xSLICKx

I was just wondering why I shoudn't use platinum plugs in my 96 3.4L. I'm having trouble finding twin electrode plugs that are not platinum at any of the part stores near me, although I haven't gone to the stealership.

X-AWDriver

I don't think it would hurt but platinum isn't the greatest conductor of electricity but it does work for longevity. Platinum plugs worked ok in my turbo Eclipse but once I turned up the boost when the mods started the plugs were out since they misfired like crazy. Stock apllications should be alright.

4runnermt

No real performance gain, especially for the cost. Stick with ngks

bob200587

NGK is the best bet. I noticed a significant amount of regained power in my 22RE when i switched from bosch platinum to NGK iridiums. And those dual electrode things, thats all crap, It might work but its mostly marketing. The Iridiums last longer than platinum to my knowledge as well.

marko3xl3

Here is why:

http://au.geocities.com/ozbrick850/e...boschplat.html

Read up on that site, it's a very good read! It'll tell you exactly why Bosch Platinum (and other Platinum) plugs give you trouble in our "non-platinum" engines and a lot more good info.

Giving credit where credit is due:

Found this here: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/show...um+spark+plugs

By DavidA (Thanks!)

MTL_4runner

BTW.....the stock plugs (NGK/Denso) in a 3.4L are dual electrode.

GSGALLANT

And you can't beat the price of stock plugs at the dealer. At my dealership, they were only $3 (Canadian) per plug, which was a welcome surprise.

emptypockets

Two problems I noticed with Bosch platinum +4 plugs. 1). Decreased performance. When the plugs were in, my '02 3.4 hesitated, idled irradically and stumbled when under hard acceleration. 2). Decreased MPG. When I installed the platinums, my mpg went from 17-18 to 14-15...a pretty big difference when gas is so expensive. I've put in new NGK's dual electrode and my mpg is even better than before!

I kept my Bosch Platinum +4's in for about 3000 miles and found they're among the worst plugs out there. Stay with the stock NGK's: they perform better, last longer and will give you better mpg!

MTL_4runner

The Bosch Platinums are not a bad plug, they just don't work well in just about any Japanese engines.
They work wonders in most domestic vehicle engines.

gpcollen1

There is definitely a reason why Bosch Platinums are listed as an option for some vehicles/engines and not for others (I don't know it but an engineering team somewhere made the determination).

The Dual Electrode NGK or Denso are just fine. The first time I changed the plugs, they had 30k miles on them and they were beat up. I now pull my Densos out every 10k miles and take a look. They start to show wear at around 20K miles and I just relplace them at that point now.

DavidA

Thanks for the credit....it explained a lot. Bosch Platinums are just not the best choice for our engines.

Another vote here for Denso Iridiums here...got mine from URD and LOVE them, along with the NGK Blue sparkplug wires from www.sparkplugs.com and my engine barely moves when running. Smooth as silk. Plus I like the idea of not changing the plugs for 100k.

shiftless89

nope, they ran like crap after 10k miles in my suburban, put the stock plugs back in ran like a dream

MTL_4runner

Totally depends on the engine/ignition design.
.....I have seen them run very well in many Ford, GM, Chrysler engines (especially the older ones).
They obviously run well in most german designed cars/trucks too.

My preference is always to use OEM parts whenever possible.

emptypockets

I agree with MTL, but I'll go a step further. They don't just work poorly on Japanese engines. My wife's Jeep also ran like crap after the install of the Bosch Platinum +4's. Put her used stock plugs back in (with 30K on them) and it ran much better. My personal experience with those plugs is to avoid them altogether.

xSLICKx

Good posting on the "waste spark ignition system" info. Everyone should know that before buying plugs.

ChickenLover

So, there are a couple of engines they work well in? Sounds like dumb luck on bosch's part. Personally, I wouldn't run them in ANY engine.

Localmotion

Honda says they use them in the 2000 Accord V6. I asked them what type of plugs they used from the factory, they told me Platinums. They also told me it will run around 60 for the plugs

DavidA

It is not a Japanese/German thing...it is a design of the ignition system. On one bank of sparkplugs the negative charge causes some of the platinum material to be dislodged and deposited on the other electrode. Thus changing the gap and resistance. Other Japanese cars may not use a waste spark ignition, so more or less it is a car model by model issue based on the ignition type.

xSLICKx

Can someone tell me the part numbers for the NGK or Denso plugs?

DavidA

Go to www.sparkplugs.com ...plug in your year and model...it will give you all kinds of brands and models for yours.

Anyone else notice that Denso, NGK, AND Champion now make Iridiums for our engines? The NGK Iridiums are like $6.95 now!