flthere

iTrader: (2)

Unbelievable but I went to this site http://www.ngk.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=1305098&pid=3219 and found that it only costs ~$3 per plug. Can we trust this pricing and site ???

I read sometime ago that sbdy bought these ngk platinum for abt $8 each from some ___racing.com ... can someone post the site again ..

thanks

Creedence85

I think these are NGK single platinum plugs, whereas the $8 ones to which you're referring might be double platinum, however I checked the site and the doubles are actually $11. The difference basically is that on single platinum, the centre electrode is platinum only, but on double, there is a platinum tip welded on the outer electrode/ground.

If I were you i'd call 2 or 3 reputalbe parts stores in your area and get prices to compare

I30tMikeD

iTrader: (8)

Those are not the platinum plugs that come stock in our cars. I would just go with the coppers BKR5E-11 if I were you. Especially if you change the plugs yourself.

Bobo

Any loss in performance using the copper plugs? Also, assuming new platinum and new copper plugs, would there be any difference in fuel economy, using one plug or the other?

I30tMikeD

iTrader: (8)

Copper is a better conductor than platinum is, so it should actually be better. The use of platinum plugs was for Nissan to be able to advertise the 100K mile tune up thing.

If you change your own plugs copper is the only way to go. You can spend $12 for a set of coppers every 30K miles or $60+ every 60K-100K miles.

flthere

iTrader: (2)

Thanks mike, one last question ... do i've to change the wires as well for coppers ? (assuming the stock spark plugs i have in the car are NGK Platinum!) .. How often do you change the wire set ?

NewLoveI30

You dont need to change any wires. Just so you know, we dont have the conventional, big, old school, plug wires. Our cars have electronic ignition and use a small wire to send a signal to the ignition coils right above the plug.

Bobo

I've only got 53,000 miles on my 95 Maxima SE and it runs like a top. I delayed by 30,000 mile service to 35,000 miles and am thinking about delaying my 60,000 mile service to 65,000 miles or so. I take it that the plugs should last that long. I am hearing from various Nissan dealers not to wait to long as with the aluminum block a couple of the plugs at the back can be troublesome to get out. In one case, I heard that someone didn't have their plugs replaced until about 93,000 miles and they had to take the head off and send it out to a machine shop. Any downside, if the car is running fine, to wait until 65,000 to 70,000 miles for major service - the car has predominately highway miles on it.

I know this isn't the 4th Gen forum, but it seems that there are some knowledgeable people here.

i30ds

iTrader: (8)

I dont think an extra 5,000 miles would be that bad.... just dont go longer than that! At least you have maintainence on your mind! some people never change their spark plugs, or the fuel filter, air filter, transmission oil, power steering fulid and brake fluid!!

One of my co-workers has a 98 Altima with 90,000 miles, and all she has ever changed was the engine oil!! And even then that was done every 7,500 miles with the filter done at every other oil change!! I dont know that car is still running.

That sucks about that person getting their spark plugs stuck in the head.... and I forgot to use anti-seize compound when I changed my plugs.....

I30tMikeD

iTrader: (8)

5K miles won't make a difference. Just make sure it gets done.

{-_-}

iTrader: (2)

when i changed out my plugs, i used anti-seize and some electrical greese too (forgot the name).

i30ds

iTrader: (8)

Yeah... I actually have been contemplating removing the spark plugs and putting some on. Sometimes I get paranoid about the small stuff!!

{-_-}

iTrader: (2)

go fer it if you have the time... for me, i just wanted to make sure i did it correct the first time since it was my first DIY on a car.