best spark plugs?

[gbabcock]

Forgive me if this has already been covered, (I didn't come up with anything after a quick search), but what type of spark plugs are most people running and how often do you change them? I've always used NGKs and I change them about every 10,000, but I curious to know what other people use.

[JimmyZ]

Wow! Alaska! Pretty cool. I've always wanted to visit and was thinking of moving there someday. Seems that carving out a living there is more difficult and Anchorage is supposedly called "Los Anchorage" by some. I hate the idea of moving al that way to just find myself in more of the same garbage that goes on in the 48. In your area I'm sure that's not the case though.

Champion RJ12YC has always been my fav. (Think I got the # right) They are cheap and seem to be more foul resistant than others. Maybe it's just my superstition about the fouling aspect or perhaps they are just made to a better specification. I've tried Bosch platinum NGK etc and all in different heat ranges. The champs seem to be it.

2c

Jim

[Jeff G 78]

The general concensus is that NGKs work the best in Z cars. Buy the cheapo $1.49 BR6ES-11 (if my memory is right). Don't waste your money on anything fancy. Your car will only run worse with expensive plugs. They are so easy to change and so cheap that I usually replace them fairly often.

[CoastGuardZ]

I currently use NGK's (BP6ES)... about every 10k.

[Arne]

NGK here as well. Use the -11 for electronic ignition. If you're using points, stick with the normal BP6ES.

Jim, I'm glad Champions have worked for you, but that's one brand I won't use unless nothing else is available. I've had more Champions fail over the years (in motorcycles and ATVs) than you can count. In fact, way back in '86 when I bought a new Honda TRX250R I was talking to the tech that was prepping it prior to me picking it up. He saw that it had a Champion in it and replaced it with an NGK on the spot. Said he might as well do it now, as he'd end up doing it under warranty later if he didn't.

[JimmyZ]

Arne,

I'll get some NGK's next set of plugs, I'm sure you're right. My original engine burned a enough oil to foul the plugs often. (rebuilt it after a couple years) I found that the Champs seemed to withstand more cycles of bead or sandblasting than other brands. (Don't understand how such cleaning can "kill" a plug but it does) Didn't try the NGK's that often but now I definitely will.

[zbane]

I used to swear by Bosch Platinums-they did wonderful things for my ol' Accord and Jeep Cherokee. So, I figured they would be great in the Datto. Not so. They were ok, but I noticed a great change once I put in the NGK plugs.

[CoastGuardZ]

NGK here as well. Use the -11 for electronic ignition. If you're using points, stick with the normal BP6ES.

Good info Arne! I'll be able to use that later.

HeHe-- My old man used to say that Champions weren't even good enough for the lawn mower. To his distaste, all of my lawn equipment is packing Champions He was a Bosch guy... But I'm NGK.

** Note on the Bosch Platinums **

In my experience these are great plugs, but if the engine burns any oil or tends to run rich they will foul easily. I presume this is due to the tiny center electrode... all platinum but very tiny, unlike the hurky copper center electrodes.

[76Datsun280z]

NGK's for sure. I've had both NGK's and Champians in my 280z and with the NGK's, I did notice a difference in the way it ran as it was smoother. Not a big difference, but it was there.

[gbabcock]

Thats more or less what I thought about the NGKs- though, I do have to say that I run champs in both my toyota trucks and they seem to have cured all their cold weather starting problems.

[DeesZ]

NGK here... BPR6Es or BP6ES have been by far the best in my experience. I've tried them all over the years... The only runner-up was a Bosch Platinum, but the cost and 'almost as good' performance precludes me from using them again. I've never tried the -11 plug, but now that I've installed a Pertronix (on my '72 L24) I may give them a shot when a change is due. Thanks, Arne!

Gotta ask, what's the -11 plug difference?

[Arne]

Gotta ask, what's the -11 plug difference?

Pre-gapped to .044".