1993 VE - 112K Miles on engine

Well finally got the max in the garage, changed oil, fixed the vacume leak, sanded and painted rusty areas, topped fluids, etc, etc..... However I did not replace the plugs yet. They have about 45K on them, and seem to operate fine.

I noticed that nissan reccomends platinum plugs. What are the best ones you guys have used?

Also noticed it said in the engine compartment that you do not need to gap plugs. Has anyone tried gapping them and noticed a difference in performance or economy?

 

i heard that NGK are recommended but both of my cars have bosch and i have no problems... but they are platinum

 

i had bosch platnium in mine and it didnt quite run the same (ruff idle), i switched to ngk platinum and it went back to normal... i didnt notice any performance gains but that might be because at the time i had an exhaust leak

 

I work at a car parts store and I have had a lot of people complaint about Bosch on Japanese cars...I figure its because Bosch is German. From several mechanics that visit my job and coworkers, Japanese cars are mainly to use NGK as they are usually its OEM plug, Champion I believe is for the Dodge family and Bosch should stay with its European people such as the beamers, VWs and such.

From what I've heard/read the OEM plugs for our Maximas, not sure if both VE and VG or just one should be NGK and they're about $12.99 not sure if EACH or a 4 pack...anyone have anymore info?

Also for reference I belive the gap should be .44mm for the VG, it might be the same for the VE, I think they come pregapped.

 

Definitely go with NGK. I had a Nissan tech tell me that Bosch can cause problems with our coil packs.

If you don't want to spend the money on platinums, the coppers work as well or better, but just don't last as long. I use copper plugs in mine because 1) I am cheap and 2) I drive my Maxima < 2k miles a year.

I would always check the gaps on your plugs and be sure they are correct. I have purchased spark plugs that were supposed to be gapped and the gap was incorrect. Once, I think it was dropped because the gap was almost 0.

 

yea the ngks i had were not gapped i had to gap them and i cant remember how much the gap was.

 

You guys bought NGK OE platinum plugs and they weren't gapped right?

 

Actually, I had an NGK copper for the Maxima that wasn't gapped right and a Champion plug for my 1975 Dodge that wasn't, either. The NGK for the Maxima was the one I think was dropped somewhere along the line. I got it at NAPA, but it might have been bent at the factory or somewhere else.

I just think it's a good idea to make sure they are all gapped properly.