I've got a 2000 FRC. M6 with no mods and would like to change plugs. Would like to use NGK, but not sure which is best choice. Apparently they offer copper, plantinum and Iridium. This car won't see a track, except fom the parking lot and is only driven weekends. What is the best choice?

 

Copper will require a slightly more frequent change, but with the right tool it really isn't that bad. The tech tip has the Snap On tool listed. Also, make sure the motor is stone cold. I prefer the copper plugs. Some of the platinum plugs run the tip real hot to keep them clean and can lead to detonation.

 

I went with the NGK coper core also. Cost a plus. Also, noticed my platinum plugs had one puck gone (so much for going 50K - 100K miles on a set of plugs). I found the NGK Iridium plugs locally, but they cost ~3X as much as the copper ones!

 

I went with the copper also. You can get them from NAPA for $15 for the set of 8. Ask for the NGK3951s. Here are some tips for the install:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=509753

 

:iagree: It's unanimous...same here!

 

I like the NGK 55 Copper. Changing out plugs is MUCH easier if you remove the coil packs and remove the alternator bracket. Saves a lot of frustration and doesn't take that long. :cheers:

 

Just make sure your a little patient with the removal and replacement of the spark plugs, its gets really tight in there.

 

Thanks everyone for the feedback. Looks like copper is the way to go.

 

I agree with vettenuts, use the NGK TR-55 copper plug and change them more often. I will not use a plug with a puck again. When I checked my plugs at about 28k, six (6) of the pucks were missing. Needless to say, I was not happy. There are no 100k plugs. Just my opinion. I am sure that there are several other plugs that are just as good as NGK. Some of the other members will chime in with their choice and reasons why.
Good luck!

 

Iridium can't be beat IMO. You feel in the set of the pants when you put in a set -- can't ask for more from a plug. :smash:

 

:withstupid: :withstupid:

 

I just put in a set of NGK TR55's on Sunday and the car runs much better. Three or four of the plugs were missing the pucks. I actually thought that the pucks would be larger than they are. But I was amazed at the differences in the gapping. The new ones were all gapped at .055 but the old ones must have been anywhere from about .050-.070.

It is a bear to change the plugs even when taking off the coil packs. I decided not to mess with the alternator and didn't replace that one small coil pack bolt because I couldn't get back in there with a socket once it was removed. Also, I would put on the anti-seize lubricant ahead of time. After I had the passenger side done, I realized that I hadn't put it on and had to take the plugs back out. I torqued the plugs to about 10-12 lbs and that took extra time trying to get the torque wrench in there. Without a torque wrench, I think that you can turn them about 1/8th of a turn with a socket for a good fit.

I thought about changing the wires but finally decided against it and the car still runs fine, but smoother. It was time and money well spent.


[Modified by FunDriver, 9:13 PM 3/17/2003]

 

I'll change mine out when I change my heads :) TR55 it is.

- C5B