Help me choose spark plugs

[V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN]

About to go 18G 2.5L.
Don't mind changing frequency of Coppers.
This is a 2.5L and will be less than 350whp, do I really need one step colder?

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[Unabomber]

This first question you should ask yourself is do I know where to post at? That answer is no and it's annoying to 200,000 NASIOC users. If you don't know where to post, do so in the Newbies forum. Also we have a Spark Plug FAQ that is stickied at the top of 4 forums here that you need to read to help answer your own question.

Moving.....

[V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN]

you could have voted at least...I did not know service and maintenance even existed.

[Unabomber]

Read the Spark Plug FAQ and you'll interpret my vote through careful reading comprehension.

[V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN]

if voting please include rational, otherwise vote is worthless.

[Uncle Scotty]

2.5L heads mean 25mm reach plugs which means that you dont need colder plugs at 18g power levels

copper is the best conductor

copper plugs usually cost ~$2/ea which means that you get all 4 for the cost of less than one of the other type

copper plugs are NOT easy to 'kill' when 'gapping' them

Platnium and iridium plugs are REAL EASY to kill when 'gapping' them


dont make polls

[V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN]

^thanks if I go Iridium I will get them pregapped.

[V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN]

polls are worthless bump

[V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN]

bump.......

[Uncle Scotty]

stock plugs are fine

[Engmus]

Scotty makes good point, i'll take up the other side.

How often do you want to change them? Copper plugs tend to wear out faster and need replacement i'd say every 15-20k on a modified "tracked, or hard driven" vehicle that encounters high RPM, usage for sustained periods of time.

Iridium lasts longer, comes from the factory in most cars today and generally can be replaced every 60k or more even in high performance applications.

With that sad, the small benefit of copper plugs conducting better isn't worth the added cost and time to swap them on a more frequent basis.

I use Iridium Plugs.

Just my .2

[yellowstandard]

I'd like to use coppers, but has anyone figured out a part number for the coppers for an 06 wrx? So far sticking with stock iridium

[Bacon117]

All spark plugs have copper core center electrodes (with the exception of some really cheap ones). Saying you want to use a copper plug is simply falling prey to marketing. There are 3 basic types of spark plug, standard nickel, iridium, and platinum spark plug plugs, and all of these have copper core center electrodes. You have a few other variations, but those are the basics. Iridium and Platinum are virtually same as far as the car is concerned.

Stick with the stock spark plug, you really cannot go wrong. If you are going to lay down a lot of power, you will probably have to have the car professionaly tuned. They will tell you what plug to use.

[Bacon117]

Originally Posted by Engmus

With that sad, the small benefit of copper plugs conducting better isn't worth the added cost and time to swap them on a more frequent basis.

The standard nickel plugs (copper as you call them) do not tranfer heat any better (the iridiums contain the same copper core as the standard nickel plugs), and they are worse for performance compared to iridium. The only advantage is they are cheaper.

[V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN]

^Most tuners I have talked to recommend Coppers but I do agree with you, benefits -if any- do not justify the hassle of frequent swaps, increased risk of stripping head plug cavities, etc.

[Horkus]

www.pulstar.com

[Bacon117]

Originally Posted by V8 GTFO Lesbic WGN

^Most tuners I have talked to recommend Coppers but I do agree with you, benefits -if any- do not justify the hassle of frequent swaps, increased risk of stripping head plug cavities, etc.

I know that most tuners talk about "coppers" but it has become quite an industry misnomer. Marketing by champion has put it into a lot of peoples heads that only thier plugs contain copper, or are completely made out of copper(!). Anyway, to be correct, the center electrodes are made of nickel and contain a copper core to better transfer heat (all plugs have this). Even iridiums (or platinums) are nickel electrodes, they just contain a tip made out of iridium (or platinum).