Best spark plugs to use? Hi-tec or Standard?

[movin]

'87 Carrera - I'm currently using ND Iridium plugs and feel they don't seem to perform as well as the Bosch Platinum Plus (two ground electrode) plugs I was using. These exotic plugs advertise a lower voltage requirement to fire and I think this has some implications on performance.
First, since they will fire at a lower voltage wouldn't that mean the spark may be happening slightly sooner resulting in a slightly advanced timing?
Second, wouldn't that also mean the spark is less intense due to it happening at a lower voltage or less time for voltage buildup?
I just have a suspicion these plugs are meant more for longevity and emmissions compliance than any thing else, and the advertising for performance improvement is hype.
Thirdly, I guess these plugs would stress the ignition components less resulting in longer lived components.
It would seem the best performance plug would be a standard resister type, Bosch or NGK. This may tax the ignition components more but the reward is a more intense spark. The nonresister type would probably produce a less intense spark.
Thoughts or expertise appreciated.
Thanks.

[tshih]

Your guesses sound logical. I don't have any experience using the exotic plugs. One suggestion is to hook one up off of one wire and observe the spark in the dark versus the spark in the dark of a standard new one (like checking for spark) with the fuel pump fuse removed.

[RickM]

I believe the opinion of many is that the standard copper plugs (NGK or Bosch) are best for the Carrera. I switched back from the Bosch Platinums and haven't looked back.

[charleskieffner]

putting anything non german on or in a german car ..................well just aint right!

[IROC]

Originally posted by charleskieffner
putting anything non german on or in a german car ..................well just aint right!

Having said that...I have found that NGK makes some pretty good plugs. I am currently using NGK BPR8ES plugs in my 10.3:1 3.2 and they are performing wonderfully. I used NGK BP7ES plugs in my 2.7 for years and they were great too.

Mike

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by charleskieffner
putting anything non german on or in a german car ..................well just aint right!

Just keep telling yourself that. Anway, all I have ever used is NGK.

[petrolblue83911]

I've always had the best luck with the bosch copper, seem to run the most consistently on my more or less stock 3.0

[911longhorn]

I like NGK BPR6EY ES is the standard, EY is the V Power

[Wil Ferch]

Both NGK and Bosch make excellent plugs.... and each has a premium range that might include a copper or silver core for wider heat range...good.

The multi-prong plugs simply extend the running time of the plug. As a spark is created, it will jump from the center electrode to ONE of the side electrodes ( typ. closest-one). As that side-electrode wears, the next spark will likely jump to ANOTHER side electrode and stay there for a while...and the cycle continues. It would be rare ( impossible?) for a spark to jump simultaneously to two outboard prongs.....

The Bosch Copper, Bosch Silver, and various NGK's ( with their nice rolled threads too !) ...are all one needs to know !!

- Wil

[jeff91C2T]

Let's see if this works...

If you want to spec your NGK plug, you can use this;



You'll notice that there is a wide variety of plugs that can be used on the 911.

[S785Carrera]

Go with a standard copper plug . I had Bosch platinum 4's in my 3.2
and I thought it ran wel... After reading some comments on this board
I decided to pull the plugs and take a look. They were fouled / carboned up pretty bad. Switched to NGK copper and it runs better than ever. The reason for the plugs fouling the way I understand it is that a air cooled
engine needs a plug with a wider heat range V.S the more controlled conditions of a water cooled engine. The copper plugs have a wider operating range. I do continue to run the platinums in my BMW and the wifes Jeep though.

Mike

[tshih]

On stock engines use stock recommended plugs. The porsche engineers have determined and experimented for you by testing the heck out of all plugs you can use. The smae with tires and all suspension components.

[kach22i]

NKG's get many votes here, reminds me to order some.

Q-1:
Is it okay to use the spark plug remover tool in the car's tool kit?

Q-2:
Best way to pull the wires off?

[bfegan]

The tool kit spark plug remover tool is the only one I know of which can get the job done. It's tight in there!

I just gently wiggle the wire and pull it off.

[Rot 911]

Originally posted by kach22i
NKG's get many votes here, reminds me to order some.

Q-2:
Best way to pull the wires off?

Grab connecter, twist, pull.

[Bill in OKC]

I put some NGK iridium plugs in my 3.2. It runs better than it did, but who knows how miles were on the plugs when I bought it. They did all look like the motor was fueling properly though

http://www.ngk.com/results_app.asp?AAIA=1262708

[kach22i]

Thanks for all the answers everyone.

Looking at that last link to the NKG website, I'm thinking based on prices alone you would be better off changing basic plugs every 3,000 than replacing the top of the line plugs every 6,000 miles.

Just my perception, not based on any facts or testing that I know of.

[Wil Ferch]

Factoid..."jiggling" tight spark plug wires is a no-no.( i.e....a rocking motion back and forth) It opens up the gap on the connector...you need this be tight for the next plug that goes in. So yes...twist a stuck wire...then pull out as straight as you can... once the twist loosened it up.

- Wil

[kach22i]

This might be a good time to review a horror story I read about in Pelican less than a year ago.

Dude was removing plugs, the little metal "screw-on" end cap fell into the hole.

What the heck is that end cap for, and how do you keep it from making a mess of things?

[jeff1hughes]

Originally posted by tshih
On stock engines use stock recommended plugs. The porsche engineers have determined and experimented for you by testing the heck out of all plugs you can use. The smae with tires and all suspension components.

This is a good arguement though...believe it or not, technoloy has advanced a little bit in the last 20 years or so. That said, I only use standard plugs in the Porsche, it runs better on them.