Which new plugs to get?

stevessvt

Member
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9 Metro MS3
At different local stores I can get: Autolite XP5364, Bosch 4315, or the Champion 7437. This is for a stock MS3. I know I can get better ones online, but this is just for the short term.
 
Stick with denso or NGK iridium. IMHO these two brands are lightyears ahead of the other brands in quality.
 
This engine NEEDS iridium tipped plugs. Either NGK (my preference) or Denso will perform excellently. DO NOT, IMHO, use plugs with platinum or copper or multi-tip designs. The combo of high compression, high boost and high fuel injection pressures means iridium tip plugs perform far better and last way longer. Period. Check the gap yourself, regardless of who you have bought them from. .028-.032.
 
Denso ITV22 for lightly to moderately modded. Fully bolted with meth or Big Turbo I would step up to 2 step colder...the ITV24. These are gapped at .030 which would make me want to get them over NGK
 
Or go to SU.com and get the denso's. They pregap them for you so they are ready to install.

Do not buy from SU.com for the plugs. Buy them on ebay. I spent like 35 dollars shipped for mine.

I would go with Denso ITV20's because you will foul out the ITV22's sooner than normal with the stock boost pressures...

Only problem with the ITV20's is that they come pregapped to .044" when they should be regapped to .028-.032".
 
I realize we need to support our vendors, but these plugs (NGK's at least) are available at local auto parts stores like Advanced Auto Parts for $6.99 each.
 
I realize we need to support our vendors, but these plugs (NGK's at least) are available at local auto parts stores like Advanced Auto Parts for $6.99 each.

How easy has it been to re-gap them? I bought the ITV22s when I had my AccessPort but took them out after I uninstalled it. So now have about 25k on the stock plugs and looking for replacements.

Edit: Which NGKs are you buying the Laser Iridium or the Iridium IX?
 
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How easy has it been to re-gap them? I bought the ITV22s when I had my AccessPort but took them out after I uninstalled it. So now have about 25k on the stock plugs and looking for replacements.

Edit: Which NGKs are you buying the Laser Iridium or the Iridium IX?

Easy to regap. Be sure to use a wire gauge, not the flat kind and bend the ground electrode (curved part) very slowly and carefully and only if needed. To close a gap that is too wide, you can gently, I repeat, gently tap the ground electrode on a small flat piece of wood. Not hard at all. Or you can use the little tool that is a part of the wire gauge. People should check every plug regardless of manufacturer or supplier. You'd be surprised at the variation. The only risk is from people who rub the iridium off of the tiny center electrode by being too aggressive. Gentle and careful gets the job done. Works for me.

I used Iridium IX (see sig below). It is one step colder and will foul easier if you are not running higher boost. I have a catless downpipe/race pipe, which ups boost a couple pounds when ECU believes it is safe to do so.
 
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