Champion Spark plugs

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: Texan4Life
Originally Posted By: Thax
Champion's spark plugs dont suck in Chrysler motors.


+1 I'm getting ready to do plugs on my new (to me) truck. I haven't looked yet, but have read that they have champion coppers from the factory. really doesn't bother considering they are going to be easy to change and when you have to buy 16 of them price matters. lol.

if I can I'm gonna clean and regap tho old ones and run them down to a nubben if they are not there already.


Yes, a 2005 Dodge Ram with the 5.7L HEMI comes from the factory with Champion copper core plugs as OE issue. Let me tell you though that changing plugs on a 5.7L Ram is far from easy. It is very difficult on some of the back plugs. You need swivels and extensions and being a contortionist helps too. Many guys find it easier to pull the front tires and liner and go at it from underneath to get to those back plugs that are so difficult. It is not a job you are going to want to do a lot.

If you go through the hassle of pulling the plugs however be smart and change them. Don't clean and put them back. At 53K I can guarantee you that your plugs are worn and the gaps will be in the 0.50+ range( OE is 0.45 )if they weren't replaced already( supposed to be done at 30K ).

The 5.7L does not like Platinum plugs. There have been many reports from those who tried them since the 5.7L came out in 03 of CEL's and poor performance with them. Iridiums seem to be ok if you want to go with a plug that has a longer service life to avoid that 30K change interval with copper's.

If you want to stay with coppers for a reduced parts cost hands down the most popular replacement plug for the 5.7L is the NGK 5306. Go to any Dodge truck site and check out plug threads and the NGK 5306 is recommended at a HUGE margin over the OE Champion coppers. It isn't even clsoe. NGK all the way for coppers in the 5.7L HEMI.

You can get the NGK 5306 for approx $2.50 a plug. Price will be the same as Champions. The gap for the 5306 used in the 5.7L is 0.44 though just FYI.

Use what you like obviously as it is your truck. Just some info I have gathered over the years on the Dodge siites I visit. Also, I have owned 2 Ram's with the 5.7L. A 2004 1500 QC 4WD SLT and a 2008 1500 QC 4WD SLT BIGHORN w/ MDS. NGK 5306 is my choice for replacement copper core plugs in a 5.7L HEMI.

2004:

2008:

 

[440Magnum]

Its always seemed that certain plug brands work better in some engines than others. I've used Champion, AC, Motorcraft, and Bosch over the years and the only one I've ever had consistent problems with is Bosch. I'll never use them in my weed whacker, let alone something I care about. Some engines (ie Jeep 4.0) are notorious for having misfires with just about any brand EXCEPT Champion, FWIW.

I doubt your problem is the plugs though. If it were, you'd be feeling misfires and getting a check engine light, not just feeling "lacking power."

 

[Spazdog]

Interesting:

One of the few plug recommendations on the Neon SRT/4 and PT-GT forums is using Champion HEMI 5.7 plugs. (the rest are how you absolutely must have hundreds of dollars in Nology wires and silver plugs....and it must be slammed down to the ground eliminating all effective suspension travel and making negotiating a speed bump a dangerous affair)

The low budget NGK GP Platinums have been outstanding in my Mazda6S. They aren't quite as good in the PT Cruiser. I may go back to Champion copper core plugs. My understanding is that the HEMI 5.7 plugs are a step or two colder than the OE 2.4 Turbo plugs.

Unlike the Neon SRT/4, the PT-GT makes you work around the intake manifold. It's kind of a pain to experiment so maybe I'll stick with the OE recommendation

Originally Posted By: 440Magnum
Its always seemed that certain plug brands work better in some engines than others. I've used Champion, AC, Motorcraft, and Bosch over the years and the only one I've ever had consistent problems with is Bosch. I'll never use them in my weed whacker, let alone something I care about. Some engines (ie Jeep 4.0) are notorious for having misfires with just about any brand EXCEPT Champion, FWIW.

I doubt your problem is the plugs though. If it were, you'd be feeling misfires and getting a check engine light, not just feeling "lacking power."

