Thread: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?)

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  1. #1 Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
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    It's been a while since the spark plugs for my vehicle has been changed...and since I have this weekend off, I was going to change them myself.

    It seems as though that everybody is using different type of plugs (e.g. NGK, Autolite, AC Delco) and there is no uniform option on materials either (e.g. copper, platinum, iridium).

    I have a stock GTP with no mods. Should I just go with stock spark plugs from GM or go with something a little better for costs/performance?

    Any thoughts appreciated!
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  2. #2 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
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    stock plugs.

    AC Delco 41-101's.

    Gapped at 0.060".
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  3. #3 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    If you plan on doing simple bolt ons...I'd recommend Autolite 606's gapped at .050".

    Other than that...if no mods...evah, then listen to the guy above me.
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
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  4. #4 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    Turbo is the way to go. BillBoost37's Avatar
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    Here's what you are asking.

    Platinum plugs do not last well in our waste spark ignition system. They get eaten alive and are lucky if they survive a month before you have issues.

    Iridiums are what our cars shipped with and they'll do well with them, but the fine tip of the iridium heats up and can cause predetonation which comes through as KR and a loss of power. This is usually when you are on it hard. However they do last a long time.

    Copper plugs: Pick whatever brand you like, in my opnion. A copper plug disipates the heat better and throws a fantastic spark in comparison to the other types. While it's a bit old school and you'll want to replace them every 50K miles or less, they will handle the boost and treat you the best overall.
    I drink..so consider that when reading my posts.

    2010 Audi A6 Dual IC's
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  5. #5 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    GT Level Member tcman49's Avatar
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    How can I tell if my spark plugs need to be replaced, have 80K miles on the car, plugs may have been replaced once, not sure.

    Also can I change out the spark plugs myself, heard something about the engine needs to be tipped forward to replace the back three, why would anyone design an engine like that?

    TC
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  6. #6 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    GTP Level Member 01gpgt01's Avatar
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    The engine doesnt have to be tipped forward, I can swap my plugs in less then 10 min. Trust me theres alot harder engines to change plugs in. My wifes 2003 eclipse GTS for example you have to remove the intake manifold to get to the rear plugs
    2001 GT. A few here and there mods http://www.streetfire.net/video/2001...ynp_208097.htm

    2009 Hummer H3 Solar flare premium
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  7. #7 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    Which is fun to do...same with the VG30 Maxima...been there, done that.
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
    '99 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Z71 4x4 - K&N Intake/Gibson Exhaust #TRUCKTHINGS
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    '89 Ford Mustang LX Notchback - LM7 5.3, 4L80, 9", HX40
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  8. #8 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
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    So I guess, Copper is best, but won't last long. Iridium is the next best thing...and platinum is just crap. So I'll go with Iridium.

    What about spark plug wires? Best to just go with GM stock? Or are there better ones out there for this vehicle?
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  9. #9 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    GTX Level Member tod1d's Avatar
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    stock wires are fine unless your highly modified

    2007 Pontiac Grand Prix
    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2990036
    L26, CAI, HV3, ER Rockers, PLOG, Overkill Tune, flipped dog bones
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  10. #10 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    I like aftermarket wires such as MSD's or PRJ's...because they last for damn near ever.
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
    '99 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Z71 4x4 - K&N Intake/Gibson Exhaust #TRUCKTHINGS
    '12 Buick Regal Turbo - ZZP CAI/20% Tint/HID's
    '89 Ford Mustang LX Notchback - LM7 5.3, 4L80, 9", HX40
    '04 Chevrolet Corvette MRM A4/LS1 - TSP LT's, 3"O/R X, AFE S2 CAI
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  11. #11 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    I live here. SlowNA06's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by bluegtp91 View Post
    I like aftermarket wires such as MSD's or PRJ's...because they last for damn near ever.
    I like em cuz they come in red.
    Irridium spark plugs last 100k mi and work just as well as copper. Copper is a waste on N/A and only lasts 15k mi. Don't use Platinum.
    Use 195* tstat unless you can thoroughly explain why not; 99.9% don't need a lower temp.
    Almost any oil filter, ever, is of higher quality than ACDelco. Spend $6+.
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  12. #12 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by SlowNA06 View Post
    I like em cuz they come in red.
    We know...your inner ricer is showing
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
    '99 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Z71 4x4 - K&N Intake/Gibson Exhaust #TRUCKTHINGS
    '12 Buick Regal Turbo - ZZP CAI/20% Tint/HID's
    '89 Ford Mustang LX Notchback - LM7 5.3, 4L80, 9", HX40
    '04 Chevrolet Corvette MRM A4/LS1 - TSP LT's, 3"O/R X, AFE S2 CAI
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  13. #13 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
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    I prefer Autolite copper. Stock, use 606's
    Slowest 'Cooled Gen V ever

