Alright... not sure if anyone else is thinking this, but WTF?

You aren't supposed to put any force whatsoever on the center electrode when gapping plugs. You should only be bending the "arm" part of the plug, and gently measure the distance from the electrode... if your gapper is getting "stuck" between the center electrode and the "arm" your gap is too small...you should feel a light drag or no drag.... just like adjusting valve tolerances!

By the way, you can order plugs here:
www.sparkplugs.com

I've ordered from them twice, their prices are good, and they ship quick.
I recommend the GP Platinum (cheap) or the NGK IX Iridiums (not so cheap)

 

...if you use a 'feeler gauge' and try to slide it in the gap of the NGK's...the sharp edge of the leaf will catch the little pad of iridium and knock it off....and if you use the wire style gauge....the action of inserting and removing the gauge can knock the pad off....and it you use a 'ramp' style gauge....well you are lost anyway....so.....Overall, the Denso's are a bit less prone to be desrtoyed as far as being fragile that way...but the tip is VERY fine and prone to damage as well...

Done both....broke both....some seem to be more fragile than others...it is a costly mistake to make....just trying to help.

 

Denso IK22s are a step colder than stock on a 04 wrx. Nice plugs i've been running them on my V7 motor for a while ,just expensive.
NGK BKR7EIX are the NGK equivalent and are much cheaper than the Densos.
They should be fine in a USDM wrx,
Im currently running 2 steps colder due to my setup on V7 motor and it runs soo smooth.

Anyways NGK and Denso are the largest two OEM sparkplug suppliers in Japan, you cant go wrong with either of their products.