Dealer told me that 97 maxima can only use NKG plantinum spark plug??
10-11-2004, 03:26 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 17
Dealer told me that 97 maxima can only use NKG plantinum spark plug??
I replaced my 97 maxima with BOTCH plantinum +2 spark plug just two weeks ago. As I read in this forum that I should have used NKG plug only, I just called a dealer and wanted to buy copper NKG plug. But the dealer told me that for 97 maxima, only plantinum plug is recommended by nissan and they
don't guarranttee anything for using copper plugs. I just doubt whether it's true for 97 maxima. For plantinum plugs, they are really expensive provided I already wasted some money for buying BOTCH ones.
don't guarranttee anything for using copper plugs. I just doubt whether it's true for 97 maxima. For plantinum plugs, they are really expensive provided I already wasted some money for buying BOTCH ones.
10-11-2004, 03:43 PM
#4
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2004
Posts: 28
its "bosch" by the way. and dealers just want u to spend $$$
i had a lady come in today and had her Engine Light checked...and she had 4 codes...that she just paid the dealership $675 to fix...and they didn't.
i work at autozone by the way. anyways...yeah dealerships suck
i had a lady come in today and had her Engine Light checked...and she had 4 codes...that she just paid the dealership $675 to fix...and they didn't.
i work at autozone by the way. anyways...yeah dealerships suck
10-11-2004, 03:51 PM
#5
It is true, when having service done at the dealer only NGK plantinum plug is recommended by nissan.
I have afriend who is a mechanic for Nissan and when people bring their cars in thats what he tells them. They only recommend NGK platinums.
But we all know we can use the copper items.
I have afriend who is a mechanic for Nissan and when people bring their cars in thats what he tells them. They only recommend NGK platinums.
But we all know we can use the copper items.
10-11-2004, 04:26 PM
#6
They come with the NGK platinums, as long as you stick with NGK you're fine, I used Bosch +4 platinums (expensive!) and after six months my max was idling low and rough also at WOT a slight hesitation like I was being held back, I threw in a set of NGK coppers (cheap!) the car ran awesome and the idle was smooth again.
10-11-2004, 04:29 PM
#7
I think nissan's just covering their butts. They tested the engines w/ngk plat, so that's what they'll recommend.
It's the same deal with springs. Ask a spring company (eibach, sprint, progress) what strut they recommend... they say Nissan... .cuz that's what they tested the springs on.
Jae
It's the same deal with springs. Ask a spring company (eibach, sprint, progress) what strut they recommend... they say Nissan... .cuz that's what they tested the springs on.
Jae
jeez.
10-11-2004, 05:56 PM
#11
once again
http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaSparkPlugs
I am running Copper BKR5E-11 right now. Runs great. They are a lot cheaper than the platinums and probably perform better.
http://maxmods.dyndns.org/index.php?MaximaSparkPlugs
Originally Posted by maxmods.dyndns.org
Only run NGK spark plugs in the Nissan engine. This point cannot be stressed enough. The engine and ignition system was designed with the internal resistance and exact parameters of NGK spark plugs in mind. Maybe some people have had some success stories running other brands, but others have lost 15hp, have lost gas mileage, have hesitation problems, or had to replace their whole engine, just by running non-NGK plugs. Don't say we didn't warn you ahead of time.
The gap distance for all these spark plugs is 1.1mm or .0433 inches, which is what the -11 in the model number stands for.
The gap distance for all these spark plugs is 1.1mm or .0433 inches, which is what the -11 in the model number stands for.
10-11-2004, 06:30 PM
#14
Originally Posted by JoeB
What about NGK IRIDIUM IX plugs. Are they any good ?? There is a guy selling them on EBay for $36.
they have it for $39.95 shipped.
is that too good to be true? I know iridium plugs are the top of the top but only $40 for them??
10-11-2004, 08:07 PM
#16
Supporting Maxima.org Member
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,132
Go and do 1 of 2 things.
Put NGK Plats in and be happy your going OEM with best quality. OR you can go NGK coppers thats almost as good performance but alot less cost and only last 15-30 thousand miles. What is it 12 bucks for Coppers.
TO me its only 60 bucks to install NGK Plats. I mean if you cant afford 60 bucks for 60,000 miles - 90,000 miles then you need to look at your finances again.
