Spark Plugs - Copper vs Platinum vs Iridium

[PGuru]

I cant find an official discussion on this so figured Id start one.

So the OE plugs in our cars are copper, but has anyone used the platinum or iridium plugs? What are your thoughts on them?

[Drop Top Olds]

If your car is running well and not fouling plugs I think Iridium are worth the $. I have used platinum and iridium. Both are much better than copper. The finer wire has lower the resistance, better on the coils.

[Moonkilla1]

Here you go guys.

http://www.a-body.net/forums/showthr...RAINING-MANUAL


Carlos

[Keiths1976]

I been running platinum for the past 3 years runs great no issues . Copper was good for the time frame when tune ups were done once a year or so . Some say if it ain't broke don't fix runs fine on copper leave along . It comes down to personal opinion like brand of oil you use . Car can run fine on conventional oil and copper plugs from the factory unless 95 -96 models some had platinum plugs by then .

[PGuru]

Here you go guys.

http://www.a-body.net/forums/showthr...RAINING-MANUAL


Carlos

Thanks for the link Carlos; exactly what I was looking for!


Anyone else running platinum or iridium plugs?

[Moonkilla1]

I just put platinum in 2 weeks ago (ACDelco). seems to be going well but no real change at the throttle as far as power goes. I'm guessing the real point of running them is reliability and life span but there's no way I can have an opinion on that just yet.



Carlos

[Century7667]

I cant find an official discussion on this so figured Id start one.

So the OE plugs in our cars are copper, but has anyone used the platinum or iridium plugs? What are your thoughts on them?

Here are my thoughts. I own two cars with practically identical drive trains with over 150k on each. One came from the factory with Platinums (the '96) and one with Copper (the '95).

They made identical mileage, same power, etc. I did put over 150k on the Platinums, and when the came out, they did looks a bit worn, but otherwise ok. (see my first LIM thread for pictures). I bought that car new, so I know they had 150k on them. The '95 had Copper; I don't think they are originals since the wires aren't original, but I put 80k on those, and they looked just fine when they came out.

I also have four hard working OEM Platinums in my 4-cyl 2.2 litre S10 with over 170k without any miss-fire (verified with scan tool).

When I put my '95 back together, I will be replacing my Copper plugs on the '95 with the same Plantinum plugs that came as original equipment on the '96.

Bottom line for me, I am very pleased with the A/C Platinums. At $5-$7 a piece, they are worth it to me not have to deal with jerking the plugs every few years.

Still, the way those Copper plugs (AC) looked after 80k was very impressive. Of more concern to me are the wires: 1) I do believe there is a difference in quality between plug sets, and 2) I wonder if excessive handling/tugging of old wires can cause problems. I am more ready to replace wires than plugs.

Ken T.

[Skip]

I'm using Iridium plugs. I have noticed a smoother idle and better throttle response and faster cold starts in the winter. I have had mine in for three years now, I checked them a couple weeks ago and they don't show any signs of wear. I'm cool with that. But I also have new coils, ignition module, wires, new fuel pump, new sending unit, new evap return hose, new injectors, new fuel pressure regulator...............etc, etc, etc. So yeah, my Century runs real strong.

[Moonkilla1]

I'm using Iridium plugs. I have noticed a smoother idle and better throttle response and faster cold starts in the winter. I have had mine in for three years now, I checked them a couple weeks ago and they don't show any signs of wear. I'm cool with that. But I also have new coils, ignition module, wires, new fuel pump, new sending unit, new evap return hose, new injectors, new fuel pressure regulator...............etc, etc, etc. So yeah, my Century runs real strong.

And that's how you get 400k + out of your A-bodys folks, Maintenance and repair!!! its way cheaper than buying a 2016 car that will track your every move.

"Hats off" to you skip

[PGuru]

So I actually drove down to Malone, NY for a car meet yesterday and stopped in at an Advanced Auto to pick these up: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/a...805/11400023-P
Can you believe that for me to get those locally, i'd be forking over 10-15$ a piece?

Keep the opinions coming! Anyone here have a bad experience with platinum/iridium?

- Pavi

[Century7667]

And that's how you get 400k + out of your A-bodys folks, Maintenance and repair!!! its way cheaper than buying a 2016 car that will track your every move.

"Hats off" to you skip

..and more serviceable! These cars will run forever with good maintenance. I'm faced with my biggest challenge, doing a transmission. If I can get that done, I think she'll run pretty much forever.

TCO on these cars is incredible. My loaded '96 Century cost me 20k in 1996. That's $83 / month (plus a couple of bucks for interest on the loan). Repair costs over that time might have been $1,500 in parts over 20 years. It's just a win-win. The only downside at all, is doing your own work which takes time. But, even then it's a real plus because you can guarantee your own work.

Ken T.

[Century7667]

So I actually drove down to Malone, NY for a car meet yesterday and stopped in at an Advanced Auto to pick these up: http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p/a...805/11400023-P
Can you believe that for me to get those locally, i'd be forking over 10-15$ a piece?

Keep the opinions coming! Anyone here have a bad experience with platinum/iridium?

The only thing I've ever heard is to stay away for Bosch Platinums (bad for GM Waste Spark Systems). My only experience is with AC Delco. I wouldn't hesitate to drop an Iridium Plug in one of my engines if it was an AC Delco.

Ken T.

[Skip]

Mine are NGK Iridium. No problems at all. I will probably never need another plug replacement. I do credit them for the strong throttle response I get from my 3300. I have to be careful with her, she's sensitive on the throttle now. She's just healthy.

[Drop Top Olds]

FYI- NGK, Denso, or AC Delco work fine in our "A" cars. For Iridium I would select NGK or Denso. If you want Platinum then AC Delco. No Bosch.....

[1987 Black VR wagon Fam]

Personally, I have ac Delco coppers. Will probably step up to platinum plugs when put back together.
But I have a question, can anyone reference compatible plugs that have a screw off top? 🚗