Irridium IX are in!

[Falkdesigns]

Got them about 4 months ago, finally put them in on Saturday. The plugs that came out looked very good, and Jeff said they were definitely replaced at some point (didn't show on my records). According to NGK, the Irridium IX are the BEST plugs they have ever made. Unlike the platinums, with platinum tip, the irridium have a full irridium core too (so they say). When I was in Japan last month, the IX were VERY pricey, more than double what they cost here, and there was a video of the Toyota F1 car playing at the display talking about the IX plugs.

Ok, so how's it feel? Immediately noticed quicker throttle response. The car feels quicker. When I went to get on the Fwy leaving to go home, I thought "this is awesome!". We'll see if my gas mileage changes any, although I don't expect much. I remeber someone else was asking about them, but everyone likes to think you can't ever improve on stock, so I never said anything. I know the laser platinums were the stuff when they came out, but when the company that makes them says the IX are the best plugs they've ever made, that's good for me. I'm very happy with them.

edit: I also found where my loose ground strap was supposed to attach (posted in Infiniti online mechanic) which is top, front of left Valve cover.
Modified by Falkdesigns at 9:40 AM 5/16/2005

[DAEDALUS]

I'd verify the part about the iridium core. At $500/ounce, it's cheaper than platinum, but at $10/plug, that's only .02 oz at break-even pricing (half a gram). I'd bet it's just iridium-tipped, similar to the plats.

[Falkdesigns]

You could be right, but that's what I'd heard or read, can't recall. Anyhow, I didn't expect to notice any difference really, especially seeing that the old plugs were in very good shape, but I sure did notice a difference.

[DominickJ30]

A good next upgrade would be MSD or another aftermarket ignition system. I saw a demonstration of a conventional and MSD spark in a tester and the difference would amaze you. You could open then gap to more than an inch and the MSD was still firing strong.

[sparkplugs.com]

I'd bet it's just iridium-tipped, similar to the plats.

That's correct - no iridium or platinum plugs have the actual ground strap or center electrode made with iridium or platinum, they are all iridium or platinum tipped - the rest of the material is the standard nickel alloy.

[elwesso]

Interesting... Hope they work out for you...

I assume you used the IFR5G-11?

[Falkdesigns]

BKR5EIX-11

Car runs equally smooth like it already did, but throttle response is noticeabley better, and it feels quicker. Like it's ready to jump at any time, I've had a blast driving it around over the weekend.

Sunday I gave her the clay bar treatment with an Adams Waxes & Polishes bar, finished w/ Meguiars Gold class wax. I think I try different wax every time lol.

[elwesso]

Id be interested to see if the new platinums would have done the same thing.....

Whatever the case is, unexpected power increases are always welcome!

[FarFetched]

The person who had asked question regarding IX plugs was ME!You guys talked me out of it, saying that double platinum the best plugs in the "worlds". Here is my post! zerothread?id=114609

[Falkdesigns]

Well, there are the die-hard, they can't improve on OE guys on here, so I don't bother because it's an argument waiting. Like I said, I'm sure the OE were the stuff 7-8 years ago.

Quote »saying that double platinum the best plugs in the "worlds".[/quote]Not according to thier manufacturer, NGK:

Quote » Iridium IX Spark Plugs are the most technologically advanced high performance plugs available.[/quote]

[maxnix]

Whatever the case is, unexpected power increases are always welcome!

And, unfortunately, usually unsubstantiated by a controlled experiment.

Only way it could occur if previous plugs were excessively worn or fouled, which would indicate some other problem.

[FarFetched]

Regarding a fresh tune-up. I have been noticing that a simple tune up will, in most cases, improve vehicle perfomance. So, I would say it is not because Iridium IX plug, although they are better plugs, it is because electrical current path has been refreshed (unwanted resistance has been eliminated). It is perfectly normal natural aging of any material. Spark plugs aren't exception. When I had my Jeep, I religiously performed tune up at 30K miles with OEM parts. It just like exercising on daily basis which is helping you be in good shape!

[maxnix]

A good next upgrade would be MSD or another aftermarket ignition system.

Actually, that would be a downgrade on a VH4xDE as the coil on plug design is a more advanced technology that assures a better current for firing the plug.

[Falkdesigns]

Quote »Only way it could occur if previous plugs were excessively worn or fouled, which would indicate some other problem.[/quote]Which as I indicated, was not the case. All plugs were in excellent condition.

Definitely wouldn't even consider an aftermarket ignition, the stock system is still very modern.

In all reality, I think I'll probably just change to new plugs every couple years, which will be only about 20k for me, it's not very expensive to do, and I didn't get Irridium IX to last longer than OE, even though Irridium is much harder and more heat resistant than Platinum.