Bottom line. Both provide equal performance but one last longer than other. Your choice. Do it youself or have a friend do it, its simple.
Gap? .44m
Proph
Put NGK Plats in and be happy your going OEM with best quality. OR you can go NGK coppers thats almost as good performance but alot less cost and only last 15-30 thousand miles. What is it 12 bucks for Coppers.
TO me its only 60 bucks to install NGK Plats. I mean if you cant afford 60 bucks for 60,000 miles - 90,000 miles then you need to look at your finances again.
Bottom line. Both provide equal performance but one last longer than other. Your choice. Do it youself or have a friend do it, its simple.
Gap? .44m
Proph
10-11-2004, 08:12 PM
#17
Originally Posted by Prophecy1
Go and do 1 of 2 things.
Put NGK Plats in and be happy your going OEM with best quality. OR you can go NGK coppers thats almost as good performance but alot less cost and only last 15-30 thousand miles. What is it 12 bucks for Coppers.
TO me its only 60 bucks to install NGK Plats. I mean if you cant afford 60 bucks for 60,000 miles - 90,000 miles then you need to look at your finances again.
Bottom line. Both provide equal performance but one last longer than other. Your choice. Do it youself or have a friend do it, its simple.
Gap? .44m
Proph
Put NGK Plats in and be happy your going OEM with best quality. OR you can go NGK coppers thats almost as good performance but alot less cost and only last 15-30 thousand miles. What is it 12 bucks for Coppers.
TO me its only 60 bucks to install NGK Plats. I mean if you cant afford 60 bucks for 60,000 miles - 90,000 miles then you need to look at your finances again.
Bottom line. Both provide equal performance but one last longer than other. Your choice. Do it youself or have a friend do it, its simple.
Gap? .44m
Proph
$60 for the NGK plats that last 60K
$12 for BGK copper that last 30K
If you stick with copper after 60K in miles you would have spend $24 in splugs, versus $60 for the plats, that save you $36 which is 3 more plug changes (90K miles).
ofcourse you'd have to make time to change out the plugs, but its a 20 min job.
I say this in defense of those who have to watch each dollar as it comes and goes, we dont want it to be this way, but were trying to hold it down until we can get into better financial situations.
gap factor spec: .39mm - .44mm
10-12-2004, 01:26 AM
#18
bosch is a very good brand spark plug to use, but for our max's, only use ngk. and like mentioned by someone, copper lasts half the life of what the platinum does. but you'll get slightly better performance and reliability from platinum. i go platinum.
also, nissan did platinum for a reason. they are not trying to sell plat pops for more money, nor the incentive being that they initially tested the car with plat plugs. these VQ engineers don't just come up with plat plug requirements for nothing. Plat plugs are used because of the integrated timing requirements to ignite the fire for the volumetric efficiency to produce work. Dont' get the wrong idea, this doesn't mean that the copper ones do much worse. they are about the same. For Combustion under high Octane requirements, plats do differentially better. but due to the infinitely fast firing order from timing, this difference (differentially with respect to timing) between using plat or copper can be theoretically ignored. the only difference comes down to how long each lasts. and plats are much longer.
about the iridium plugs, hahaha, you've gotten to be kidding. it cracks faster than you think it'll last. iridium plugs are only advantageous if you go FI with Nitrous Oxide (Wet ones). it'll create "fast" fire, making force induction more responsive. and fast cooling occurs right after ignition. under regular combustion, it was said to be very unstable. combustion under iridium produces uneven exhaust volumes. this will create disorder in the firing sequence. iridium is extremely conductive, making it a ideal ignition spark plug; but not an ideal endurance based performance mod.
also, nissan did platinum for a reason. they are not trying to sell plat pops for more money, nor the incentive being that they initially tested the car with plat plugs. these VQ engineers don't just come up with plat plug requirements for nothing. Plat plugs are used because of the integrated timing requirements to ignite the fire for the volumetric efficiency to produce work. Dont' get the wrong idea, this doesn't mean that the copper ones do much worse. they are about the same. For Combustion under high Octane requirements, plats do differentially better. but due to the infinitely fast firing order from timing, this difference (differentially with respect to timing) between using plat or copper can be theoretically ignored. the only difference comes down to how long each lasts. and plats are much longer.
about the iridium plugs, hahaha, you've gotten to be kidding. it cracks faster than you think it'll last. iridium plugs are only advantageous if you go FI with Nitrous Oxide (Wet ones). it'll create "fast" fire, making force induction more responsive. and fast cooling occurs right after ignition. under regular combustion, it was said to be very unstable. combustion under iridium produces uneven exhaust volumes. this will create disorder in the firing sequence. iridium is extremely conductive, making it a ideal ignition spark plug; but not an ideal endurance based performance mod.
