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2003 Z06 Spark Plugs

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Old Dec 17, 2006 | 08:25 PM
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Default 2003 Z06 Spark Plugs

Looking for spark plug recommendations for a 2003 Z06 (100% stock).

What are you guys using?
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Old Dec 18, 2006 | 12:13 AM
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NGK TR55's.
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Old Dec 18, 2006 | 05:58 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan_the_C5_Man
NGK TR55's.
I also heard good things about the Denso PTJ16R15 standard and the Denso IT16 Iridium, but I don't know for sure.
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Old Dec 18, 2006 | 06:25 PM
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Originally Posted by dlh1974
Looking for spark plug recommendations for a 2003 Z06 (100% stock).

What are you guys using?
If the car is 100% stock, then why change from the stock plugs that are designed for that motor? You will not gain anything from switching brands so I would run the factory delco plugs and go 50K-100K before needing to change them again. Part# 12571164. RICH
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Old Dec 18, 2006 | 06:39 PM
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Originally Posted by RichieRichZ06
If the car is 100% stock, then why change from the stock plugs that are designed for that motor? You will not gain anything from switching brands so I would run the factory delco plugs and go 50K-100K before needing to change them again. Part# 12571164. RICH
Is this before or after the platinum plugs fall off the stock plugs and into the motor? Or when they are seized after being in the heads for 8 to 10 years?

I would change the stock plugs after the drive home from the dealer, they are junk.
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Old Dec 18, 2006 | 06:57 PM
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Originally Posted by Dan_the_C5_Man
Is this before or after the platinum plugs fall off the stock plugs and into the motor? Or when they are seized after being in the heads for 8 to 10 years?

I would change the stock plugs after the drive home from the dealer, they are junk.
I think that we all change our plugs in less than 8-10 years or the question would not be asked in the first place. We only sell 120 or more a month without any problems, but everybody knows somebody who knows somebody that had something happen at some point.
But either way we can still be friends tomorrow.
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Old Dec 18, 2006 | 09:05 PM
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Mybe I'm wrong but aren't the stock plugs Nippendenso's? I had one changed by the dealer and even though it came in an AC-Delco box it was the same as my original Nippendenso's. There's nothing wrong with these plugs and for that matter, any other plug providing it is the correct heat range for your application. Personally, I don't like having to pay more for the OE plug when there's something else out there that will work just as well for less money. Certainly I wouldn't think about leaving any plug in for more than 20 to 30k's, especially in an aluminum head. I'd rather buy regular plugs and change them more often. My personal choice is Champion.

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Old Dec 19, 2006 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by RichieRichZ06
I think that we all change our plugs in less than 8-10 years or the question would not be asked in the first place. We only sell 120 or more a month without any problems, but everybody knows somebody who knows somebody that had something happen at some point.
But either way we can still be friends tomorrow.
We can still be friends right now! You work at a dealership, have provided valuable advice in the past, I don't need those kind of enemies. The whole issue with the platinum pucks tack-welded to the tip of stock GM plugs is well documented.

Shortly after I bought my car with 13K miles on it, I found this site, educated myself to the common pitfalls, went out and pulled the plugs, sure enough 2 of them had lost their pucks. I'm not sure when (if ever) GM changed the plug design, so unless someone can verify they did and when, the best advice is to change them.

As far as the 8~10 years go, we have members here owning 8 year old cars that don't have 20K miles on them.. I dive mine all the time but it would take me (at least) 8 years to put 100K miles on it, so again, my comments stand.

NGK TR55's and a tube of anti-seize is less than 15 bucks. Go for it.

Last edited by Dan_the_C5_Man; Dec 19, 2006 at 02:25 PM.
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Old Dec 19, 2006 | 03:25 PM
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NGK-TR55s. Changed out the stock plugs at 100K, amazingly all the pucks were still in place! Compared to my '94 Z-28: when I replaced those plugs at 77K miles (I had just bought the car), 3 of the eight were missing BOTH pucks, 4 of the others were missing one, and one plug still had both on. I think AC Delco must have done something to the manufacturing process, because they've gotten much more consistent in staying on.

I'll be changing out my valve springs (she's about to turn over 150K miles and 3+ years of autox) right after Christmas, and I'm going to drop a fresh set of TR-55s in at the same time. These went 48K miles.

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike
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Old Dec 19, 2006 | 03:55 PM
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Iridium IX's. Hugh gap-don't change. They are designed that way for full combusion.
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Old Dec 19, 2006 | 09:46 PM
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Changed my plugs on my 04 at about 9k miles. Several plugs had no pucks left, and they were all gaped low ~.035-.045
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Old Dec 21, 2006 | 04:09 PM
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Thanks for the info.

I just bought this car w/ 36K on it, and I noticed a slight miss in 3rd gear under hard acceleration.

These are probably the stock plugs, so I figured I'd change them.
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