Re: What Plugs are better?

[Shawn C Meze <skerocdriver@juno.com>]

On Sun, 13 Feb 2000 17:40:59 PST "Chris DeLong" <green536@hotmail.com>
writes:
>
>I have worked on japanese car before and the Nippondensos are the worst
plug 
>you could use (next to autolite or champion). I would advise against ANY

>japanese spark plug for your German car. Of course IMHO.


This is more for Dan's info and less for your baiting tactics. I can back
up anything I say on this list or I wouldn't say it. Simply put. 
I don't know what you know about the NGK or the Nippondenso plants that
produce these spark plugs. I don't know what you know about the quality
control that goes into the making of their spark plugs. I also don't know
what applications you have ever used any of these spark plugs in either.
Furthermore, I know that just because its German made, doesn't mean its
worth a shit. Case in point, Ive had plugs in 2 different sets of Bosch
Silbers drop the center electrode. probably the absolute worst thing that
can happen from ANY spark plug.

If you know anything about Bosch Platinum plugs, you will know that they
are designed for your basic commuter car. Longevity at the cost of
performance. Looking at used Platinum plugs, the center electrode seems
to wear rapidly on some cars. With such a little electrode, its no wonder
why. That's really the only reason why I don't like or use them.

I also am not the kind of person who is one minded in thinking that
"German parts only for my German cars". In my travels and endeavors over
the years, ive come to learn that the best parts come from all over. Sure
there are alot of parts that I do insist to be only German made parts.
However there is also a list of parts that can come from any
manufacturer. If I learn that a Yugo part works better or lasts longer
than what I currently use, you can bet your bottom dollar that I would
indeed use a Yugo part on my German made VW. 

Just to go further as to why and how I know so much about NGK or
Nipondenso plugs, at one time (Gawd, long time ago.) I was a simple parts
driver for a local parts chain. Part of being a dealer of various parts
is we got to lean alot about where all the parts were made and what goes
into the various parts, materials, engineering, design goals ect. At this
time I was also heavily involved with my Uncle's drag racing program with
his Alcohol burning funnycar. We used Champion plugs on the car and
replaced the plugs after every 2nd run. We went thru ALOT of spark plugs.


(we tested them after each run and the dual Magneto's would simply burn
out the plugs. Resistance readings of 64ohms after one run was actually
common.) 

So before the next race, he calls me up and says to pick up a case of
spark plugs on my way out of work. Normally this was not a problem but
one day, for whatever reason, the warehouse was completely out of the
champion plugs. The only thing we had in stock and in any quantity that
was the same as the champion plugs were NGK's. After we used these for 4
runs, the ohm readings were the same as when we got them. We used one set
for the entire day of racing. Our time slips showed a slight improvement
over previous events. I cant say that yes, these plugs were the reason
for our 2tenths improvement over the previous weekends racing since there
are so many variables to consider. The savings of money from being able
to use plugs for more than 2 runs was worth looking into. 

This is when we began to look into spark plug manufactures on a serious
level. Up until this point, we used the Champion plugs because That's
what everybody else used. (Lemmings we were, back then.) We tried alot of
different plugs including the Bosch plugs. We kept comming back to the
NGK's for the funnycar. 

For street use, ive used alot of spark plugs. For the most part, a spark
plug is a spark plug, especially on a commuter type car. If you get into
spirited driving or autoX or road race, you might want something more
specific.

Ive used a single set of NGK tripple trode plugs in an old 77' Datsun
B-210 for over 2 years. They were in the car when I sold it. They tested
fine so why replace them. 

Sorry for the ultra lengthy reply Dan, just wanted you to get a taste of
where im comming from. FYI, When I reply to anything (Which is getting
fewer and far between lately) I speak from hard core experience. (Ask
anyone who's been around a while and knows me.) if I know something, I
like to help out those who want it. 



>Spoken like a true Toyota mechanic there Sean ;) Do you get commission 
>for promoting Japanese products?


Naw, but I do get alot of personal satisfaction from giving a good
beatdown every now and then. ;)



Shawn Meze
86' Jetta GLi   82' Scirocco GTi   81' "Project Scirocco FSP"
The Fastest, Quickest, Cleanest and
best looking Scirocco in all of San Diego!
http://www.Geocities.com/MotorCity/Speedway/1308/index.htm

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