10-12-2004, 07:53 AM
#20
Originally Posted by cyu1
bosch is a very good brand spark plug to use, but for our max's, only use ngk. and like mentioned by someone, copper lasts half the life of what the platinum does. but you'll get slightly better performance and reliability from platinum. i go platinum.
also, nissan did platinum for a reason. they are not trying to sell plat pops for more money, nor the incentive being that they initially tested the car with plat plugs. these VQ engineers don't just come up with plat plug requirements for nothing. Plat plugs are used because of the integrated timing requirements to ignite the fire for the volumetric efficiency to produce work. Dont' get the wrong idea, this doesn't mean that the copper ones do much worse. they are about the same. For Combustion under high Octane requirements, plats do differentially better. but due to the infinitely fast firing order from timing, this difference (differentially with respect to timing) between using plat or copper can be theoretically ignored. the only difference comes down to how long each lasts. and plats are much longer.
about the iridium plugs, hahaha, you've gotten to be kidding. it cracks faster than you think it'll last. iridium plugs are only advantageous if you go FI with Nitrous Oxide (Wet ones). it'll create "fast" fire, making force induction more responsive. and fast cooling occurs right after ignition. under regular combustion, it was said to be very unstable. combustion under iridium produces uneven exhaust volumes. this will create disorder in the firing sequence. iridium is extremely conductive, making it a ideal ignition spark plug; but not an ideal endurance based performance mod.
also, nissan did platinum for a reason. they are not trying to sell plat pops for more money, nor the incentive being that they initially tested the car with plat plugs. these VQ engineers don't just come up with plat plug requirements for nothing. Plat plugs are used because of the integrated timing requirements to ignite the fire for the volumetric efficiency to produce work. Dont' get the wrong idea, this doesn't mean that the copper ones do much worse. they are about the same. For Combustion under high Octane requirements, plats do differentially better. but due to the infinitely fast firing order from timing, this difference (differentially with respect to timing) between using plat or copper can be theoretically ignored. the only difference comes down to how long each lasts. and plats are much longer.
about the iridium plugs, hahaha, you've gotten to be kidding. it cracks faster than you think it'll last. iridium plugs are only advantageous if you go FI with Nitrous Oxide (Wet ones). it'll create "fast" fire, making force induction more responsive. and fast cooling occurs right after ignition. under regular combustion, it was said to be very unstable. combustion under iridium produces uneven exhaust volumes. this will create disorder in the firing sequence. iridium is extremely conductive, making it a ideal ignition spark plug; but not an ideal endurance based performance mod.
I hired a young engineer once who used to write reports in this manner. I made him rewrite them everytime, cutting out the BS.
10-12-2004, 07:56 AM
#21
http://www.sprintmax.com/tails/sparkplug.htm
The Nissan Part # for these plugs are 22401 - 50Y05
I used NGK Copper Plugs for my replacement. This is optional, the maxima is recommended to run with Platinum Plugs, however copper provides a better spark and the only down side is it will only last for 30k instead of 60k for platinum plugs. The Nissan Part # for these plugs are 22401 - 50Y05. you can walk into any Nissan Dealership and give them this part number for these copper plugs. The NGK name for the plugs are NGK V-Power Copper BKR5E-11, all this information was obtained from Bill from Maxima.org
10-12-2004, 08:00 AM
#22
Originally Posted by cyu1
bosch is a very good brand spark plug to use, but for our max's, only use ngk. and like mentioned by someone, copper lasts half the life of what the platinum does. but you'll get slightly better performance and reliability from platinum. i go platinum.
