Sparkplug Recommendation

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

My advice is to return them. There have been several reports of the platinum tips breaking off and causing internal engine damage. I believe there is even a TSB out on it. I'll look for it and post the # if I find it. Platinum plugs do no more than any other plug except they cost more and have the potential to do harm. Hope this helps...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Platinum is used on spark plug electrodes to extend the service life of the plug. Platinum reduces electrode vaporization over conventional materials therefore increasing the number of firings before the ignition system can no longer support a sufficient spark. There is certainly a difference.

Having said that, there are also differences in the quality of any manufacturer's plug. By using OEM plugs, you are ensuring that the plug you use has been tested to perform to Porsche's specificaions, actually operates within the correct heat range, and will hopefully be manufactured a high quality standard.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Platinum is used on spark plug electrodes to extend the service life of the plug. Platinum reduces electrode vaporization over conventional materials therefore increasing the number of firings before the ignition system can no longer support a sufficient spark. There is certainly a difference.

Having said that, there are also differences in the quality of any manufacturer's plug. By using OEM plugs, you are ensuring that the plug you use has been tested to perform to Porsche's specificaions, actually operates within the correct heat range, and will hopefully be manufactured a high quality standard.

Hi,

Agreed on the extended service. But, most Platinum Plugs are marketed as a Performance enhancer which they certainly are not.

Platinum may extend the service life, but on a Performance Car you shouldn't be looking for that at all.

There are many reasons a Spark Plug can fail such as cracked electrodes or arcing and considering that they are perhaps the cheapest item to replace, especially on a Porsche, you should change your plugs every 25k mi. or 2 years whichever comes first. Stick with the OEM to preserve the proper indexing (something most don't consider or even know about).

Not doing so won't make the engine explode, but you should take the opportunity to inspect the CoilPak and the Sparkplugs and their Tubes and 'O' rings long before the 30k or 60k mi. intervals spec'd. Since you're already there so far as changing them is concerned, it's most practical to do so then. Fresh Plugs will aid in gaining max performance and max MPG, so the payback's there as well...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

Agreed on the extended service. But, most Platinum Plugs are marketed as a Performance enhancer which they certainly are not.

Platinum may extend the service life, but on a Performance Car you shouldn't be looking for that at all.

There are many reasons a Spark Plug can fail such as cracked electrodes or arcing and considering that they are perhaps the cheapest item to replace, especially on a Porsche, you should change your plugs every 25k mi. or 2 years whichever comes first. Stick with the OEM to preserve the proper indexing (something most don't consider or even know about).

Not doing so won't make the engine explode, but you should take the opportunity to inspect the CoilPak and the Sparkplugs and their Tubes and 'O' rings long before the 30k or 60k mi. intervals spec'd. Since you're already there so far as changing them is concerned, it's most practical to do so then. Fresh Plugs will aid in gaining max performance and max MPG, so the payback's there as well...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Although you could consider them a performance enhancement in that the performance of the plug does not degrade as quickly as a conventional plug, keeping up a consistant spark for far more miles.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Although you could consider them a performance enhancement in that the performance of the plug does not degrade as quickly as a conventional plug, keeping up a consistant spark for far more miles.

Hi,

While your arguement makes sense, if you swap the plugs at 25k/2 yr intervals, the point is moot...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[blue2000s]

Originally Posted by MNBoxster

Hi,

While your arguement makes sense, if you swap the plugs at 25k/2 yr intervals, the point is moot...

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

Which would be a waste of money if you're buying platinum plugs.

[MNBoxster]

Originally Posted by blue2000s

Which would be a waste of money if you're buying platinum plugs.

Hi,

Exactly my point. You should not be looking for a Plug that will go a bzillion miles. This is especially true given the reports of Platinum Plugs failing and causing damage.

Swapping the plugs every 2 years or 25k mi. affords one the opportunity to inspect the car in some depth for not too much $$. These cars typically need more attention and maintenance than a Honda or Toyota, there's no getting around that. Many issues which pop-up in these cars are progressive and it's usually much easier and cheaper to catch and attend to them in their early stages. Good Stewardship is part of the ownership experience and brings it's own rewards.

Sure, you could simply remove the CoilPak and pull the plugs to inspect them and the Sparkplug Tubes and 'O' rings, but why would you go to all that trouble and not swap the plugs anyway?

Happy Motoring!... Jim'99

[denverpete]

Oh Crap. This isn't going to be a repeat of the whole "Shift Points for Maximum Acceleration" thread is it? Please. Just kill me now....