OEM NGK platinum or regular NGK copper plugs
 

I am replacing the plugs in my car and was wondering if I should try something a little different. Instead of getting the regular OEM NGK Platinum plugs, should I venture out and get the NGK regular copper plugs? I hear that they would lend a better spark and also obviously be way cheaper than platinum.

But one question that I do have, is what should they be gapped at? Do they come at 0.044" gap or are they gapped smaller? Also, if they are gapped at 0.044", should they be regapped down to 0.035" or so?

BTW if anyone is interested, here is an interesting article that I came across, comparing NGK platinum to NGK copper plugs: http://www.se-r.net/engine/platinum_copper_ngk.html

Thanks for any help.

About 2 months ago, I replaced our plugs with the NGK coppers. Set the gap on them at .044 Purchased the plugs at Advance Auto for $1.50/plug. Car runs perfect. Just took 2 longs trips, 900 miles in June and 1300 miles in July. Car averaged 29 miles per gallon at an aveage speed of 80mph.

Here's more spark plug info if you care to read
http://www.automotivearticles.com/ge...e&articleid=18
-hype

Yeah NGK copper sounds more appealing now... question is, should I gap at 0.044" or go even higher to 0.048" or 0.052"??

A buddy of mine gapped his Mustang NGK copper plugs at 0.052" and he noticed a night and day difference with the smoothness of the motor.

Has anyone gone over the 0.044" (that is what the stock NGK Platinum plugs gap at)?

don't gap them too much or you will end in perforing your pistons heads... too much is bad and don't forget that the electrode will use so the gap will be wider with the time.

copper

Be sure you get the 'V-Power' NGK coppers and not the regular coppers. I haven't done any experimentation with the gap.

What is the NGK part number on the copper plugs? The 'people' at the local parts store aren't real bright at cross-referencing parts.

part number is on my page http://www.sprintmax.com/tails/sparkplug.htm

Just tell the auto parts store to look up spark plugs for a 97 Altima. The coppers should show up on there computer. This is the same plug for our Maxima.

BKR5E-11 V-Power

So what are you guys gapping them at?

thanks guys. Time to go shopping......

I think the 0.044" should be fine for the coppers as well.