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Old 01-26-2021, 10:19 AM   #1
4eat05
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Default Ngk ruthenium spark plugs?

Hey all, its about time to replace spark plugs in my "stg 2+" 05 Wrx ej205.
Las time I replaced them I used the tried n true Ngk Iridium Ix stock heat range plugs. I went to order them again, and noticed there are now Iridium Ix, laser Iridium, and Ruthenium options.
It seems Ngk is sayong their laser iridiums are "better" than their Iridium Ix, and their Ruthenium plugs are "better" than all...

Has anyone used these? Or are Ngk Iridium Ix still the "best" go-to plugs?
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Old 01-26-2021, 09:03 PM   #2
tomacGTi
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I have the Ruthenium plugs. One step colder.

New, they "feel" the same. Same power, economy, etc. I had been using the IXs but at 60k, you could tell that the gap had opened and it was time for replacement. The Rutheniums are at about 20k now so too early to compare.

-Randy
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Old 01-26-2021, 09:54 PM   #3
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There are no best plugs. If you use the very best plugs and get dyno tuned, then remove them and put in 4 random spark plugs from four neighbor's lawnmowers and get tuned, the dyno graphs will be within the dyno's normal error factors. Now you and other can discuss this ad nauseum, but you heard it hear first....it makes no difference.
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Old 01-27-2021, 05:43 AM   #4
tomacGTi
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The difference is in longevity, hence the difference in materials.

Should have stated that from the outset. They all do the same thing, the difference is how long they can continue to do it as new.
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Old 01-27-2021, 10:10 AM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tomacGTi View Post
The difference is in longevity, hence the difference in materials.

Should have stated that from the outset. They all do the same thing, the difference is how long they can continue to do it as new.


What's the expected longevity for them? In OEM applications, iridium has a 100,000 mile change interval. I've been able to get 70,000ish on highly tuned vehicles with iridium. What's the cost difference between the 2? I can't really see the benefit of going longer intervals than what iridium already gives us unless these are far cheaper and create just as good of a spark for the same amount of miles.
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Old 01-27-2021, 12:25 PM   #6
tomacGTi
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Cost difference: couple of dollars.

Change interval: most cases determined by the OEM as well as ease of change. Also see above. Ruthenium is supposed to be harder wearing than the Laser Plus but like I said, anecdotally, I am 20k in. I don't have an opinion just yet.

If you're buying millions of these things at a time and only ever have to do them once versus multiple times during a warranty period, you save money. Obviously as an enthusiast and someone who modifies/plays with their car, your expectations change.

I, for one, coming from the inline world to Subaru, loath a spark plug swap simply because of access. You get used to it versus easier and I would rather put in a good plug that will last awhile and cost more versus constantly swapping out as the performance degrades.

Also, newer, better materials always go to the front and cost more versus older, known ones. Technological advancement and all.

Bigger, better, more, fat free, low carb, organic....

-Randy
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Old 01-27-2021, 12:52 PM   #7
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is it genuinely longevity or marketing?
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Old 01-28-2021, 06:44 AM   #8
tomacGTi
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That's a question for NGK. They are a reputable brand though and not known for baseless gimmicks.

https://ngksparkplugs.com/en/product...um-spark-plugs

In my motor, so far, they do their job. As I've stated earlier, it's too soon to tell you what longevity will ultimately be at 20k.
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Old 01-29-2021, 02:45 AM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jedi03 View Post
is it genuinely longevity or marketing?
Yes
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Old 03-07-2021, 06:24 PM   #10
yliu14
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I believe when you gap your spark plugs based on your boost level, all spark plugs work fine.
Remember to change them regularly, carbon built up on all types of spark plugs.
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