Favorite Spark plugs...

[The73vetteman]

If we could keep the discussion to the technical, that would be nice.

Why would you run anything but Iridiums spark plugs?

Regarding iridium tipped electrodes, my understanding is that the main benefit these confer is no electrode wear, i.e. longer life. In that sense they're similar to platinum tipped electrodes.

If you think about the combustion process I'm really not sure how much difference the brand of plugs used can make. All you're trying to do is generate a spark of sufficient temperature to ignite the mixture. Providing you've got sufficient voltage to ionize the gap and sharp corners on the electrodes for charge concentration, then ignition will happen.

'73

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

PS..i gotta ask...where in the heck did you find palm trees for your avitar pic, up there???

The pic was taken at the 2001 NCRS Nationals in Galveston TX. We drove as part of the caravan, 5200 miles round trip from Montreal, the car never missed a beat. What a trip, would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[Larry82]

Sorry, that was no 'troll snipe'. Please share your research with us (your own, not advertising crap from the manufacturer) that indicates that this particular spark plug is superior to every other type both in the short and long term in this application. If all you've done is put a set in your own car and found the idle and running is 'better' than with the old set, that's hardly an objective approach. It's also not enough evidence to suggest that any other choice is inferior, or to question other people's intended actions.

I see similar claims from people that swap oil types and two weeks later proclaim that the new one is 'better' because nothing bad happened. Yet.

Tell you what, I won't call you 'Bubba' if you don't call me 'Troll' :L

Virtually every high end car comes with iridium plugs.

Corvette Fever did a recent article (within last year) wherein they were doing dyno test on various mods (don't keep the mags - give then to the Prison Ministry). First thing they did was change to iridium plugs before any testing. Good enough for me. BTW, if they are good enough for my Lexus, they certainly are good enough for my old Chevy Vette - which is 360 miles away from 200,000 miles on it - it loves iridium plugs - drive 21K miles a year in it.

Cheers,
Your friend, Bubba

 

[MrGibbly]

I don't have any technical data to back me up or any real reason to push a particular product but here is my @ cents worth. I just changed my plugs for a set of Bosch #4208 and I'm pleased. My ignition system was pretty spent so I did cap, rotor, wires, plugs, new bushing...the works. "Butt-dyno" came back reading a big gain! I'll be adding a recurve kit and an MSD 5 box in the next few days so I'll let you know what I think when it's all said and done.

 

[Larry82]

If we could keep the discussion to the technical, that would be nice.

Technical? Well, do we need a scientific diseration, which I am not capable of. Or, perhaps we could read a few scapes from vendor sites, which sell coppper, platinum and iridium plugs (me wonders why they would manufacture these types of plugs if they are hype - but I digress):

From ACDelco regarding iridium:

"ACDelco, an important player in the 'aftermarket' for the automotive industry, has released a new high-performance spark plug, which uses the platinum group metal iridium.

The ACDelco Professional Iridium Plug is the latest in a range of products the company prides itself on having developed for all types of vehicles, reports Autofan.com.

ACDelco spark plugs product specialist Michelle Glazier said: 'Iridium is one of the strongest, densest precious metals on earth. And with a 100,000-mile limited warranty offered by ACDelco, customers can be confident that these spark plugs are built to last.'

The plugs boast a melting point 700 degree Celsius higher than that of platinum, and are therefore able to burn fuel more efficiently and deliver better performance. They also require less precious metals for the electrodes than platinum-tipped plugs.

'If you look at an iridium tip, it's equivalent to about the size of two pinheads', said Ms Glazier. 'It's less drain on the electrical system because it's smaller, and it's a more efficient use of the energy in your vehicle.'

Specially designed electrodes increase electric field strength and reduce sparking voltage, which results in better cold starting and quick acceleration. They also offer enhanced flame spread during combustion, with a secondary microdischarge on the centre electrode that burns off carbon deposits and ensures improved antifouling performance."

