Spark plugs: To go colder or not? Iridium or copper? Confused yet?
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Spark plugs: To go colder or not? Iridium or copper? Confused yet?
Hey all,
I've been running the Denso IW24's (Iridium plug one range colder than stock) and was getting some random misfires, so I ordered up some NGK BPR 7ES (stock heat range, copper plug) and put them in tonight.
My car runs really rich at idle to get the cams not to puke and die, that could be part of the reason I fouled out the IW24's. On visual inspection, they do not appear to be fouled and did not misfire all of the time, just on occasion and it appears that the misfires were completely random, since try as I might, I couldn't duplicate them.
With the new plugs, the car turned over a bit easier than before.
It should also be noted that I recently (last month) had water injection installed and part of the reason the IW24's could have fouled out may be due to the fact that carbon deposits in the head have worked themselves loose since the water started steam cleaning the combustion chamber. This is normal on a water-equipped car after first running the system, from what I'm told.
I do have another 4 IW24's and am debating whether I should throw them in or not...but then again, I have 16 7ES's, so I think I'm good for a while on these things.
Joe
I've been running the Denso IW24's (Iridium plug one range colder than stock) and was getting some random misfires, so I ordered up some NGK BPR 7ES (stock heat range, copper plug) and put them in tonight.
My car runs really rich at idle to get the cams not to puke and die, that could be part of the reason I fouled out the IW24's. On visual inspection, they do not appear to be fouled and did not misfire all of the time, just on occasion and it appears that the misfires were completely random, since try as I might, I couldn't duplicate them.
With the new plugs, the car turned over a bit easier than before.
It should also be noted that I recently (last month) had water injection installed and part of the reason the IW24's could have fouled out may be due to the fact that carbon deposits in the head have worked themselves loose since the water started steam cleaning the combustion chamber. This is normal on a water-equipped car after first running the system, from what I'm told.
I do have another 4 IW24's and am debating whether I should throw them in or not...but then again, I have 16 7ES's, so I think I'm good for a while on these things.
Joe
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Are you sure the random misfires you were getting weren't the P0300 that many of us experience from time to time?
I am running IW24's pushing 1.67bar of peak boost (stock turbo, 264/272 cams, turbo-back) with no problems.
If you haven't, do a search for SILVER SURFER's comments about copper vs. iridium and his IW24 experience.
I am running IW24's pushing 1.67bar of peak boost (stock turbo, 264/272 cams, turbo-back) with no problems.
If you haven't, do a search for SILVER SURFER's comments about copper vs. iridium and his IW24 experience.
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I'm not positive as I didn't see a CEL, but I think it's a safe bet that I'll be changing plugs every other oil change.
I also track my car pretty hard at least once a month when I can get away, so that could also have something to do with it.
But, as always, YMMV.
I also track my car pretty hard at least once a month when I can get away, so that could also have something to do with it.
But, as always, YMMV.
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Originally Posted by metaphysical
NGK BPR7ES - $2 a plug.
I'm not cheap by any means, but when plugs foul out this quickly and I have the choice of using a $20 plug vs. a $2 plug that both perform the same...well, it's not rocket science.
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Originally Posted by 4G63>OOOO
I'm not positive as I didn't see a CEL, but I think it's a safe bet that I'll be changing plugs every other oil change.
I also track my car pretty hard at least once a month when I can get away, so that could also have something to do with it.
But, as always, YMMV.
I also track my car pretty hard at least once a month when I can get away, so that could also have something to do with it.
But, as always, YMMV.
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Originally Posted by k270kmh
The best way to know is trying. BTW, What Do you think about Ralliart Racing spark plugs?
I wouldn't put a $2 spark plug in my car, never.
I wouldn't put a $2 spark plug in my car, never.
Ralliart parts are great, if you're into paying a premium for a name brand. The NGK's work fine, and you're into the Iridium thing and Denso isn't high class enough for you, you can always overpay HKS for the same plug.
#13
Here is the Ralliart spark plug:
Are NGKs equal?
Ok, you are a expert guy that knows everything about brands and so, you are a luck guy.
I just trust Ralliart, because they don't affect my warranty.
Ok, they are a little overpriced but it is better safe than sorry.
Are NGKs equal?
Ok, you are a expert guy that knows everything about brands and so, you are a luck guy.
I just trust Ralliart, because they don't affect my warranty.
Ok, they are a little overpriced but it is better safe than sorry.