also, nissan did platinum for a reason. they are not trying to sell plat pops for more money, nor the incentive being that they initially tested the car with plat plugs. these VQ engineers don't just come up with plat plug requirements for nothing. Plat plugs are used because of the integrated timing requirements to ignite the fire for the volumetric efficiency to produce work. Dont' get the wrong idea, this doesn't mean that the copper ones do much worse. they are about the same. For Combustion under high Octane requirements, plats do differentially better. but due to the infinitely fast firing order from timing, this difference (differentially with respect to timing) between using plat or copper can be theoretically ignored. the only difference comes down to how long each lasts. and plats are much longer.
about the iridium plugs, hahaha, you've gotten to be kidding. it cracks faster than you think it'll last. iridium plugs are only advantageous if you go FI with Nitrous Oxide (Wet ones). it'll create "fast" fire, making force induction more responsive. and fast cooling occurs right after ignition. under regular combustion, it was said to be very unstable. combustion under iridium produces uneven exhaust volumes. this will create disorder in the firing sequence. iridium is extremely conductive, making it a ideal ignition spark plug; but not an ideal endurance based performance mod.
also, nissan did platinum for a reason. they are not trying to sell plat pops for more money, nor the incentive being that they initially tested the car with plat plugs. these VQ engineers don't just come up with plat plug requirements for nothing. Plat plugs are used because of the integrated timing requirements to ignite the fire for the volumetric efficiency to produce work. Dont' get the wrong idea, this doesn't mean that the copper ones do much worse. they are about the same. For Combustion under high Octane requirements, plats do differentially better. but due to the infinitely fast firing order from timing, this difference (differentially with respect to timing) between using plat or copper can be theoretically ignored. the only difference comes down to how long each lasts. and plats are much longer.
about the iridium plugs, hahaha, you've gotten to be kidding. it cracks faster than you think it'll last. iridium plugs are only advantageous if you go FI with Nitrous Oxide (Wet ones). it'll create "fast" fire, making force induction more responsive. and fast cooling occurs right after ignition. under regular combustion, it was said to be very unstable. combustion under iridium produces uneven exhaust volumes. this will create disorder in the firing sequence. iridium is extremely conductive, making it a ideal ignition spark plug; but not an ideal endurance based performance mod.
10-12-2004, 09:14 AM
#23
Moderator who thinks he is better than us with his I30
iTrader: (8)
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 9,335
Don't be too worried about what the guy at the parts Nissan part department says. If the info is backed up on the org then you good. I go to a local Nissan dealership for alot of my I30 parts, fuel filters, plugs and such.... when I first went there I told them that I had an I30 and would always get hassled about what I was buying. Telling me that the cars are "similar, but not really" blah, blah, blah.
When I go get parts now I just either tell them I have a 96 maxima or try to just give them a part #.
But at the same time you can't expect a dealership parts guy to know everything about every part of every Nissan.
When I go get parts now I just either tell them I have a 96 maxima or try to just give them a part #.
But at the same time you can't expect a dealership parts guy to know everything about every part of every Nissan.
10-12-2004, 10:31 PM
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 731
Originally Posted by Prophecy1
Go and do 1 of 2 things.
Put NGK Plats in and be happy your going OEM with best quality. OR you can go NGK coppers thats almost as good performance but alot less cost and only last 15-30 thousand miles. What is it 12 bucks for Coppers.
TO me its only 60 bucks to install NGK Plats. I mean if you cant afford 60 bucks for 60,000 miles - 90,000 miles then you need to look at your finances again.
Bottom line. Both provide equal performance but one last longer than other. Your choice. Do it youself or have a friend do it, its simple.
Gap? .44m
Proph
Put NGK Plats in and be happy your going OEM with best quality. OR you can go NGK coppers thats almost as good performance but alot less cost and only last 15-30 thousand miles. What is it 12 bucks for Coppers.
TO me its only 60 bucks to install NGK Plats. I mean if you cant afford 60 bucks for 60,000 miles - 90,000 miles then you need to look at your finances again.
Bottom line. Both provide equal performance but one last longer than other. Your choice. Do it youself or have a friend do it, its simple.
Gap? .44m
Proph
they don't last as long, and dont have a cool name, thus cheaper.
but, guess what, technically speaking they're better
from the factory, of course they can install plugs that only cost a few bucks more. you think anyone cares that their $10k+ price tag has another 30 bucks on it for more expensive plugs then copper? plus they last longer. only reason they're in there to begin with
10-13-2004, 07:51 AM
#26
On top of ALL that has been said here, think of the simple economics of the situation. Markup on the platinums is GREATER than the markup on the coopers, right? Now, don't most "normal" car owners go to the dealer for those types of parts- particularly when they buy cheap-o spark plugs and have failures? Yes. So they at least go to the dealer for diagnostics and the dealer says what? That thay need ot run platinums. And low-and-behold, the dealer happens to sell them- at a huge markup.
