NGK IX vs NGK Laser Spark Plugs

[Urshurak776]

HI all,

So, both my Mazdas in signature have the 2.5L Skyactive engine (non-turbo.) The book says to replace the spark plugs at 75K.

They come with NGK Laser Iridiums (NGK 93936 Laser Iridium) that are good for 100K (Mazda says change at 75K.)
The other listing on RockAuto also lists the NGK IX Iridiums (NGK 93501 Iridium IX) that last 50K - 60K (from what I understand.) I think NGK says 40K-50K officially.

Anyone use the IX line for 75K or more? The IX plugs are like $6.43 each and the Lasers are like $10.46 each. $16 total is the difference, so seems a no-brainer to run the Lasers. I was just curious if the IX plugs would actually work fine up to 75K. Every car is different though.

 

[jsean]

I had NGK5464 IX in my Corolla for 96k miles. They were fine when I took them off and put a new same of the ones back in. No difference before/after plugs change.

 

[Snagglefoot]

I happen to have IX Iridium plugs in my 2005 Ford Taurus. It is a “waste spark system” which is obsolete now. The front bank is harsh on plugs but they are easy to change.

I’ll keep an eye on them. For me I think a double platinum would have been better for the waste spark situation.

 

[E150GT]

I changed the Mazda factory plugs at 99k. They looked good to me. No difference in anything with the car after. I replaced with an NGK ILKAR7L11

 

[Rand]

IIRC one of those is "double iridium" and the other is not.

 

[Snagglefoot]

IIRC one of those is "double iridium" and the other is not.

Correct, the IX does not have an insert on the ground electrode and is more of a price point issue.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Correct, the IX does not have an insert on the ground electrode and is more of a price point issue.

Here is a TR5IX currently in my Taurus. The is no insert on the ground electrode.

 

[dogememe]

IX is not bad. Still better to have fresh IX's vs used worn out plugs that are beyond their recommended service life.

BUT they are not a longevity plug and not intended to be OE-equivalent in applications that came with NGK plugs. If budget is a top concern, you are doing the job yourself, and it's easy to get to them, go ahead and use them. But if it's a vehicle where the plugs are time consuming to change or you are paying labor to have someone else do it, you should stick with Laser Iridium or some other OE-replacement plug suitable for the vehicle.

 

[martinq]

Have you seen the Torque Test video about testing and finding counterfeit / fake plugs?

 

[Snagglefoot]

Have you seen the Torque Test video about testing and finding counterfeit / fake plugs?

Yes, I generally trust Rock Auto and my local supply store, Lordco Auto Parts. Rock Auto can deliver a set of 8 plugs to Canada for $25 CDN in shipping charges.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Here are two plugs pulled from my Ford 3.0 Vulcan engine. The worn plug is from the front bank which corresponds to the drivers side in a Ford Ranger. The good plug was on the opposite side. The worn plug definitely has some degradation to the ground electrode but most the wear was still on the center electrode. These were not double platinums, just basic platinum. Given that, even a IX iridium should help that situation.

 

[martinq]

Here are two plugs pulled from my Ford 3.0 Vulcan engine. The worn plug is from the front bank which corresponds to the drivers side in a Ford Ranger. The good plug was on the opposite side. The worn plug definitely has some degradation to the ground electrode but most the wear was still on the center electrode. These were not double platinums, just basic platinum. Given that, even a IX iridium should help that situation.

Does this engine use waste-spark ignition? That might explain the wear difference.

 

[Snagglefoot]

Does this engine use waste-spark ignition? That might explain the wear difference.

Yes, it is and yes the front bank ( driver’s side bank on a Ranger) gets the spark emanating from the “ ground electrode”. If you search waste spark and my tag, there is a lot more on it.

 

[martinq]

Yes, it is and yes the front bank ( driver’s side bank on a Ranger) gets the spark emanating from the “ ground electrode”. If you search waste spark and my tag, there is a lot more on it.

As I suspected, thanks for the feedback. I'm thinking of switching to dual platinum / irid. / ruth. plugs for one of my waste-spark engines.

 

[GSCJR]

I ordered plugs for the RDX and hardly anyone stocks them or even has a listing. The jobber originally gave me Ruthenium NGK, but when I questioned their catalogue, I was told no-no return them, should be Iridium NGK; sticker shock!

I was told by one supplier "dealer only" For plugs? Really?

 

[D1dad]

I just got denso iridium tt for $13 a piece instead of the denso iridium’s for $35 due to no stock at my local advance. I have no idea what the difference is outside of price? I put them in Saturday with new coil packs, and minus not having one of the harnesses fully snapped in when I started it (bad misfire) I can’t tell a difference. These are advertised as a 100k iridium plug so got me.

 

[Japanese]

I ordered plugs for the RDX and hardly anyone stocks them or even has a listing. The jobber originally gave me Ruthenium NGK, but when I questioned their catalogue, I was told no-no return them, should be Iridium NGK; sticker shock!

I was told by one supplier "dealer only" For plugs? Really?

What about these?
https://www.ngk.com/ngk-92411-dilkar8p8sy-laser-iridium-spark-plug
The site has about $10 shipping though.

 

[Japanese]

Here are two plugs pulled from my Ford 3.0 Vulcan engine.

What is the mileage on those plugs?

 

[Snagglefoot]

What is the mileage on those plugs?

50,000 miles

 

[Japanese]

50,000 miles

I would replace them all.