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  14. #14 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
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    Quote Originally Posted by bluegtp91 View Post
    We know...your inner ricer is showing
    My therapist says I've been improving.
    Irridium spark plugs last 100k mi and work just as well as copper. Copper is a waste on N/A and only lasts 15k mi. Don't use Platinum.
    Use 195* tstat unless you can thoroughly explain why not; 99.9% don't need a lower temp.
    Almost any oil filter, ever, is of higher quality than ACDelco. Spend $6+.
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  15. #15 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
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    Quote Originally Posted by bluegtp91 View Post
    I like aftermarket wires such as MSD's or PRJ's...because they last for damn near ever.
    I noticed that my stock spark plug wires have a heat shield around the end of the wire (where the spark plug fits in). Do the MSDs require the heat shield as well? Or can I just install them on itself?

    I called MSD Ignitions and they told me that they don't require them, but told me to keep my old set just incase the MSD melted.
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  16. #16 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
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    Quote Originally Posted by ddsohn View Post
    Do the MSDs require the heat shield as well?
    Nope, no need for heat shields. Some people buy boot coveres... kevlar or something like that. But if it melts, you have a bigger problem. Like fire.
    Irridium spark plugs last 100k mi and work just as well as copper. Copper is a waste on N/A and only lasts 15k mi. Don't use Platinum.
    Use 195* tstat unless you can thoroughly explain why not; 99.9% don't need a lower temp.
    Almost any oil filter, ever, is of higher quality than ACDelco. Spend $6+.
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  17. #17 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    The Blue One blueguy's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by ddsohn View Post
    I noticed that my stock spark plug wires have a heat shield around the end of the wire (where the spark plug fits in). Do the MSDs require the heat shield as well? Or can I just install them on itself?

    I called MSD Ignitions and they told me that they don't require them, but told me to keep my old set just incase the MSD melted.
    My MSD's only melted when they sat on the header for a few hours LOL.

    And even with a huge hole in the side...they work just fine
    Sold WBody's: '03 Blue GTP/'98 Green GTP/'98 Silver GT/'05 GXP
    '99 Chevrolet Silverado Classic Z71 4x4 - K&N Intake/Gibson Exhaust #TRUCKTHINGS
    '12 Buick Regal Turbo - ZZP CAI/20% Tint/HID's
    '89 Ford Mustang LX Notchback - LM7 5.3, 4L80, 9", HX40
    '04 Chevrolet Corvette MRM A4/LS1 - TSP LT's, 3"O/R X, AFE S2 CAI
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  18. #18 Re: Best Type/Company for Spark Plugs (?) 
    SE Level Member Jack44's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by tcman49 View Post
    How can I tell if my spark plugs need to be replaced, have 80K miles on the car, plugs may have been replaced once, not sure.

    Also can I change out the spark plugs myself, heard something about the engine needs to be tipped forward to replace the back three, why would anyone design an engine like that?

    TC
    This should help in checking plugs... Spark Plugs

    ...and tipping engine forward really helps...Just undo the Dog Bones and rock engine forward...I use a ratchet tie down to hold it forward...Other guy must have real skinny arms...

    Also, best to do on a cold engine for the obvious...
    http://www.cardomain.com/ride/444905

    "It's never too late to be what you might have been" - George Eliot
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