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To list them here would be a waste of space. Check the guide at your local retailer.
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Except for 'trick' plugs, DSMers have used many brands with good results. NGKs appear to the be the most often-reported favorite.
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What is the correct plug gap for my [DSM]? |
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This is only a legitimate question for 1990 owners, as the 1990 shop manual had a mistake in the plug gapping specifications. The correct numbers are listed, but they are switched around between the turbo and non-turbo cars. According to TSBs 26-27-89 and 26-61-89, the correct gap for 1990 turbo cars is 0.028 to 0.031, while non-turbo cars use the larger 0.039 to 0.043 gap.
Everybody else can check their shop manual or consult their local retailer.
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Why should I change spark plug gaps? My plugs are gapped to [gap]. Is this right? If not, why was it done? |
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For the answers to these and other plug-related questions, read NGKs Spark Plug FAQ. Also read Matt Blue's spark plug posts .
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What are NGK BPR7ES, and why should I use them? |
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BPR7ES plugs are one range colder than the standard 1G BPR6ES plugs, meaning the tip temperature is lower.
In general, switching spark plugs is not necesary unless you are experiencing ignition problems. Doing to without a legitimate reason may create more problems than you solve, as colder plugs are more prone to fouling. Read the NGK Spark Plug FAQ for guidelines on when to switch heat ranges.
If you have trouble finding BPR7ES plugs, try looking for 4044 plugs. Apparantly that is the new NGK part number.
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Some owners experience idle or misfire problems after installing platinum plugs. Others use them with no ill effects. Most owners prefer to stick with the non-platinum plugs. Problems seem to be more prevalent on turbo cars.
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Can I use dual-electrode plugs (Splitfires) in my [DSM]? |
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Many owners do use them and experience no unusual problems. Don't expect any performance gain out of them, however; nobody (including SplitFire, Inc.) has been able to verify increased performance through the use of unconventional spark plugs, placing them into the 'magic products' category of upgrades. In fact, occasional objective testing in non-DSM cars has reportedly shown a loss of performance when using Splitfire plugs.
It is interesting to note that the FTC forced SplitFire, Inc. to discontinue advertisements including claims of increased performance or economy. It was ruled that SplitFire did not have sufficient evidence to substantiate their claims. Read all about it here; you can also search for Splitfire for more documents. This type of government action is also a sure sign of a 'magic' product.
A web search for information on Splitfire plugs will reveal that most motor vehicle owners' experiences coincide with DSMers - lots of people ask, lots of people use, but nobody knows for sure if they work or not. Given that SplitFire themselves could not provide evidence proving their product to the FTC, it is extremely doubtful that they work any better than conventional plugs.
For those interested, Dennis Grant wrote several very informative articles on ignition theory. Also, NGK has some details on dual-electrode plugs in their Spark Plug FAQ; give it a read.
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What plug wires are best? What plug wires should I use? |
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With few exceptions, spark plug wires either work, or they don't. As with the 'trick' spark plugs described above, nobody has been able to prove a performance gain by using larger-than-normal or unconventional spark plug wires. They continue to be a popular upgrade, however, with Magnecores being mentioned the most often.
Owing to a number of owners who have experienced longevity problems with cheaper wires, it is possible that the superior build quality of the larger wires means they will last longer than 'normal' wires. This, in itself, would be a reason to get bigger wires, since replacing wires every 6-12 months isn't any fun. Also, plug wires can sometimes be tricky to diagnose, since tests will sometimes fail to reveal the wires are no good.
Nology and others manufacture 'special' wires that are supposed to provide better performance.Dennis Grant has some things to say about 'trick' plug wires. (You should also read the rest of the series.) Most Digesters concur with Dennis that 'trick' wires fall in into the category of 'magic' products.
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Maintained by Sean Costall. Changes and suggestions are welcomed! If you have any information on the answers to any of these questions or wish additional questions, please mail me.
This page is an extension of Club DSM .