Topic: Copper vs Platnium vs Iridium Spark Plugs

[DarkSlySol]

Is there really a big difference between the different kinds of plugs? I know the Platnium and Iridium plugs have higher heat but is it really cost effective to spend 6-15 bucks per plug if I'm not going to get any benefit besides "more heat capacity"? And is there any benefit of changing them at 32k?

[snaponbob]

Long list of "no" answers. The Ecotecs seem to like what comes in them from the factory. Many have had no luck, even BAD luck, with other plugs. As for when to change them, there is a sage piece of advice that applied to modern engine - if they don't have a problem DON'T FIX THEM !!!!! Run your factory plugs until the engine starts running poorly, THEN change them if they are the problem. Save your money as once you use those high dollar plugs, they are yours.

[Lucy'sDaddy]

GREAT advice! I changed a set of platinums at 100,000 miles, and they looked new. WASTE of money! I'm running Iridiums in the Monte. I was told not to run platinums in a s/c engine as they will make a hot spot, where iridiums or copper won't. I'm assuming we have iridiums in the 2.0L turbo, but the 2.4 I'm guessing platinums. Not much difference in performance. Put a supercharger on it and then it matters. Until then, keep the stockers until they die at 150,000 miles or more.

[lil goat]

Like they said, "if it ain't broke don't fix it" I have been fighting with Harley for years to quit throwing away my perfectly good plugs, and charging me to do it. They change them on a 5000 mile service PA LEEESE, 5000 miles they are barely broken in. I also know of someone who tried replacing the stock plugs with something different on a GXP, the car never ran right until the stock plugs went back in. In this day and age the old adages of change the oil every 3000 and doing a "tune up" just don't apply. Change the oil when the DIC tells you to, use quailty products, wash, rinse, repeat. I do say check your factory shocks for leaks regularly as they will most likely need changing more often than the plugs.

[sol_man]

I realize this is the 2.4 section but I have to add my 

Thinking that old "you get what you pay for" had to be true I bought the $25 a piece PULSTAR plugs and what a mistake that was!  Drove to the end of my street and back, the engine was kicking badly so I pulled the plugs out and one of the tips was gone.  Two others were blue and ready to melt but these were the plugs "recommended" for my car.  Put the factory ones back in and they are staying.  There are times the engine doesn't seem to run just right cold since that happened. 

Here's a pic