The NGK-Bosch spark plug debate

[dr-rjp]

As someone who has used Bosch Plantinum Plus 4's in a 3rd Gen Max and a 4th Gen I30, I have to weigh in on the side of the Plus 4's.

It may very well be that OTHER TYPES of Bosch plugs do not fare well in these Nissan engines. BUT, I have put over 100k on each set of Plus 4 plugs with no problems whatsoever.

My car ran just fine and I put on over 302K on my 3rd Gen before selling it. Before selling it, I installed a brand-new set of Plus 4's as the previous set had over 118K on them. As a way to spot check for engine problems, I inspected each Plus 4 plug after removing them.

All of them looked exactly like spark plugs should look if the engine and its related components were running properly. The only things that seemed unusual were the electrodes -- they all were only slightly worn down from how they looked when new (meaning that they might have gone a lot further than 118K).

I do not know why the Plus 4's were the exceptions to the "NO SUBSTITUTE" rule, but they were for me.

NOW, here's another bone to pick.

I recently installed NGK Iridium plugs in my I30. Yes, they are not platinum, as recommended, BUT, they were not invented yet when the engine was designed. So, I decided to give them a try.

According to an NGK tech rep with whom I spoke, their Iridium plugs are a safe and long-lasting replacement for their Platinum plugs.

I sent a letter to Nissan, but so far, they have not responded.

Unless Nissan has a valid reason for NOT using NGK Iridiums, I'll keep them in my engine.

BTW, as an aside, I also put Bosch Plus 4's in two different Acura Integras (both are 1995 Integra LS models, however, with one belonging to my daughter, and the other belonging to my girlfriend). On my daughter's Integra, she has put on over 120k on them with no problems. The other set are on my girlfriend's Integra, and they are also running fine.

[Defiant]

I don't know of a debate~ Bosche's are for VW and Audi, NGKs are for Nissans.Iridiums were developed for lovely GMs and the like whose sparkplugs require engine-hoisting to swap-out. They're meant to last to the third owner, who will then inherit that problem. Good that you like them, and yes, they are newer technology than was around when your car was built. No harm will come of using them, but they're more expense than needed.

(Your cat is a beauty.)

[dr-rjp]

...(Your cat is a beauty.)

THANKS! I love this cat. He's lovable and smart, too.

Check out his music video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hGJ935_s7bE