I just realized that for the past 6 months or so I've been using NGK V-power plugs (BKR6E-11) with a copper core in my 94 GSR. Is this the wrong type of plug to be using? I was just on inlinefour.com and from the looks of it, they advised against using non-platinum plugs in DOHC vtec engines. Why is this? Am I doing anything detrimental to my engine by using these plugs? Thanks for any help and please let me know if you suggest any other plugs instead...

 

technically all ngk, champion, ac delco, autolite... plugs are a copper core...the platinum plugs just have a platinum coating...the advantage of using a platinum plug is better spark over a extended period. copper plugs provide better spark than a platinum intially but over time and use the copper detiorates much faster than the platinum tipped plug....thats the difference between the two...using a standard plug isnt going to hurt anything u just may notice performance decreaser sooner than with a platinum plug

 

and dosent it keep the plug cool to stop it from over heating and igniting too soon

 

hmm not sure about that part...never heard...

 

Exactly. Copper plugs are just fine to run. They create a better spark and are dirt cheap but they don't have the lifespan that platinum has. So, it is recommended that if you go with copper, that you replace them everytime you change your oil.

 

Copper plugs are also better in forced induction/nitrous applications. Platinum/iridium are better for high rpm na applications.

 

Schmoo, are you serious when you say that the copper plugs should be replaced every oil change? Also, I am looking to get some new plug wires. I figured I would just get NGK's....Can anyone tell me which ones to get or where the best place to order them from is?

 

Yes, that is how quickly they wear out. On the other hand, platinum plugs last at least 90k miles.

I got my NGK iridiums of ebay for $25 shipped, so that would be a good place to start.

 

Nah... every oil change is a bit much... I average about 10K per change, but the last 3K miles are cause I'm lazy. You can start to feel a performance degredation after 6-7K...

 

Assuming you are changing your oil at recommended 7,500 mile intervals, that is about right. If you are like me and have to change your oil at 3,000 mile intervals, then every other oil change should be fine.