Spark plug question (AC vs. NGK)
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Spark plug question (AC vs. NGK)
When I got my car I changed the plugs, put in new OEM AC 41-906's. That as about 6000 miles ago. That was also before I began to read about the potential for the platinum pucks to come off the OEM plugs. I've heard where guys remove them and one or pucks are missing. GM techs say that the pucks don't fall off they wear down. This may be true.
Anyhow, the whole puck issue just sits back there in my subconscious lingering and sort of bugging me, even though the company line is they wear down not fall off. So I'm thinking of pulling the OEM's and putting in a comparable long-life plug instead. Iridium seems to be the leading choice for long life plugs right now.
My ignition system is stock and I've been told stock ignition system likes platinums best, but since iridiums are supposed to require less voltage than platinums I am assuming they would be an acceptable substitute for platinum that would not throw the ignition system out of balance so to speak.
[Modified by Lone Ranger, 1:12 PM 1/30/2003]
Anyhow, the whole puck issue just sits back there in my subconscious lingering and sort of bugging me, even though the company line is they wear down not fall off. So I'm thinking of pulling the OEM's and putting in a comparable long-life plug instead. Iridium seems to be the leading choice for long life plugs right now.
My ignition system is stock and I've been told stock ignition system likes platinums best, but since iridiums are supposed to require less voltage than platinums I am assuming they would be an acceptable substitute for platinum that would not throw the ignition system out of balance so to speak.
[Modified by Lone Ranger, 1:12 PM 1/30/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
Re: Spark plug question (Lone Ranger)
...GM techs say that the pucks don't fall off they wear down. This may be true. ..
:rant:
I pulled my second set of ACs out of my GS. In less than 40k miles, 6 of the 8 were missing the pucks. You could easily see the "divot" in the electrode where the pucks resided. All 6 without the pucks looked *identical* and all gapped at .070, not what you would expect if it was from wear. In addition, the other 2 *with* the pucks still gapped at .050 and looked perfect. Combine that with the fact that the "missing puck" plugs looked exactly like my original OEM, "delivered with the car set", that were missing pucks (2 of the 8) and ...well... that's where I'm coming from.
I have NGK TR55VX plugs in there right now. I've heard good things about the Iridiums, but I don't feel like shelling out almost $100 for another set of plugs.
:cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 984
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From: Cincinnati OH
Re: Spark plug question (Lone Ranger)
GM techs say that the pucks don't fall off they wear down.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
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From: tucson AZ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Re: Spark plug question (Lone Ranger)
Splitfire's??????
To each his own.....I'm ready for all the flames I'll get for mentioning these plugs........Oh well.....
tony
:D
[Modified by oldace84, 5:04 PM 1/30/2003]
To each his own.....I'm ready for all the flames I'll get for mentioning these plugs........Oh well.....
tony
:D
[Modified by oldace84, 5:04 PM 1/30/2003]
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
Re: Spark plug question (1STVETTE90)
Sorry for the dumb question, but what the hell is a "puck"? :confused:
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,019
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From: down that one road next to that big tree
Re: Spark plug question (Lone Ranger)
the NGK ix plugs are probably the best on the market but keep in mind you can buy 4 sets of fr5 or tr55 plugs for the price of one set of ix plugs. my idea of the best plug is one you change often.
on the platinum comment, i haven't heard one good thing on ac platinum. if you want platinums heat buy bosch ! :thumbs:
on the platinum comment, i haven't heard one good thing on ac platinum. if you want platinums heat buy bosch ! :thumbs:
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,530
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From: Houston TX
Re: Spark plug question (gtsyellow)
the NGK ix plugs are probably the best on the market but keep in mind you can buy 4 sets of fr5 or tr55 plugs for the price of one set of ix plugs. my idea of the best plug is one you change often.
on the platinum comment, i haven't heard one good thing on ac platinum. if you want platinums heat buy bosch ! :thumbs:
on the platinum comment, i haven't heard one good thing on ac platinum. if you want platinums heat buy bosch ! :thumbs:
BOSCH Platunium +4 - a NO - NO, misfires on LT1s
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 1,683
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From: NY
Re: Spark plug question (Vince Ivanc)
My experience is very similar to that of Vince Ivanc. :yesnod: While my water pump and Opti were being replaced at 25,500 miles :mad , I also had the plugs and wires done. Well, much to my surprise, when the original plugs were pulled out, 7 of the 8 were missing the pucks! :cuss Man, I was mad. So much for the 100,000 mile claim - yeah right.
Based on my own experience I can't say that I would ever recommend them. They simply do not perform as they should. :banghead:
Based on my own experience I can't say that I would ever recommend them. They simply do not perform as they should. :banghead:
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 3,019
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From: down that one road next to that big tree
Re: Spark plug question (rubyred93)
on the bosch...heat range is real real important. the +4 really doesn't have a large selection, least not that i've seen. a normal platinum 1 step colder than recommended will work just fine in the LT1 or a higher compression L98. they just burn hot & sometimes too hot, misfires a lot of times are caused by a coil on it's way out the door or crosstalking leaky spark plug wires.
Race Director
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One question, since most of you don't have 100k miles, why are you changing your 100k mile plugs? For whatever reason do you expect to have to change them again before another 100k miles?
I'm running long tube headers with no emissions equipment so changing my plugs could actually be considered easy. I've also got an extrememly hot ignition system so I don't worry about any of the platium or odd material plugs.
I just run with standard non platinum AC Delco, FR44LTS. It costs me all of $11 for the entire set. I have no illusions of not chaning my plugs for 100k miles so I don't waste the money, I don't even have 100k miles on my car yet and I've replaced the plugs many times. It's routine maintanence.
[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 5:59 PM 2/1/2003]
I'm running long tube headers with no emissions equipment so changing my plugs could actually be considered easy. I've also got an extrememly hot ignition system so I don't worry about any of the platium or odd material plugs.
I just run with standard non platinum AC Delco, FR44LTS. It costs me all of $11 for the entire set. I have no illusions of not chaning my plugs for 100k miles so I don't waste the money, I don't even have 100k miles on my car yet and I've replaced the plugs many times. It's routine maintanence.
[Modified by Nathan Plemons, 5:59 PM 2/1/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 994
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From: Jamison PA
Re: Spark plug question (Lone Ranger)
When I replaced my original AC's only one plug had both pucks. So if the GM techs say they don't fall off but wear down then why did all but one of my plugs wear down? :crazy: I went with the NGK's for peace of mind.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2000
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From: Texas
Re: (Nathan Plemons)
One question, since most of you don't have 100k miles, why are you changing your 100k mile plugs? For whatever reason do you expect to have to change them again before another 100k miles?
While still under warranty, the engine began to miss at low speeds. Dealer pulled the plugs (which I kept for posterity)....missing pucks on two plugs
Last month, after swapping in the HOT Cam, I was getting a high speed miss. Pulled the plugs as part of a general "ignition system check". Missing pucks on 6 of the 8.
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 7,858
Likes: 2
Re: Spark plug question (Lone Ranger)
Installed the NGK TR55ix iridiums this afternoon. 2 hours. Not bad I guess, and only two nicks on my forearm!
Best price was a local O'Reilly Auto Parts store, $49.95 including tax for a set of eight.
Also, this time I got to try out my new clicker torque wrench. Last time I had to borrow a friend's double beam type. I prefer the clicker type now :D
Best price was a local O'Reilly Auto Parts store, $49.95 including tax for a set of eight.
Also, this time I got to try out my new clicker torque wrench. Last time I had to borrow a friend's double beam type. I prefer the clicker type now :D