I never had any problems with copper cored Bosch Supers. Bosch's platinum plugs however...

I won't be using those anymore.
Maybe a recent development for Bosch. Perhaps now all Bosch Supers are Nanjing Huade made in China

I wish I could still easily get Champion Truck Plugs. Put a set in my friend's Jeep 4.0 and you would have sworn we put a new engine in it from his driver's seat assessment.

 

[Bottom_Feeder]

AC Delco in anything American.
Bosch in anything European.
NGK in anything Japanese/Korean.
Champion for... well, nothing.
When in doubt, use NGKs.

This has served me well over the years. Your mileage may vary.

 

[Thax]

Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: Thax
Champion's spark plugs dont suck in Chrysler motors.


As a lifelong MOPAR fanatic ranging from muscle cars of the 60's and 70's( I had them during the 80's )to cars and trucks from the 80's through the present( new vehicles )let me say I completely disagree with your statement. Champion plugs suck just as bad in a MOPAR as they do any other application. My brother was driviing during the muscle car era and he hated Champion plugs too as did most people with MOPARS.

I used to sell auto parts in the late 80's to the late 90's. I did have some people who were OEM fanatics but far and away whether it was a walk in DIY'er or a regular mechanic asking for plugs Champion was not wanted. I had regular mechaniucs who falt out told me not to ever send them a Champion plug even for a MOPAR. They would rather wait for me to order in a different brand for later in the day then take the Champions. When I sold parts far and away I had more bad plugs out of the box or returned in short order with Champion than any other brand we sold.

I don't mind Champion in small yard equipment but I will never buy their plugs for a vehicle. Actually, my 08 Ram w/ HEMI came with Champion plugs as OE issue. When they are replaced it will NOT be with Champion plugs. I will more than likely go with NGK.

Add me to the X# list for Champion plugs suck( regardless of car mfg they are in ).


While my experience with the HEMI motors is nill , I can tell you though that without a doubt the 4.7L will not run right on anything other than Champion OEM plugs. Im not disagreeing with you that Champion plugs are not the best. But I have tried other brands in my 4.7L like NGK and it was a obvious difference to the OEM champions. I just prefer the Champion OEM's for my 4.7L and dont mind a shorter change interval because a 4.7L is not hard to do.

 

[Texan4Life]

Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: Texan4Life
Originally Posted By: Thax
Champion's spark plugs dont suck in Chrysler motors.


+1 I'm getting ready to do plugs on my new (to me) truck. I haven't looked yet, but have read that they have champion coppers from the factory. really doesn't bother considering they are going to be easy to change and when you have to buy 16 of them price matters. lol.

if I can I'm gonna clean and regap tho old ones and run them down to a nubben if they are not there already.


Yes, a 2005 Dodge Ram with the 5.7L HEMI comes from the factory with Champion copper core plugs as OE issue. Let me tell you though that changing plugs on a 5.7L Ram is far from easy. It is very difficult on some of the back plugs. You need swivels and extensions and being a contortionist helps too. Many guys find it easier to pull the front tires and liner and go at it from underneath to get to those back plugs that are so difficult. It is not a job you are going to want to do a lot.

If you go through the hassle of pulling the plugs however be smart and change them. Don't clean and put them back. At 53K I can guarantee you that your plugs are worn and the gaps will be in the 0.50+ range( OE is 0.45 )if they weren't replaced already( supposed to be done at 30K ).

The 5.7L does not like Platinum plugs. There have been many reports from those who tried them since the 5.7L came out in 03 of CEL's and poor performance with them. Iridiums seem to be ok if you want to go with a plug that has a longer service life to avoid that 30K change interval with copper's.

If you want to stay with coppers for a reduced parts cost hands down the most popular replacement plug for the 5.7L is the NGK 5306. Go to any Dodge truck site and check out plug threads and the NGK 5306 is recommended at a HUGE margin over the OE Champion coppers. It isn't even clsoe. NGK all the way for coppers in the 5.7L HEMI.

