I've done a search on spark plugs in the forum? Most topics were related to platinum and iridium plugs. Originally I thought that platinum plugs provided more hp than copper plugs. But from I've read from some posts, it seems like the main advantage of platinums is that it lasts longer than copper plugs. So is all this hp gain from spark plugs bogus? Let's say that 2 cars are due for the 60k service. One car is replaced with copper and the other platinum. After the replacement, is one car going to outperform the other? Or is this like the deal with the blue bulbs (much brighter than stock, yeah right)?

 

no...

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "no". Anyway, the reason I asked is my dad's 98 is due for 60k service. If I'm going to change the plugs again at 90k, shouldn't I just stick with coppers? I have ngk platinums in my 95. I didn't notice much of a difference to justify spending 6 times the cost of copper plugs. Plus somehow I believe the hp gain isn't really a gain. You're just getting back what you've lost over the years with the old plugs. Perhaps someone can correct me on all of this.

 

if you don't mind changing them 30k vs 60k then Copper is the best way to go.. better spark.. just make sure you gap them correctly.. since they are not pre-gapped..

oh the "no" was to the title..

 

Put the platinums in. There won't be a noticable difference in performance or any at all.

 

throw in platinums if your lazy and if u want more performance use copper

 

Plus they are cheap! Copper plugs are about $2 each, while some places charge $10 and up for Platinum.

 

Copper actually conducts better than platinum, but is unfortunately less corrosion resistant. Copper plugs perform better (although nobody here will ever detect a difference...nor be able to measure it in terms of a power increase) but don't last as long. If you're going to replace your plugs every 30K miles anyway, save the money and buy copper plugs. (Make sure to gap them correctly, though...not pre-gapped like platinums.) If you want to go 60K miles, you need the platinums.

 

I could have sworn i just typed that..

 

Actually if you use copper, you might have to change them every 20k or so. So the big assed pain to change the plugs + $6 each(to have them last 60K like the platinums) worth it to you? Plats don't seem all that expensive now?

 

Yeah, but you're lazy.....

 

Thanks for the info guys. What do I need to get the copper ones gapped? Do I need come kind of special tool? My 30k service was done by the dealer. The 60k was done by a friend and plus the plugs were platinum. So I haven't tried gapping the plugs myself.

 

All you need is a Spark Plug Gap Tool. I don't know if they sell these in every auto parts store but I have one and where it on my key chain.

 

If you're doing this yourself I highly recommend just following the procedure in the 4th Gen Maintenance sticky post in the 4th gen forum and use platinum plugs. Your perceived expertise for doing this yourself doesn't lend to introducing other "variables" such as gapping and getting different plugs, etc.

 

Nice plug.

 

Well, I figured it shouldn't be that hard. I do change oil by myself as regular maintenance. I've done all my brakes, bled brake fluid, changed broken wheel studs, flushed radiator, changed regulator for one of my rear windows, and installed amp and speakers. There must other things I've left out. But I must say I couldn't have done it without help from this forum. I would like to learn about gapping, but if it is a hassle, I guess it would be better to go with platinums.

 

Gapping is easy you can get a spark plug gapper for about 1.00, any auto store should carry them, they look like a silver dollar and have #'s that go around such as .030, .040, and .001 marks in between and you should just gap to stock I think its .043 if I am not mistaken takes a few seconds to gap a plug. very simple.

 

Per Loren in Dallas that I just talked to about this last weekend. He said and I can understand this, that using normal copper plugs will actually do worse than using the NGK plat's. He did this and burned them up in 3 months. They do not last near as long.

 

because he was probably retarded and was running stock heat range with copper plugs on high boost he should be at least two heat ranges colder with 10 PSI

 

I have one other question. Does the Maxima come standard with platinums out of the factory? If so, then I'll just stick with platinums.

 

yes

 

I know he mentioned 1 heat range colder.....hmm

 

i think with a better spark.. higher combustion its going to run hotter..

did he also gap them correctly? i think matt said you have to decrease the gap .35 should be the gap or soemthing? i forgot.. i am too lazy to go search

 

Ahhh yes, one of "your" founding fathers...

I dont doubt Lorens experiance. But, Ive had copper NGK V-Powers, BKR7's, in for a few months and perhaps 4k miles. I have had no problems. Looks like I need to check...

LMFAO...

 

I use .035, I havent had any misfires, and I dont want too. If they burned it is more a function of heat, not gap. My EGTs with two steps, 8.5psi and a 6:1 fmu disc hit 780-790c, thats pretty hot, but not excessive.

 

What about juiced boost? How hot does it get after a run?

 

Well, with the 2 steps and an 8:1 fmu disc and 8.5psi I was seeing ~720. When I shot a 35hp jet, just plain old dry nitrous with no extra fuel, the EGTs only went to ~750. Thats why I went to the 6:1, the 2 steps really cool things off. I havent tried the nitrous yet witht he 6:1 because the temps are prety good where they are and the car feels faster then when I juiced it with the 8:1.

 

Interesting findings. Thanks for the info.

 

No problem, I believe in the freedom of information act. I dont think Texan's do...

JJ, Don and Loren have helped me allot.

 

JJ?

and your sarcasm sucks

 

hmm alrighty lemme post this here

how do you measure the gap exactly? i know you can use a tool that looks somehwat like a ruler....
you slide the tip along it to the desired gapping...
but when you slide it along, do you say that (for example) .44 is reached when the spark plug just just reaches .44. Or when the spark plug tip is in the middle of the .44, or if you go slightly passed it and the other edge is touching .44?

just a weird question