From a European racing website (just in case you are French - Canada you know):

"Because of the properties of Iridium, the spark plugs centre electrode can be made with a much smaller diameter than with platinum types (usually 0.8mm for NGK and 0.7mm for Denso), Gold or gold palladium and copper/nickel types. This means that spark plugs potential difference is more concentrated and hence less 'spark jump' voltage is required - this can be as much as 5,000 volts less than with standard plug types. Ignition is improved and less strain is placed on the ignition system. Benefits of improved ignition/combustion include better fuel economy, increased power/acceleration and especially better throttle response."

But, this is boring....

 

[Larry82]

If we could keep the discussion to the technical, that would be nice.

Why did you respond like this? My comment was my way of saying I really like the iridium spark plugs. You did not respond in similar kind to comments made by others about other spark plugs. Really do not understand. Care to explain?

 

[Chas]

It was my bad...Sorry

i think he was upset that i made a off topic remark to another member of this forum in my thread on this subject..i remarked about young Canadian kids being good hockey players...so called snipers , because they were a deadly shot with the puck...and i saw he had a vette similar to mine...lots of 73's here...I love that!.....i dont like to see people flame over something as simple as a sparkplug...however this being said , im sorry to have waviered some....
BACK TO SUBJECT!!!
I have never heard of this ACDelco Professional Iridium Plug ....so im excited to see the tech reviews.....keep this stuff coming regardless of my ramblings....this site rules for data....i will keep my off handed remarks for the hockey thread and look for Patrick with my elbows high!
Chas

Why did you respond like this? My comment was my way of saying I really like the iridium spark plugs. You did not respond in similar kind to comments made by others about other spark plugs. Really do not understand. Care to explain?

 

[Chas]

Very nice..

Thats alot of miles and she didnt let you down...
Chas

The pic was taken at the 2001 NCRS Nationals in Galveston TX. We drove as part of the caravan, 5200 miles round trip from Montreal, the car never missed a beat. What a trip, would do it again in a heartbeat!

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

...........But, this is boring....

That's OK, you did your best. Let me know if you actually dig up some hard factual evidence that these plugs work better, there's certainly nothing in the text you quoted. Actually let vettedude73 know too, he's also waiting for tech reviews.

 

[Larry82]

So, vettehead michael - want to be proper to a Frenchie - Canadian, you know - let's post similar info on platinums, or copper, or any brand.

Awaiting, but not for long, French fry.

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

So, vettehead michael - want to be proper to a Frenchie - Canadian, you know - let's post similar info on platinums, or copper, or any brand.

Awaiting, but not for long, French fry.

Tsk, tsk, tsk. Resorting to name calling. How childish, but somehow not unexpected. BTW, I'm about as much French in origin as you are Mexican, so you've missed your target on this one too.

 

[JohnZ]

If the amount of hype/marketing/advertising money spent on peddling spark plugs was subtracted from the retail price, they'd cost about 36 cents, which is what the engine plants pay for them in bulk quantity. Plugs are plugs - all you need is a spark to start combustion; the flame front doesn't need any help to propagate once the process starts, nor do any additional arcs help the process any. With unleaded gas, they damn near last forever anyway - all that really matters is that you find the heat range your engine and driving habits work best with. Many high-end new cars use various "premium" plugs with all manner of highly-hyped metallurgy in the electrode (and far more precisely-controlled fuel/air mixture than any of our carbureted Corvettes) due to the EPA-mandated OBD-II system, which tracks every firing of every plug and turns on the "Service Engine" light and sets a code which only the dealer can erase if it sees any misfires. The whizbang plugs are to avoid misfires (and subsequent immense customer dissatisfaction at having to make a trip to the dealer), not for any increase in performance.
:eyerole

 

[Larry82]

I am Mexican.

 

[Larry82]

If the amount of hype/marketing/advertising money spent on peddling spark plugs was subtracted from the retail price, they'd cost about 36 cents, which is what the engine plants pay for them in bulk quantity. Plugs are plugs - all you need is a spark to start combustion; the flame front doesn't need any help to propagate once the process starts, nor do any additional arcs help the process any. With unleaded gas, they damn near last forever anyway - all that really matters is that you find the heat range your engine and driving habits work best with. Many high-end new cars use various "premium" plugs with all manner of highly-hyped metallurgy in the electrode (and far more precisely-controlled fuel/air mixture than any of our carbureted Corvettes) due to the EPA-mandated OBD-II system, which tracks every firing of every plug and turns on the "Service Engine" light and sets a code which only the dealer can erase if it sees any misfires. The whizbang plugs are to avoid misfires (and subsequent immense customer dissatisfaction at having to make a trip to the dealer), not for any increase in performance.
:eyerole

Maybe we need to forward this to the DNC as evidence how the EPA is wasting our money. Don't believe for one second your ideas.