You can get the NGK 5306 for approx $2.50 a plug. Price will be the same as Champions. The gap for the 5306 used in the 5.7L is 0.44 though just FYI.

Use what you like obviously as it is your truck. Just some info I have gathered over the years on the Dodge siites I visit. Also, I have owned 2 Ram's with the 5.7L. A 2004 1500 QC 4WD SLT and a 2008 1500 QC 4WD SLT BIGHORN w/ MDS. NGK 5306 is my choice for replacement copper core plugs in a 5.7L HEMI.

2004:

2008:

Thanks for the tips and great pics! I need to sign up over at dodge talk. I'm just use to working of FWD cars where spark plugs are a PITA. you need to do half from under it or worse yet have to take the intake manifold off. those always got platinums or better!

 

[doitmyself]

Yea, I absolutely hate it when I read a thread like this, only to find out that what I have been successfully doing for the past eight years is wrong.

It's ironic that the only time I did try NGK in my 2.4L Caravan, I had ignition problems......but it actually turned out to be an intermittent misfiring/bad plug wire. The dealer had to hook it up to a "big scope" because their regular code readers didn't catch it.

When they installed new wires and plugs, they put in Champions.

Knock on wood, but I have never had a problem with them. But, I am tempted to try the NGK 5306's next time to see if it makes the 4 banger burn rubber.

 

[cadfaeltex]

Just put in Champion plugs when I did a tune up of my new old Jag. Sort of like the Chrysler thing, I was told by Jag folks that they just run better with the Champions. Not in a position to know if that is true or not but so far/so good but only about a month and a couple of thousand miles on them.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: Thax
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: Thax
Champion's spark plugs dont suck in Chrysler motors.


As a lifelong MOPAR fanatic ranging from muscle cars of the 60's and 70's( I had them during the 80's )to cars and trucks from the 80's through the present( new vehicles )let me say I completely disagree with your statement. Champion plugs suck just as bad in a MOPAR as they do any other application. My brother was driviing during the muscle car era and he hated Champion plugs too as did most people with MOPARS.

I used to sell auto parts in the late 80's to the late 90's. I did have some people who were OEM fanatics but far and away whether it was a walk in DIY'er or a regular mechanic asking for plugs Champion was not wanted. I had regular mechaniucs who falt out told me not to ever send them a Champion plug even for a MOPAR. They would rather wait for me to order in a different brand for later in the day then take the Champions. When I sold parts far and away I had more bad plugs out of the box or returned in short order with Champion than any other brand we sold.

I don't mind Champion in small yard equipment but I will never buy their plugs for a vehicle. Actually, my 08 Ram w/ HEMI came with Champion plugs as OE issue. When they are replaced it will NOT be with Champion plugs. I will more than likely go with NGK.

Add me to the X# list for Champion plugs suck( regardless of car mfg they are in ).


While my experience with the HEMI motors is nill , I can tell you though that without a doubt the 4.7L will not run right on anything other than Champion OEM plugs. Im not disagreeing with you that Champion plugs are not the best. But I have tried other brands in my 4.7L like NGK and it was a obvious difference to the OEM champions. I just prefer the Champion OEM's for my 4.7L and dont mind a shorter change interval because a 4.7L is not hard to do.


The 4.7L will absolutely run fine on other plugs. I had an 03 Ram w/ the 4.7L and actually had 3 of the OE Champions go bad. Swapped over to NGK and it ran great for the rest of the time I had it.

My 2003:

Also, just FYI, the 08+ 4.7L no longer uses Champion plugs. Dodge redesigned the 4.7L for 08 to up the power and in the process they turned it into a 16 plug engine. There is a top row and a bottom row. Both rows take Bosch plugs OE. Champion was not used. The top row takes a Nickle Yttrium plug changed every 30K and the bottom row takes an iridium plug changed every 102K

 

[Bluestream]

Originally Posted By: Bottom_Feeder
AC Delco in anything American.
Bosch in anything European.
NGK in anything Japanese/Korean.
Champion for... well, nothing.
When in doubt, use NGKs.

