Vq35de Sparkplug Options

vq35de_touring · May 9, 2013

Hey Bitogonians

First off, I know the stock plug is NGK's PLFR5A-11. Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with other plugs? I was thinking of NGK'S v power copper. The stock platinum one is a whopping $10.99 each at Oreilly's,which is why I ask.

I feel like the general consensus is to always use the stock plug. The price is a little high for me and longevity doesn't phase me. By the way I fully intend to take advantage of the lots o loot promo

. Suggestions?

salv · May 9, 2013

Always stay with the OEM plugs. They always provide best daily driver performance.

ChrisW · May 9, 2013

If your plugs require removal of more than just a plastic engine beauty cover to access the plugs, such as the intake manifold, I'd highly recommend going with the factory long life Laser Platinum or better yet the Laser Iridiums if they're available in your application; I've found that sometimes the NGK Laser Iridiums are often near the same price as factory Laser Platinums. I just did a quick check and it appears that the NGK Laser Iridiums are not made for your Z. However, the factory plugs appear to be $9.71 each on Rockauto.com It looks like Denso makes an Iridium plug with a platinum ground pad part number DENSO Part # 3417 SK16HR11 that are $5.84 each on Rockauto.

bourne · May 9, 2013

NGK OEM equivalent

michaelluscher · May 9, 2013

RockAuto or Amazon a NGK double platinum or better.
That's Nissan and most Japanese engine's requirements.

slug_bug · May 9, 2013

I went with NGK's IX Iridium Series Plugs in a turbo PT cruiser and the Caravan. Noticeably improved the idle on the PT cruiser and were going strong after 65k miles.

MBS500 · May 9, 2013

I used ngk platium in same engine. (OE)You could go with iridium.

bourne · May 10, 2013

Originally Posted By: slug_bug
I went with NGK's IX Iridium Series Plugs in a turbo PT cruiser and the Caravan. Noticeably improved the idle on the PT cruiser and were going strong after 65k miles.

+1 , using the Iridium IX in the Acura, most definitely recommended and in most cases, they are less expensive than the stock OE double platinum plugs.

vq35de_touring · May 10, 2013

Thanks guys, ima try the iridiums. There actually cheaper.

ChrisW · May 10, 2013

Originally Posted By: vq35de_touring
Thanks guys, ima try the iridiums. There actually cheaper.

Do keep in mind that with the Iridium IX from NGK, I believe these do not come with a precious metal pad on the ground electrode. They will not last as long as the 'premium' iridium plugs with a platinum ground pad such as the DENSO Part # 3417 SK16HR11. The tip is finer at 0.6mm on the IX versus I believe 0.7mm on the Laser Iridiums, so that too is a slight trade off in longevity for the performance gained. I suppose at that point it would be personal preference if you don't mind changing plugs more often, and on your car since you can get to all six without necessarily removing the intake plenum, that would sway my decision; my Mazda6 requires removal of the intake plenum which is why I went with the NGK Laser Iridium even though they were $10 a piece versus about $5 for the IX or the single platinum. My two cents and sorry to sound like I'm plugging a certain brand or style of plug [pun intended lol].

asiancivicmaniac · May 10, 2013

Go with iridium. I don't know if it's easier to change the plugs in the rwd version of this car, but the fwd is a pain in the rear to change. The intake manifold has to come off and it took me forever for something that could be easily done in a 4 cyl car.

UG_Passat · May 10, 2013

Originally Posted By: vq35de_touring
Hey Bitogonians

First off, I know the stock plug is NGK's PLFR5A-11. Has anyone had any good/bad experiences with other plugs? I was thinking of NGK'S v power copper. The stock platinum one is a whopping $10.99 each at Oreilly's,which is why I ask.

I feel like the general consensus is to always use the stock plug. The price is a little high for me and longevity doesn't phase me. By the way I fully intend to take advantage of the lots o loot promo

. Suggestions?

Denso options:
IKH16, Iridium Power.... so max performance, not quite OEM longevity
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/products/aftermarket/plug/power/features.html
SK16HR11, Iridium Long Life... OEM longevity
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/products/aftermarket/plug/tough/features.html
PKH16TT, Platinum "twin Tip"
http://www.densoaftermarket.com/platinum-tt.php
http://www.densott.com/?utm_source=densoaftermarket.com&utm_medium=Denso_Logo&utm_campaign=densoaftermarket.com_Spark%2BPlug%20Product%20Page

The Critic · May 12, 2013

My buddy has installed hundreds of the Denso SK16HR11 plugs in the VQ35 engines with excellent results. Zero comebacks.

EricF · May 12, 2013

With that engine, I would definetely put the Laser Iridium plugs in. that motor isn't exactly a quick plug change type.

I'm debating whether to use the laser iridium myself, or the AC Delco iridium, knowing that Denso made the plug for Delco, do I go against the grain and use the Denso instead then?

Decisions decisions..

The Critic · May 12, 2013

Originally Posted By: EricF
With that engine, I would definetely put the Laser Iridium plugs in. that motor isn't exactly a quick plug change type.

I'm debating whether to use the laser iridium myself, or the AC Delco iridium, knowing that Denso made the plug for Delco, do I go against the grain and use the Denso instead then?

Decisions decisions..

My cost on the Denso Iridium #3417 being discussed is only $7.04/ea, so that should be easy. And I know that you have access to the same sources that I do.

FZ1 · May 12, 2013

Originally Posted By: salv
Always stay with the OEM plugs. They always provide best daily driver performance.
This.

vq35de_touring · May 12, 2013

I've changed the plugs in my Z. No big deal. Not worried bout longevity as these plugs are for my wife's FX35. She doesn't put too many miles.

I wonder if the plug metal material would really affect the "daily driving" performance.

I noticed that there are two platinum plugs from NGK. The OEM laser platinum and a g power platinum. What's the difference?

morris · May 12, 2013

many many many years ago i experimented with spark plugs. i learned a lot. but it looks likes plugs have changed a lot since then. but i think this is still true. turbulence in the chamber wares the center wire, and that reduces performance. ok ok you all ready knew that.

ChrisW · May 23, 2013

Originally Posted By: vq35de_touring
I've changed the plugs in my Z. No big deal. Not worried bout longevity as these plugs are for my wife's FX35. She doesn't put too many miles.

I wonder if the plug metal material would really affect the "daily driving" performance.

I noticed that there are two platinum plugs from NGK. The OEM laser platinum and a g power platinum. What's the difference?

I believe the laser line has precious metal on the ground electrode where as the g-power is just the fine tip with a regular ground electrode.

vq35de_touring · May 23, 2013

I went with Bosch fine wire iridiums. It says specifically "oe equivalent" and has a 7 year warranty. They were cheaper than the NGK's iridiums too.

After I install them I'll update you all with my experience.

Vq35de Sparkplug Options

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