Ok, it's around that time to change my spark plugs, and my friend recommmended the Bosch Platinum 4+. He said they'd improve my fuel economy more than the regular single-pronged NGK spark plugs that Acura supplies. The thing is, are the 4+ worth it? They cost 3 times as much. Allegedly they don't need gapping either (that's what it says on the package). If I order the NGK plugs from Acura they come pre-gapped for my car and it only costs about 50 cents more than buying the single-pronged one from the stores.

 

go with stock spark plugs, especially if dealer doesn't rip you off. other designs are really just a waste of money...

 

thanks, that's what I'll do.

 

NGK's will give you a better performing engine. If you look on the underside of the hood on the 96 2.5 you will see they sudgest NGK for replacement. Plus it will give you a little horsepower.

 

Spark plugs can't add horsepower that wasn't there to begin with.

The only time you would see a gain from changing spark plugs is if your engine was misfiring before the replacement. Platinum plugs have almost eliminated the problem of misfiring due to plug age. A platinum plug will go to around 100,000 miles easily.

Plug manufacturers claim that having multiple prongs or some other exotic spark plug head configuration will 'open up' the spark and let it ignite the fuel more evenly. Like hellasmania said, this is pretty much bunk. If your fuel injector is working well and making a nice even spray, then any spark will ignite it.

 

Thanks for the advice. Now I'm for sure convinced that the exotic plugs aren't worth it. I had my suspicions from the beginning anyway. I do remember, however, that when sparkplugs are near the end of their life, fuel economy decreases a bit. I'm definately changing them, no question (replacments will be the stock ones), but I hope I see an improvement in my fuel economy. It's been a little down lately. Not by much, but every little bit helps. I wonder if fuel injector cleaning will help? And should I replace the plugs myself (I have a spark plug wrench), or should I cave and pay the $50 (canadian) to let them do it? I've only changed plugs once ever on my 4Runner. From what I remember, you use the wrench to loosen them, then unscrew them by hand. Then you cover the holes with a clean cloth or something so that debris doesn't get in them. Then you take your new sparkplugs, gap them (the stock ones come pre-gapped), and screw them in BY HAND (to avoid stripping the threads), and then use the wrench to tighten them. Does that sound right?

 

Well for your information the plug has alot to do with it. On many of the older model plugs as well as factory ones the gap size can increase or decrease due to weather, temp. or the drivers. So there for by purchasing a higher model plug the posibilites of this occuring decreases drastically which allows your engine's performance to remain at its peak the entire duration of the plugs life. P.S. I own a performance shop in Arlington so it has been proven time and time again on many customers cars. For instance when I purchased my 96 2.5 last year the owner said the plugs were replaced roughly 10,000 miles ago but upon removing these only 2 were still properly gaped the rest were either to large or to small.

 

On the TL's you can't really tighten or loosen them by hand because they are rather far down and it would be almost imposible. But its not hard to do it yourself just using the wrench.

 

Your performance shop ownership is drawn into question because of the vast difficulty you've encountered on mundane stuff like removing an intake resonator.

Platinum plugs were specifically designed to address the problem of spark plugs needing to be replaced regularly due to gapping problems. Contrary to popular belief, there is actually a weaker spark from platinum, as opposed to copper. Platinum is all about the life span.

 

One I have never owned a TL before or even dealt with a 5 cylined motor so therefore this is a learning experience. Two NGK plugs are Iridium so your whole platinum thing goes out the window. Three if you read the underside of the hood on the 96 2.5 you will see the sugested replacement plugs are NGK so why would Honda put that there if it wasn't as good or better than stock??????

 

Also I realize people within this fourm may be opintated but to criticize another one of your own isnt that a bit childish??? Especially if you dont fully understand a situation.

 

Also the resonator isnt difficult but before I do anything to a car at all I like to speak with those who have done it themselves to see if there are any problems they faced along the way. Plus resonators are completley diffrent on every car as to where they are located etc. So why rip everything apart trying to find something when someone else knows right where it is????? Thanks!

 

Iridium is currently being touted as even longer lasting then Platinum. So it does not, in fact, throw anything I said "out the window."

A 5 cylinder engine is still a 4 stroke reciprocating internal combustion engine. Does this mean that knowledge gained from working on an Inline 6 doesn't translate to a V8 or an V6? And what does the motor have to do with the intake resonator.

Finally, I never said anything about NGK plugs being not good. YoungTL was wondering about what sort of spark plug to get as replacements. I told him about platinum plugs and alternative tip designs. I also disagreed with your statement that plugs would give him more horsepower.

