Less resistance means more energy goes into the spark which = hotter spark. Copper has lower resistance than plantinum or irridium. It all comes down to how long the electrodes hold a sharp edge and resist gap erosion. So really, there's no such thing as a "performance" spark plug. With that in mind, two spark plugs, both with the same sharp edges on the electrodes will generate the same hot spark. Car makers like platinum and irridium because they keep their sharp edge longer and resist gap erosion because those metals have a higher melting point. The rounder the electrode edge, the more energy is lost trying to make the jump. The key to getting the hottest spark is that it must jump from a sharp edge to another sharp edge. Otherwise you risk overtorquing and damaging the cylinder head threads or distorting the spark plug shell which causes them to leak.Īs far as performance, they will all perform the same (except for copper). If you still want to use anti-seize you MUST reduce the settings on your torque wrench by 10-15% percent (can't remember if it's 10 or 15). If you remove the plugs and intend to reinstall them, then you must use anti-seize on the reinstall. However, the coating is a one-time thing. The nickel coating on the threads works every bit as good, if not better than anti-seize. These two plugs perform similarly, due to their fine-wire tip design, but the service interval is different the Laser Series are typically designed to last 80 to 100 thousand miles, where as the Iridium IX® spark plugs are designed to last 40 to 50 thousand miles.įirst, you don't need anti-seize. The Iridium IX® plugs are offered in various heat ranges and sizes to fit most automotive and non-automotive applications. Iridium IX® plugs are an excellent upgrade from standard nickel plugs. They are a great option for modified engines, and where recommended, are appropriate replacements for OEM spark plugs. The Iridium IX® spark plugs are a single precious metal aftermarket performance plug. Some of these plugs have special resistors or multiple ground electrodes, depending on the original equipment requirements. For the OE Iridium series, dual precious metal means iridium on the center tip and platinum on the ground electrode. All dual precious metal plugs are designed to provide maximum longevity. Every plug in the Laser Series was designed for an OEM application. NGK builds two types of iridium spark plugs: OE Iridium and Iridium IX®. I'm definitely inclined to believe NGK, but let me know if I'm misguided.Īny thoughts on the OE version versus the fancy IX version?īelow is language from NGK's website on those two: NGK says not to do it because their thread coating acts like an anti-seize/anti-corrosive, but a bunch of people still swear by the anti-seize. I mildly abuse my Miata, but it doesn't go on the track.Ī related question is whether to apply anti-seize. The price is about the same and I don't care whether they last 40,000 miles or 75,000 miles. My google fu skills pulled up no useful real-world info on Ruthenium plugs. Until a couple days ago, didn't even know Ruthenium was word anyway, it's marketed as a "performance" plug. Of the many current NGK offerings, I'm looking at the OE version (iridium + platinum), the upgraded "IX" version (double iridium), and one that is Ruthenium. So, I need spark plugs for my 2006 Miata. You guys are a wealth of knowledge even if when your opinions differ much better info than I got in the forums. Edit: Thanks for all the well-written replies.
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