1. Home
  2. Nissan Maxima Forum
  3. NGK spark pluigs: platinum or copper?

NGK spark pluigs: platinum or copper?

On my ' 98 Max, ( auto tranny) I can`t decide on spending 18.00 $ on a single OEm NGK PFR5G-11 platinum spark plug, as opposed to the reguler copper NGK BKR5E-11 at 3.00 $ a piece ( canadian prices). I prefer changing all plugs every 2 years or 40000 km at 3$ a plug, as opposed to 18$ a plug every 5 years / 100000 km. Besides, I dont plan to keep the car another 5 years, perhaps 2-3 years. On the other side, previous posts have praised the platinum plug, very much so. What would you do?

Daniel Montreal

Reply to
Daniel
Loading thread data ...

Yes, NGK coppers are great plugs. But perhaps not in a Max.

First, find another source on-line or find a parts store that will order these for you. See if you can do better on price.

I would use the stock plugs. There have been many reports here from lots of folks (including several techs) of the problems encountered when switching to non-stock plugs. Don't forget that the coils cost $75 USd and are known to fail at higher mileage. The plugs characteristics most certainly play a part in coil dispersion. Do you really want to take a risk at $75*6 ? Not me. You will only replace those platinum plugs every 60K miles, so comparing your price of $3*10k changes, it's the same cost.

YMMV, Bob

Reply to
'nuther Bob

This sounds curiously like people spending $100 on monster cables for a $500 stereo. I know that at those prices I'd buy the copper in a heartbeat. $108 vs. $18 for a 6 cylinder switch. Wowsers!

Reply to
Matthew Brooks

Use NGK coppers and change them at 30,000 miles or km equivalent. Some people actually prefer them over Pt plugs, but they don't have the life of course.

I wouldn't use Bosch in a 4th gen, they'll reportedly idle better but cut your maximum horsepower.

JM

Reply to
JM

No, because Monster Cable is total BS, the mechanical equivalent of the "Tornado" air tumbler sold on infomercials.

Platinum plugs actually make a difference in engine performance and last longer due to the platinum pieces on the plug.

Bob

Reply to
'nuther Bob

I went with plats in my 5th gen per the specs of the dealer. If I am wrong, forgive my ignorance but what type of NOTICEABLE HP can come from a copper plug vs. a plat?

Reply to
LACropCircles

Well from all the discussion I have read here and on other sites, there is no HP difference between copper and platinum. BOsch are seem to have a rough idle. NGK seem to be best overall. The only difference between plat and copper seems to be longevity. Platinum will last 100 000 km ( 60000 milles) while copper will last 50000 km ( 30000 milles.) Platinum ( NGK PFR5G11) cost 18$ CAD each, while copper (NGK BKR5E11) cost 3.00 $ CAD each. I have decided to buy copper and change every 50000 km or even 40000 km if need to. SPark plugs on the MAxima are very easy to change. A 45 minute job only, if you are slow.

Reply to
Daniel

There are frequently good deals on eBay for plugs from what I've read.

See

formatting link
The advertised deal is 6 NGK Pt plugs for $37, including USPS shipping.

I don't vouch for the seller; just pointing it out. Use your own good judgment.

JM

Reply to
JM

formatting link

Thanks for the tip. I saw this ad (post) to. Looks good, but shipping in Canada where I live gets more complicated. They will charge the shipping cost to the buyer outside US ( as opposed to free shipping in U.S) , and the carrier will charge custom brokerage. All tthese additionnal costs end up to not being a good total cost at all.

Daniel

Reply to
Daniel

MotorsForum website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.