I have not used my owning of a performance shop as a club to bludgeon others into accepting my opinions. Actually, I don't recall having ever told anybody on this forum what my qualifications for offering my advice are. People take it if they think it sounds good and tell me otherwise if they don't. For example, Ken1997TL and Five Pride disagreed with me on Ram Air in a recent thread.


Deluxekoncepts, I will now address this directly since you have used the supposed fact that you own a performance shop in every single thread you've created.

You admit you don't know your way around the TL because you've never owned one before. Correct me if I am wrong, but Honda currently has eight cars being sold in the US. This doesn't count the various grades of engines that come in each car either.

Do you currently own 8 cars? What if I bring in a 3.0 liter V6 accord and you own a 4? Can you still work on it? What if I bring in a Toyota?

I, for one, am not easily impressed by claims of owning a performance shop when you have not demonstrated an ounce of creativity and problem solving that is so vital in this industry.

I'm I attacking you? I'm sorry if it feels that way, but I am only expressing what I think of platinum plugs, split tips, and other stuff.

Maybe I'll get banned for being a little too forward, but somebody had to say it.

 

I would also think it's not possible to gain HP from spark plugs unless your plugs are misfiring...

 

I was more concerned about fuel economy above all else anyway.

 

You'll never see any real HP gains with changing your plugs. You MAY see an SLIGHT gas mileage increase or a slightly more responsive engine, but never any actualy HP gains. Unless of course yours are clogged and not firing properly now, then obviously you'd get a few cylenders back when you change them!

 

Wow!! One the horsepower possible of being gained from plugs is horsepower that is already there that isn't being used because of improper gapage, age, wear, or simply defective plugs. Two I admited that I don't know much about a TL because of the strange 5 cylinder motor that is why I have joined this fourm to gain knowledge on the subject. Three regardless of me owning a shop that isn't belived to exsist everyone has something to learn from others, everyones minds work different therfore diffrent minds create different theories. Four yes upon changing the plugs you will see an imporvment in gas millage as well as possibly performance depending on the shape your exsisting plugs are in. Five the basis of a motor applies with all motors but at the same time a triton V8 and an inline 5 are two completley different animals. The principals are the same yet the motors themselves are different. This is all I have to say on the subject I don't believe that this fourm should be used to "bash" others it should be used as a resource just like an owners manual. If you want to talk crap to those who came on here to learn then get on AOL!

 

P.S. Honda has 8 cars being sold in the U.S. minus all the various versions of these cars. These cars are: Accord, Civic, CRV, Element, Insight, Odyssey, Pilot, and my favorite the S-2000. Thanks. You have been corected!

 

I believe I said that Honda has 8 cars. Let me check...

Ahh yes. I said 8.

 

I am not going to use this form to argue with anyone. Everyone has there own and mine have been posted below.

 

Yes u were right. Sorry.

 

c'mon guys, we're all adults here. Lets be civil and play nice.

 

I am trying to play nice but apparently some of us just don't know how.

 

And back to the original question the this fourm was created for in my Opinion go with the NGK Iridiums.

 

But should I do it myself or pay them to do it? Like I said below I've only done it once.

 

Is yours a 2.5 or 3.2 and what year? I did it myself in my garage at home in like 20 min it is very simple.

 

Mine's a 1996 2.5 TL. I don't wanna risk screwing it up cause I've only done it once on my old '90 4Runner, but then again, if it's just as easy on this, why should I pay them to do it?
Oh and for the record the 5-cylinder engine is not that strange mechanically. To me it resembles a normal 4 cylinder with an extra cylinder.

 

It really isnt difficult to do. And I know mechanically it isnt that different but that extra cylinder throws me way off. At first I didnt know if it was a defect or just my eyes.lol but I am getting used to it big time and lovin it!!!

 

For those of you who question me and my advice or anything I say check this out: http://www.freewebs.com/ridetodie/index.htm

 

I actually doubt you MORE after checking out that website.

I think you are being way too sensitive. Nothing wackjum said was out of line and I don't think he was "attacking" you by any means .. and I agree w/ all the info in this post.

Anyways, the plugs are very simple to change.. If you've changed them in another car it will be a snap. I just went w/ Bosch Platinums. They've always worked for me and were like $1.19 apiece. I can never justify spending big bucks on plugs..

I'm havin fun w/ these smilies

 

Well I am truly happy you doubt me to be honest I could care less.

 

I would get the NGK plugs and install them yourself. Since the come pregapped, all you really need is a spark plug wrench and some anti seize. Just be careful not to overtighten them or you will strip them out.

 

I didn't say I doubted your honesty. But you can't realistically expect someone to GAIN respect of your knowledge of cars by viewing that website. :sqnteek: That's all I was saying.

 

Then come to Arlington, TX and come see us. Also search Deluxe Koncepts on yahoo or any other search engine. I would be more than happy to give you a tour.