 

[JohnZ]

Doesn't much matter to me whether you believe it or not - that's solely up to you. I've built all manner of OEM engines in high volume and my own, one at a time at home, for over 40 years, never spent more than $1.50 for a spark plug, and have never felt the need to (except for my Top Fueler, which is a horse of a different color). Spark plugs are like oil - you have to see far enough through the marketing smoke and mirrors to make an informed decision based on facts and experience, not just on the basis of 4-color glossy magazine ads and ad agency dream copy. Buy whatever you like best, but you're wasting your money on "whizbang" spark plugs.



"Marketing, son, marketing...... that's where the money is"

 

[Jack]

Doesn't much matter to me whether you believe it or not - that's solely up to you. Buy whatever you like best, but you're wasting your money on "whizbang" spark plugs. "Marketing, son, marketing...... that's where the money is"

I don't always agree with John ... but I respect his experience and opinions. However, on this spark plug issue ... I'm firmly in Johns camp. I happen to like the plain old Bosch Super plugs (copper core, NO platinum/multiple tips) ... primarily because they have a plating that's proven superior (to me) over the years to prevent seizing in head (especially aluminum heads). I also like the plain old Autolite plugs. Either are less than $2. MANY years ago there was a plug kinda like today's splitfire ... I don't remember their name ... but then as now ... snake oil. Heck ... I went out a week ago & bought plugs for several B&S yard motors ... went to my buddy's auto parts store ... looking for plain jane Autolite ... I found em (Autolite # 468) on his shelf ... when he didn't even realize he'd been stocking them. I have no desire to spend a buncha time yankin' on a mower cord ... and I can surely afford $3-$4 whizbang "EZ Start" plugs ... I bought a box of 468s.
JACK:gap

 

[Larry82]

I don't always agree with John ... but I respect his experience and opinions. However, on this spark plug issue ... I'm firmly in Johns camp. I happen to like the plain old Bosch Super plugs (copper core, NO platinum/multiple tips) ... primarily because they have a plating that's proven superior (to me) over the years to prevent seizing in head (especially aluminum heads). I also like the plain old Autolite plugs. Either are less than $2. MANY years ago there was a plug kinda like today's splitfire ... I don't remember their name ... but then as now ... snake oil. Heck ... I went out a week ago & bought plugs for several B&S yard motors ... went to my buddy's auto parts store ... looking for plain jane Autolite ... I found em (Autolite # 468) on his shelf ... when he didn't even realize he'd been stocking them. I have no desire to spend a buncha time yankin' on a mower cord ... and I can surely afford $3-$4 whizbang "EZ Start" plugs ... I bought a box of 468s.
JACK:gap

Glad you are happy. I am too. Don't worry, be happy.

 

[The73vetteman]

Why did you respond like this? My comment was my way of saying I really like the iridium spark plugs. You did not respond in similar kind to comments made by others about other spark plugs. Really do not understand. Care to explain?

Larry, my comment was not aimed at you but at some of the of those who were name calling.

Swapping experiences and opinions on spark plugs is great. Calling each other Bubba and Troll is not what I thought this forum was here for. That's what I meant.

 

[Larry82]

When I get jumped by someone just because I like and think iridium spark plugs are as good as anything out there and then others jump on the hype and marketing bandwagon, which, in substance, is saying there have been no improvements since copper core plugs, and then because some old engine builder swears on nothing but copper plugs, I react badly.

Anyone know the meaning of the term Luddite?

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Larry, my comment was not aimed at you but at some of the of those who were name calling.

Swapping experiences and opinions on spark plugs is great. Calling each other Bubba and Troll is not what I thought this forum was here for. That's what I meant.

???? Best go read the posts again, in sequence.

I agree with you that name calling, especially racially related slurs, are inappropriate.