how do the iridium spark plugs compare to the platinum? the manual reccomends platinum, but whats the difference, which one performs better?

 

Dont last as long like 30K compared to 60K for platinum

 

Iridiums are good plugs for boosted cars, to provide a smoother idle and stuff. Just get the NGK copper v power ones.

 

Coppers last 30k... Ir last longer than Pt...

 

The NGK Iridium IX lasts about 60k, the NGK Laser cut Iridium last 100k+, the NGK Laser cut platinum lasts about 100k, the NGK copper lasts about 30k...

 

Why did you quote me?

 

They all suck.,

 

What do you use then? I use NGK platinum and it is awsome. Either way I haven't used any other things.

 

i have idridiums cause i got them free.....i noticed no differance at all, all i know is that do nto have to change these things for a real long time

 

Got my car in '01 after a year decided to change the plugs. I did an OEM swap there were NGK platinums inside. 2 yrs later I read about Iridium and wanted to try them. I went with Denso due to the fact the "electrode is smaller and can carry a better spark." this is coming from Denso. To tell you the truth really can't tell any difference.

 

Coppers for life.

At 1.80 a plug, I see no point in paying x5+ times the price for plats or iridiums when they all do the same exact thing.

 

Platinum is good, but the only reason they ever made platinum plugs was that they didn't have the technology to make iridium plugs cost-effectively. Iridium is better than platinum in every way, so now that iridium plugs are available, there's really no reason to use platinum IMO.

Now, to clear things up about how long they last...

DENSO Iridiums last ~30k-50k miles because of their super fine electrode tip, but can indeed give you a better spark. NGK Iridiums last ~100k miles.

I should know... I've used both (had Denso Iridiums, now on NGK Iridiums). And I drive my car pretty damn hard, so I notice differences.

Cliff's Notes:

Denso Iridium = Best spark, OK life (30k-50k), high price
NGK Iridium = Second-best spark, longest life (~100k), good price
NGK V-Power = Best spark, shortest life (~15k), cheap as hell

Also keep in mind that a copper plug's performance will degrade steadily over its lifetime, which won't happen with a platinum or iridium plug.

All other plugs (including platinum) are not worth considering IMO.

 

Dang it why cant i post a new thread? I'm new here and am looking at a 95 Maxima SE to buy, 124k miles. What should I look out for? Its a 5spd, are the trannys good? Thanks.

 

go read the announcements

 

It doesnt say anything about not being able to start a thread.
So do the Maximas have timing chains or belts?

 

Maybe if we don't answer the n00bs when they try to jack threads with questions they could have Googled or researched in other threads in less time than it took to post, they'll go away...

 

I think NGK platinums are best. $9.99 at Checkers Auto

 

i usually use platinum but next time im switching to iridium....
**** using copper.. u have to change them too much... unless u like changing plugs, then go right ahead....just my opinion..

 

I'm running NGK double Platnums but she came with NGK Iridiums. Too pricey when I needed them($16per) Probably will get them next time though. No manual that I've seen for our car says to use copper(so therefore I will not), just platnums or probably iridiums if they were out when they were printed... my $.02