Quote:
Originally Posted by X53Jay4.8is
Stephen, is there really much difference in performance of the NGK Platinum spark plug vs the Iridium version spark plug?
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There are three plugs recommended for the X5 4.8is from NGK.
OE NGK ZFR6FH-11, Stock number 4294. Iridium 0.8 center electrode with a platinum ground electrode plug. Factory gap of 0.044 inches
G-Power NGK ZFR6FGP, Stock number 7100. Platinum center electrode (un marked size) with a Nickel core side electrode. Factory gap at 0.040.
Iridium IX NGK ZFR6FIX, Stock number 6441 Iridium 0.6 center electrode Tip (copper core) with a cut back and tapered platinum ground electrode plug. Factory gap of 0.044 inches.
The big difference between the OE plug and the IX is the additional engineering and trimming steps to provide better anti-fouling, easier cold starts, better tip in acceleration, and the shells are coated with anti-corrosive and anti–seizing materials.
The recommendation is always go with the plug that will provide the best performance over the widest range of driving. In our applications I would go with the NGK Iridium IX plugs every time. Will the smaller center electrode wear faster? Yes, in a lab. You will get 60K out of them easy.
I remember replacing plugs after every race, every 5-15K for street cars, as they fouled and got coated with all types of materials that were present in old leaded fuels. Not the case now days. Plugs are cheap and easy to install. The OE plug use of technology is way ahead of where it was when I worked at Champion Spark Plugs. The technology that was once used exclusively in Top Fuel, Indy Cars & F1 racing is now at the commercial and OE levels. When I worked with race teams, race shops, etc, our manufacturing cost on Race plugs was approx. $14 a plug. Now retail is over the counter at under $8 for the same technology.
I personally played with most of the major brands and can tell you everyone makes great plugs. Some are more turned for a particular application than others.
I could go on and on over the advantages of precious metal tipped plugs over nickel ones, but I think everyone gets it now days. Long life, etc, etc.
Helpful?
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2005 X5 4.8IS
The
Blue ones are always FASTER....
Current Garage:
2005 X5 4.8is
2002 M5 TiSilver
2003 525iT
1998 528i
Former Garage Stable Highlights
2004 325XiT Sport
1973 De Tomaso Pantera, L Model
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp Alpine White
1970 Dodge Challenger T/A 4 sp GoManGo Green
1971 Dart Sport, “Dart Light” package
1969 Road Runner 383
1968 Ply Barracuda 340S FB Sea-foam Green