Spark Plug info

[bigpitty1]

I know the FTO uses a different set of spark plugs on the front of the engine than the rear, I knoe the rear plugs are platinum tipped so they don't have to be changed as often, but is that the only difference, can I use platinum tip spark plugs all around.

[Bennoz]

You can. Only reason the rear were originally designed for long life plugs was beacuse there was no such thing as platinum or iridium plugs back in 94.... plus they are a bitch to get too. I wrote a bunch on them a while back:

The actual sizes are identical. The reason that Mitsubishi state 2 different types is beacause of the difficulty in getting at the back ones to change them.
The only difference is that the other type specified are heavier duty & last longer. Now that Iridium & Platinum plugs have become available, you can have a plug that lasts upto 100,000kms. I recommend using Irdidium plugs all round - keep in mind that these new types of plug were not in existance when the FTO motor was designed - another reason the manufacturers recommendation is for a heavier duty normal type plug.

You can tell an NGK Iridium plug by the 'IX' being in the part number.

To me the difference between an Iridium & platinum is irrelevant as I change my plugs every 20,000kms regardless. I use BKR6EIX-11 all round. Great performance & fuel economy & they never foul up. Its worth spending the extra money on things like spark plugs - a full set for me is $110

Here's a comparison chart for you:

Nickel Alloy - Service life 20,000 - 40,000 kms
Benefits - Standard style of spark Plug.

Nickel Alloy (V-Groove) - Service life 20,000 - 40,000 kms
Benefits - Service life Improved ignitability due to sparking at periphery of the electrode

Platinum 0.8 mm dia. - Service life 100,000kms
Benefits - Long service life and even better ignitability due to a small diameter centre electrode

Iridium 0.8 mm dia. - Service life 160,000 kms
Benefits - Extremely long service life. Same level of ignitability 0.8 mm dia. Platinum

Iridium IX 0.6 mm dia. - Service life 60,000 kms
Benefits - Long service life. Same as 0.8 mm dia. of Platinum and extremely good ignitability characteristics. (Better than 0.8 mm dia. platinum or 0.8 mm dia. iridium)

[khunjeng]

some1 suggested but the normal NGKs in on the front...I said no...although he did it anyway...just put the good ones all round...don't mis match...Craig from revzone is gonna give me some slightly different plugs he reckons are really wicked...colder I think..not sure about the exact specs...but they r a version of the platniums I think

[bigpitty1]

thanks for that guys, thats what I need to know.

[akuma3]

but i remember last time i change my spark plugs i need special key to get into the hole right? i need to place mine again, any suggestion on who have the key to service my car in sydney?

[Bennoz]

Its just a spark plug socket Alan. You can buy them from any auto shop. Sometimes you have to grind a little off the edge of them to make them fit. They are bascially a long socket with a small rubber insert in them so the plug stays in the socket as you remove it from the engine bay.

[khunjeng]

a normal socket doesn't fit...unless its thin. U need the mitsi tool or equiv. to remove esp the back ones...I tube type spanner will work

[Bennoz]

Nothin' you cant do with an bench grinder mate and one of the above mate Been doin' my own services for 2 years now

[Nacho]

So have you got a whole workshop setup at home Ben? It sounds like you got everything you need there.

[Bennoz]

Yep! Well the workshop is round under my folks place. I got everything I need there with the exception of a hoist

[Nacho]

I'd love to have something set up like that! Might consider digging a pit like in a previous thread I opened up. hehehe

Sorry to go off topic by the way!

[payaya]

GR has no worries with normal plug remover.

[dstocks]

Nothin' you cant do with an bench grinder mate

I did a angle grinder job on one of mine too. You just have to keep taking a bit off till it fits!!!

[RedlineGX]

GR has no worries with normal plug remover.

Yup shoulda bought a nivec