That is a contributing factor in why the car comes with them from the factory- because all that a dealership guy has to say is "well, they came that way from the factory for a reason. the car was designed with platinums in mind." Saying this will have 99% of people reacing for the wallet right there at the dealer.
That is a contributing factor in why the car comes with them from the factory- because all that a dealership guy has to say is "well, they came that way from the factory for a reason. the car was designed with platinums in mind." Saying this will have 99% of people reacing for the wallet right there at the dealer.
10-13-2004, 09:22 AM
#27
I find this whole argument absolutely hilarious. Some of the useless crap I see on cars on this board and people worried about saving money on spark plugs.
You can go on and on... but the fact is, you can't substantiate the argument.
I use platinum’s because that is what Nissan recommends and the ONLY argument against them is the cost. Now, I have never sat down and figured it out, but I see a lot of problems with coil packs, O2 sensors, and knock sensors on this board - yet with platinum’s I still have my stock coils, O2s, and KS and they are all approaching 200,000 miles.
Now, like I said, I haven't sat down and tried to correlate people’s posts... and I am sure this is more than a little superstition. However, I'll stick with what works when there is no evidence in my mind to switch and a sneaky suspicion that using different plugs just might have something to do with it. Or maybe I am just lucky... which means I should stick with what I know, so my luck doesn't run out.
Either way, I figure I am ahead with the platinum's.
You can go on and on... but the fact is, you can't substantiate the argument.
I use platinum’s because that is what Nissan recommends and the ONLY argument against them is the cost. Now, I have never sat down and figured it out, but I see a lot of problems with coil packs, O2 sensors, and knock sensors on this board - yet with platinum’s I still have my stock coils, O2s, and KS and they are all approaching 200,000 miles.
Now, like I said, I haven't sat down and tried to correlate people’s posts... and I am sure this is more than a little superstition. However, I'll stick with what works when there is no evidence in my mind to switch and a sneaky suspicion that using different plugs just might have something to do with it. Or maybe I am just lucky... which means I should stick with what I know, so my luck doesn't run out.
Either way, I figure I am ahead with the platinum's.
10-13-2004, 09:50 AM
#28
Originally Posted by Entropy
I find this whole argument absolutely hilarious. Some of the useless crap I see on cars on this board and people worried about saving money on spark plugs.
You can go on and on... but the fact is, you can't substantiate the argument.
I use platinum’s because that is what Nissan recommends and the ONLY argument against them is the cost. Now, I have never sat down and figured it out, but I see a lot of problems with coil packs, O2 sensors, and knock sensors on this board - yet with platinum’s I still have my stock coils, O2s, and KS and they are all approaching 200,000 miles.
Now, like I said, I haven't sat down and tried to correlate people’s posts... and I am sure this is more than a little superstition. However, I'll stick with what works when there is no evidence in my mind to switch and a sneaky suspicion that using different plugs just might have something to do with it. Or maybe I am just lucky... which means I should stick with what I know, so my luck doesn't run out.
Either way, I figure I am ahead with the platinum's.
You can go on and on... but the fact is, you can't substantiate the argument.
I use platinum’s because that is what Nissan recommends and the ONLY argument against them is the cost. Now, I have never sat down and figured it out, but I see a lot of problems with coil packs, O2 sensors, and knock sensors on this board - yet with platinum’s I still have my stock coils, O2s, and KS and they are all approaching 200,000 miles.
Now, like I said, I haven't sat down and tried to correlate people’s posts... and I am sure this is more than a little superstition. However, I'll stick with what works when there is no evidence in my mind to switch and a sneaky suspicion that using different plugs just might have something to do with it. Or maybe I am just lucky... which means I should stick with what I know, so my luck doesn't run out.
Either way, I figure I am ahead with the platinum's.
you don't know do you? so in actuallity your statement has no value.
I use copper plugs and i have been using them for over 100,000 miles now and i don't have coil pack problems. So what are you talking about again?
no evidence for you to switch? i guess you don't like money in your pocket.
