NGK Spark Plugs

[theo575]

Hey Guys,

I looked and looked and couldn't really find anything definitive on this so I'm gonna go ahead and ask you guys and see what you think.

I own a 2.3L 2006 Sedan. I recently bought some NGK G-Power Platinum tipped spark plugs, I didn't do my research before and bought them quickly, now I'm worried I bought something useless.


So my questions are,

1) Should I return these and get iridiums or just leave them for ~ 20 000 km, then upgrade?

2) I've read lots of conflicting theories on gapping platinum and iridium plugs, NGK says not to, then if you "must" not to use a coin style gapper (I don't have a spark plug gapper either way so I'll get the proper one). So should I gap the G-Power plugs, and if I should return them, should I gap the iridiums?

3) Thanks for reading my thread and hopefully it isn't the 100th time you've had this question

[Impressive]

I have the same car as you and use NGK Iridium spark plugs that I installed about 6 months ago.

Would definitely recommend them, and they're only like $30-40 at PartSource

[rzapata]

The MZ3 runs on stock iridium plugs. They're the most reliable because it's a harder metal and therefore last longer. Copper and Platinum plugs are sort of behind the iridiums. Check out this thread...

[Thrizzl3]

Iridiums ftw! ask joe at MoT for them. They come pre gapped so you don't have to worry about gapping them out of the box.

[fumoffu]

the engine are more fond of iridium sparkplugs.

[TheMAN]

the engine came stock with NGK iridiums... you need to put in the same thing it came with or better... those G-powers are crap

[Harbour Rat]

As long as the NGK platinum plugs you bought are the correct heat range and the correct physical size they will be fine for at least 20,000 km, probably longer. I doubt they will last as long as iridium plugs would but you won't do any harm by using them and should easily get 2-3 years of service.

Now if you had bought Champions, even iridium Champions, I'd say return them and get something better . . .

[theo575]

I'm going to try and return them and get the iridiums, I'd rather wait and get the proper plugs.

Now for gapping, NGK says their plugs come gapped at .40 if I'm not mistaken, however they mention that if you want to gap them you can, I believe the 2.3L takes around a .52 gap.

Has anyone bothered doing this? Should I just forget all this extra crap go exchange the plugs and be happy my engine is running nice a smooth lol?

Thanks everyone for all the help!

[theo575]

Another question, off topic, I'm considering making my own big 3 kit, however I'm worried about making a mistake. This link BIG 3 instructions, has their own kit, but with a 150 amp fuse connected inline with the wire that hooks up the alt positive to batter positive.

Second, grounding, something else I was planning on doing myself, Grounding Instructions, that link I just wanted to make sure with you guys what you think. If I do make my own kit (have about 10 feet a 0 gauge wire), especially for the Big 3, should I be buying a fuse?

Thanks again!

[theo575]

and thanks rzapata, didn't see that thread!

I now see that they come perfectly gapped


Product Number : 18-4793-8
Manufacturer Part Number : LTR5IX11
Brand : NGK
Comments : 0.052" - IRIDIUM IX - MFI

[Booter22]

and thanks rzapata, didn't see that thread!

I now see that they come perfectly gapped


Product Number : 18-4793-8
Manufacturer Part Number : LTR5IX11
Brand : NGK
Comments : 0.052" - IRIDIUM IX - MFI

why not just return the ones you have and get the OEM gapped plugs?

[theo575]

why not just return the ones you have and get the OEM gapped plugs?

thats the plan

[TheMAN]

As long as the NGK platinum plugs you bought are the correct heat range and the correct physical size they will be fine for at least 20,000 km, probably longer. I doubt they will last as long as iridium plugs would but you won't do any harm by using them and should easily get 2-3 years of service.

Now if you had bought Champions, even iridium Champions, I'd say return them and get something better . . .

the point of the stock iridium plugs wasn't necessarily for longevity, but for improved performance/efficiency/emissions due to the better quench area and other characteristics of iridium plugs (such as higher spark voltage)