I've read a number of Spark Plug Threads.

Sounds like the NGK IX Iridium plug is, generally, the plug of choice.


Stock is:

NGK Spark Plug: Plug No. PZFR6E-11
Laser Platinum Spark Plug: Oe Style; Sohc; Gap @ .044

These are ~$9.98 @



The Iridium IX is:

NGK Spark Plug: Plug No. ZFR6FIX-11
Iridium IX Spark Plug: Sohc; Gap @ .044

These are ~$6.98 @


I know price might be inflated on the OE part just because people will say, "I want the OE plug". But if the Platinum is better, I've got no problems spending the extra ~$20.


So why is the Iridium the preferred plug? Which is best for a 2002 TL-S, 5AT?

 

Iridium IX
there are numerous web articles describing the differance in the metals used
Essentially- Iridium- mined somewhere near the Dakotas USA- was way expensive to process and was used on airplane spark plugs and some race car plugs- people who expect things to cost a lot.
Recent changes in the mining process have greatly reduced cost and now the average owner can get them
Laser refers to the method of welding the electrode to the main body of the plug
Platinum was stock- Iridium wasnt avail at the time- and Platinum works fine, for less cost to the factory
Run some seafoam then a few days later change the plugs
My 01TL is on Iridium IX NGKs- dont get denso - they cost more and only last 30k miles- per our guru fsttyms1

 

Which one?

From the NGK Site (I assume this is correct).

TL-P (NOT my Car):


TL-S (This IS my car):


Autozone shows the same as the NGK site BUT SummitRacing.com says the TL-S/J32A2 takes the ZFR5FIX-11/2477 item.

Again, I assume the NGK Fitment Guide is Correct. Can someone confirm this?


BTW - the difference is in the "Spark Plug Temperature". The OE for the TL-S was also a "6" but with a Platinum tip.

 

NGK Iridium is what I replaced mine with.

Why will they not last 100k like the platinum ones?

FYI - I saw no decrease in MPG as I neared the end of the life on my last plugs.

 

NGK Iridium is what is being recommended and what I plan to use. I just want to make EXTRA sure I get the right part number - that's the basis of my las question.

I think 01tl4tl means the DENSO plugs will not last as long as they should.

 

I said denso last ~30k per our guru fsttyms1, who has personally been thru many sets in his 250,000 miles on one TL!!!!
He only uses them because thats what his local store has on a sunday when he suddenly decides to change the plugs.
Other users report the same thing.
Its proven fact by ziners the stock plugs are not at peak performace once they hit 70k- ymmv with driving conditions but with gas cost rising- I want every bit I can get
Type S has higher compression engine and iirc 1 step colder plug to compensate


Bearcat- just walk into the local kragen type store that sells NGK- tell them your year- model and NGK Iridium- they will look in the computer and provide the correct part.

Grab a liitle tube of antisieze- put a small stripe on the plug threads, or a full circle of it on threads number 2-4 counted up from the electrode end.
Not too much stuff is the key-dont want it in the engine, just a little makes it easy to install- and in several years- to remove for new plugs

 

You are correct sir:

I've already got some LockTite Blue in the garage. I've got Seafoam & TB Cleaner. I've got the NGK IX on order along with a K&N Drop in.

Got a lot of work done on it last week and will change the plugs and Air Filter this week-end. Pretty much a full "tune-up". Should be good.

Then Monday (75* and Sunny) - Wash, Clay, Wax & Seal.

 

isnt Blue a threadlock-seal- just the easy release stuff compared to red?
You want actual spark plug thread ANTI sieze- usually grey-silver and really hard to get off your fingers.

See DIY on lower intake resonator removal and yank that box right out- will allow mass quantities of air to the K&N- thats a good thing
Seafoam it a few days before the plug change, and check the TB plate again in a month as the kn may drop a little oil on it in addition to what the engine does already.
If you havent looked- prepare yourself for grunge
Change the cabin air filter and the entire car will be ready to roll.

 

DO NOT use a threadlock sealant when installing new spark plugs... Get the antiseize... it will look brownish/black with the appearance of glitter in it... but that is the stuff you need... don't use too much...

 

they make more than one color anti-sieze?! must be brand related
But its true- you want a lube not a lock Bearcat

I find a piece of vac tubing ( I keep spare) grips the plug top and you can ease it down into place and start the threads by hand- then use the tools
13 foot lbs torque on plugs- engine COLD, or see box for hand feel method
you dont want to work on it hot anyway- leaning over the side works well for rear plugs
I suggest do 1 front to learn- then the rears- saving the easy fronts for last when you are burned out and bummed and want to get done fast

 

Got it. I'll make sure I get the right anti-seize. Gotta make a run to AutoZone for a couple of little bits and peices anyhow. Thanks for saving me on that.

Cabin Air filter was done a couple months ago, so that's good to go.

I'll plan to do the Seafoam tomorrow and the Plugs Sat or Sun (if they arrive Friday) or Monday if they don't.

Intake Resonator .... I'll look at that a bit later.

 

1. Yes, I have seen multiple colors... I just usually grab a small packet from the front counter... a small ~$2 packets should do it...

2. Good tip on using the vac tubing, I never thought of that... good to know...

 

whats the correct part number for the Iridum plugs? I purchased part #IZFR6K11 stock no.6994
they cost me 9.95 each. did i get the wrong IX plugs?

 

You didn't get "IX" plugs.

That part number is the OEM NGK Iridium plug for the 3G TL. If you've got a 3G, you got the right plugs.

I posted in the 3G Spark Plug Thread as well. Dealer retail is ~$17.60. Each.

The 2G TL/TL-S (which is *this* sub-forum) uses the NGK Iridium/Iridium IX as replacement for the OEM NGK Platinum plugs.

 

Long life Iridiums exist as well.

IX Iridiums are catered toward performance and will last about 60k compared to 105k for the factory plugs.

 

So the IX is not for the 3G TL?

 

6994 is for 3G. If you have 3G, then 6994 is correct. There is no IX for 3G, just NGK plug.