10-13-2004, 09:56 AM
#29
Originally Posted by SprintMax
since you brought it up.. How many people with coil pack problems are using Copper plugs?
you don't know do you? so in actuallity your statement has no value.
I use copper plugs and i have been using them for over 100,000 miles now and i don't have coil pack problems. So what are you talking about again?
no evidence for you to switch? i guess you don't like money in your pocket.
you don't know do you? so in actuallity your statement has no value.
I use copper plugs and i have been using them for over 100,000 miles now and i don't have coil pack problems. So what are you talking about again?
no evidence for you to switch? i guess you don't like money in your pocket.
I think I said three times that I had no evidence and that it was likely just superstition. No reason to get all butthurt and defensive.
10-13-2004, 10:01 AM
#30
Originally Posted by SprintMax
since you brought it up.. How many people with coil pack problems are using Copper plugs?
you don't know do you? so in actuallity your statement has no value.
I use copper plugs and i have been using them for over 100,000 miles now and i don't have coil pack problems. So what are you talking about again?
no evidence for you to switch? i guess you don't like money in your pocket.
you don't know do you? so in actuallity your statement has no value.
I use copper plugs and i have been using them for over 100,000 miles now and i don't have coil pack problems. So what are you talking about again?
no evidence for you to switch? i guess you don't like money in your pocket.
120 bucks for 186,000 miles and 6 years. Yeah, my pocket book is hurting soooo bad.
Let's see. If I had used copper... I would have replaced them maybe 5 times at 15 bucks (I am trying to be conservative). That's 75 bucks for a difference of 45 dollars and 3 spark plug changes. Doesn't sound so bad to me.
10-13-2004, 10:08 AM
#31
Question. If the coppers only last about 30k, are they already degrading by 30k? Or will they performing very well at 30k? When I change my plats at 60k, they are actually performing pretty much as new or est.. 80% as new when I change them.
10-13-2004, 10:25 AM
#32
Originally Posted by Jeff92se
Question. If the coppers only last about 30k, are they already degrading by 30k? Or will they performing very well at 30k? When I change my plats at 60k, they are actually performing pretty much as new or est.. 80% as new when I change them.
A standard plugs voltage requirements increase by about 1000 volts after 30,000 miles (it's linear, so figure 500 volts for 15,000 miles) and there is almost no perceptible change in voltage requirements for platinum.
The chance of misfire with copper plugs is so much higher (at the end of their life span) than platinum as to make it almost inevitable.
A good platinum plug (like the NGK) should be able to go well over 60,000 miles. We are going by Nissan's recommendations there. We are only going over maybe half the life of the spark plug (maybe a little more with the HEI) while the coppers are pretty much done at 30,000 miles.
But hey, our coils can handle the extra load... our O2 sensors love unburnt gas...
10-13-2004, 10:45 AM
#33
arent platinum plugs just ordinary coppers, just platinum coated?
Originally Posted by Entropy
I don't see a very large loss in gas mileage as my plugs get older (using platinum) and they come out after 60K (or so) looking VERY clean.
A standard plugs voltage requirements increase by about 1000 volts after 30,000 miles (it's linear, so figure 500 volts for 15,000 miles) and there is almost no perceptible change in voltage requirements for platinum.
The chance of misfire with copper plugs is so much higher (at the end of their life span) than platinum as to make it almost inevitable.
A good platinum plug (like the NGK) should be able to go well over 60,000 miles. We are going by Nissan's recommendations there. We are only going over maybe half the life of the spark plug (maybe a little more with the HEI) while the coppers are pretty much done at 30,000 miles.
But hey, our coils can handle the extra load... our O2 sensors love unburnt gas...
A standard plugs voltage requirements increase by about 1000 volts after 30,000 miles (it's linear, so figure 500 volts for 15,000 miles) and there is almost no perceptible change in voltage requirements for platinum.
The chance of misfire with copper plugs is so much higher (at the end of their life span) than platinum as to make it almost inevitable.
A good platinum plug (like the NGK) should be able to go well over 60,000 miles. We are going by Nissan's recommendations there. We are only going over maybe half the life of the spark plug (maybe a little more with the HEI) while the coppers are pretty much done at 30,000 miles.
But hey, our coils can handle the extra load... our O2 sensors love unburnt gas...