This has served me well over the years. Your mileage may vary.


Most AC Delco plugs are made by NGK today

 

[dailydriver]

Originally Posted By: Bluestream
Originally Posted By: Bottom_Feeder
AC Delco in anything American.
Bosch in anything European.
NGK in anything Japanese/Korean.
Champion for... well, nothing.
When in doubt, use NGKs.

This has served me well over the years. Your mileage may vary.


Most AC Delco plugs are made by NGK today


Almost all of their Iridium plugs are.

What suprises me is that Champion still makes plugs for half of the F1 teams.

YES, they are hand made from semi-exotic materials, and I'm sure that they are 100 step quality-controlled/magnafluxed/flouroscoped/etc., etc., but still, the fact that they can even manufacture something this exacting/precise makes it seem strange that they cannot make a great street/everyday spark plug.

 

[Spazdog]

Originally Posted By: Bottom_Feeder
AC Delco in anything American...


I realize AC Delco shopped out production on plugs many years ago and you are most likely getting NGKs (although I have heard some PNs being manufactured for them by Denso and Honeywell/Autolite)...
...but if cost is similar, why wouldn't you use a Motorcraft spark plug on a Ford?
I also realize that Motorcraft is made by Honeywell/Autolite. And that has it's own stigma being related to Fram.

It just feels wrong putting an AC Delco part in a Ford...even if it's not a real GM part

 

[Jimmy9190]

I use NGK plugs in my truck. The NGK's do a real good job, my truck runs very well for its age and has good power. My truck starts right up with just a touch of the ignition key.

 

[Chris142]

I've ran Champions all my driving life and never had a problem. One of the few things that are still made in USA. I have had problems with Autolite and Bosch plugs though.

 

[Thax]

Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: Thax
Originally Posted By: NHHEMI
Originally Posted By: Thax
Champion's spark plugs dont suck in Chrysler motors.


As a lifelong MOPAR fanatic ranging from muscle cars of the 60's and 70's( I had them during the 80's )to cars and trucks from the 80's through the present( new vehicles )let me say I completely disagree with your statement. Champion plugs suck just as bad in a MOPAR as they do any other application. My brother was driviing during the muscle car era and he hated Champion plugs too as did most people with MOPARS.

I used to sell auto parts in the late 80's to the late 90's. I did have some people who were OEM fanatics but far and away whether it was a walk in DIY'er or a regular mechanic asking for plugs Champion was not wanted. I had regular mechaniucs who falt out told me not to ever send them a Champion plug even for a MOPAR. They would rather wait for me to order in a different brand for later in the day then take the Champions. When I sold parts far and away I had more bad plugs out of the box or returned in short order with Champion than any other brand we sold.

I don't mind Champion in small yard equipment but I will never buy their plugs for a vehicle. Actually, my 08 Ram w/ HEMI came with Champion plugs as OE issue. When they are replaced it will NOT be with Champion plugs. I will more than likely go with NGK.

Add me to the X# list for Champion plugs suck( regardless of car mfg they are in ).


While my experience with the HEMI motors is nill , I can tell you though that without a doubt the 4.7L will not run right on anything other than Champion OEM plugs. Im not disagreeing with you that Champion plugs are not the best. But I have tried other brands in my 4.7L like NGK and it was a obvious difference to the OEM champions. I just prefer the Champion OEM's for my 4.7L and dont mind a shorter change interval because a 4.7L is not hard to do.


The 4.7L will absolutely run fine on other plugs. I had an 03 Ram w/ the 4.7L and actually had 3 of the OE Champions go bad. Swapped over to NGK and it ran great for the rest of the time I had it.

My 2003:

Also, just FYI, the 08+ 4.7L no longer uses Champion plugs. Dodge redesigned the 4.7L for 08 to up the power and in the process they turned it into a 16 plug engine. There is a top row and a bottom row. Both rows take Bosch plugs OE. Champion was not used. The top row takes a Nickle Yttrium plug changed every 30K and the bottom row takes an iridium plug changed every 102K


Ive just had better luck with Champion OEM's in my Durango, ive tried NGK's in it before and it was just not as good. Maybe my motor just prefer's champs who knows, yeah the 08+ 4.7L is totally different way more power, 16 plugs , different intake & throttle body. Its almost like a new motor compared to the 99-07.