10-13-2004, 11:00 AM
#34
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2003
Posts: 390
Originally Posted by Entropy
I find this whole argument absolutely hilarious. Some of the useless crap I see on cars on this board and people worried about saving money on spark plugs.
You can go on and on... but the fact is, you can't substantiate the argument.
I use platinum’s because that is what Nissan recommends and the ONLY argument against them is the cost. Now, I have never sat down and figured it out, but I see a lot of problems with coil packs, O2 sensors, and knock sensors on this board - yet with platinum’s I still have my stock coils, O2s, and KS and they are all approaching 200,000 miles.
Now, like I said, I haven't sat down and tried to correlate people’s posts... and I am sure this is more than a little superstition. However, I'll stick with what works when there is no evidence in my mind to switch and a sneaky suspicion that using different plugs just might have something to do with it. Or maybe I am just lucky... which means I should stick with what I know, so my luck doesn't run out.
Either way, I figure I am ahead with the platinum's.
You can go on and on... but the fact is, you can't substantiate the argument.
I use platinum’s because that is what Nissan recommends and the ONLY argument against them is the cost. Now, I have never sat down and figured it out, but I see a lot of problems with coil packs, O2 sensors, and knock sensors on this board - yet with platinum’s I still have my stock coils, O2s, and KS and they are all approaching 200,000 miles.
Now, like I said, I haven't sat down and tried to correlate people’s posts... and I am sure this is more than a little superstition. However, I'll stick with what works when there is no evidence in my mind to switch and a sneaky suspicion that using different plugs just might have something to do with it. Or maybe I am just lucky... which means I should stick with what I know, so my luck doesn't run out.
Either way, I figure I am ahead with the platinum's.
Ill have to agree, more maintenance intervals for what? a few HP? A few bucks? The time it takes to install the sparks plugs makes up for the money saved. And yah what he said.....
10-13-2004, 11:01 AM
#35
Originally Posted by Entropy
Oh, and I have changed my spark plugs twice. So $60 times 2 = 120 bucks.
120 bucks for 186,000 miles and 6 years. Yeah, my pocket book is hurting soooo bad.
Let's see. If I had used copper... I would have replaced them maybe 5 times at 15 bucks (I am trying to be conservative). That's 75 bucks for a difference of 45 dollars and 3 spark plug changes. Doesn't sound so bad to me.
120 bucks for 186,000 miles and 6 years. Yeah, my pocket book is hurting soooo bad.
Let's see. If I had used copper... I would have replaced them maybe 5 times at 15 bucks (I am trying to be conservative). That's 75 bucks for a difference of 45 dollars and 3 spark plug changes. Doesn't sound so bad to me.
10-13-2004, 11:01 AM
#36
Originally Posted by killcrap
arent platinum plugs just ordinary coppers, just platinum coated?
10-13-2004, 11:06 AM
#37
Originally Posted by SprintMax
by the same token i spend $24 when you spend $120 .. i guess you are a very rich man.. but i don't have a problem spending $24 instead of $120
At 60,000 miles, my plugs haven't seen near the wear yours have at 15,000 miles.
As a matter of fact, I am willing to back it up. I am at 186 or 187,000 miles right now... so I am about due. Anyone who would like compare (visually at least) the condition of our plugs and has a copper set with around 30,000 miles I would be interested to post pictures to see the results.
10-13-2004, 11:08 AM
#38
Originally Posted by VQvroom
Ill have to agree, more maintenance intervals for what? a few HP? A few bucks? The time it takes to install the sparks plugs makes up for the money saved. And yah what he said.....
if you are two lazy to spend 15 mins on your car you might as well take it to the dealer
10-13-2004, 11:11 AM
#39
Originally Posted by SprintMax
by the same token i spend $24 when you spend $120 .. i guess you are a very rich man.. but i don't have a problem spending $24 instead of $120
I see the body kit in your avatar. I assume it is on your car.
Now, I am paying an extra 60 bucks (by my math) for a piece of mind over a 6 year period of time (that's ten bucks a year btw).
What are you paying for by getting a body kit? Other than extra weight?
I mean, at least I don't have any disadvantages. I'm paying more for what I perceive as a superior product.
You’re paying for extra weight. Don't get me wrong, not saying it looks bad or anything. But it really is all a matter of perception and priorities.