 

[NHHEMI]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
I've ran Champions all my driving life and never had a problem. One of the few things that are still made in USA. I have had problems with Autolite and Bosch plugs though.


Most of the NGK plugs sold in the US are made in the US( West Virginia ).

 

[FZ1]

Originally Posted By: toyota62
Hi Guys.
I changed OEM NGK spark plugs with Champion platinum spark plugs in my 2009 Elantra.
After few days driving now i fell lacking power.
This could be due to Champion spark plugs?
Cheers.
Always use the oem spec plugs. Really,how hard is that,to learn????

 

[Spazdog]

My wife was complaining about the idle quality in the "Turbo Clown Hearse" and so feeling inspired by this thread, I changed the plugs.

The OE Champions showed considerable center electrode wear by 15,000 miles. The replacement Champions did no better. Seems like within a very short amount of time the center electrode was worn round and barely stuck up past the insulator nose. I don't know why. My wife seldom pushes the boost gauge to 14.7 psi.

By 30,000 I switched to NGK G-power platinum.

...then I neglected them for 40,000 miles.
There was no misfire code this time. No driveability problems. She just said it ran "rough" at idle with A/C on in drive. To me, it's always been kinda' "rough" at idle. Chrysler said that the 2.4 Turbo has stiffer engine mounts, is a big 4 cyl, and that I would have to basically "live with it" (I don't recall Porsche's 3.0 4 cyl or GM's 2.9 4 cyl being so rough, and they are certainly "big 4 cylinders"...guess they have better balance shafts)

The fine wire center electrode was still intact and in good shape.

The Champions "worked"...just for a short time and the single platinum NGKs worked on a waste spark Chrysler.

 

[Gokhan]

Originally Posted By: toyota62
Hi Guys.
I changed OEM NGK spark plugs with Champion platinum spark plugs in my 2009 Elantra.
After few days driving now i fell lacking power.
This could be due to Champion spark plugs?
Cheers.

The problem isn't the quality of the Champion spark plugs. Champion makes quality spark plugs. The problem is that you used platinum plugs in an engine that uses conventional plugs.

Usually the OEM plugs will work best and they will be failsafe, especially if they are Denso or NGK.

Denso conventional plugs come with the U-groove technology, which traps the air - fuel mixture for more efficient combustion. The NGK conventional plugs come with the similar V-power technology. I like Denso better and since the U groove is in the ground electrode, it lasts longer.

With a platinum or iridium plug, chances are that you don't get the U groove and as a result, the performance and fuel deficiency will be less in the short run (first 30000 miles). On the other hand, platinum and iridium plugs last longer and the performance and fuel efficiency will be more in the long run.

Therefore, either use Denso (preferred) or NGK conventional plugs.

If you want to experience with more advanced plugs, you can experiment with the new Denso Platinum TT (Twin Tip) plugs, in which both the center and ground electrodes are needle-type iridium/platinum alloys. They try to make up the lack of the U groove by using two needle electrodes, which is found in the most advanced, expensive Denso Super Plugs with two opposing iridium needle electrodes, used in the latest Toyota hybrids and luxury cars. Moreover, the Denso Platinum TT plugs cost the same as conventional plugs.

Once again, for best performance, use Denso (preferred) or NGK conventional plugs. You can also experiment with Denso Platinum TT, which are priced the same as conventional plugs, if you like. Use of platinum or iridium plugs in an engine that comes with conventional plugs may usually decrease the performance in the short run; although, they will usually last appreciably longer.

 

[SLCraig]

Originally Posted By: Thax
Champion's spark plugs dont suck in Chrysler motors.


It's all I ever used in my Neon. Ran great.
But yeah, in my other cars, I pretty much exclusively use NGK if possible.