[s-cars] RE: Bosch Platimum+4 Plugs

[mlp qwest]

If the Audi or S-Car list archives are still up & running someplace, IIRC
there are several lengthy threads/reports on the use of "alternative" plugs
in general, and the Nippon Densos in particular, in the AAN engine.  I don't
recall anyone saying much good about the experience, but, as always, as the
Tom & Ray, the Click & Clack boys say "YMMV ....

*****

Q: Dear Tom and Ray, I'm wondering if you have any firsthand experience with
the latest in spark-plug technology, the not-yet-famous "Iridium" spark
plug. The Iridium plugs are supposed to be more efficient than their
platinum counterparts. I just ordered a set of Denso Iridium spark plugs for
my Audi A4 Avant 1.8T engine. I will be installing them this weekend. I
don't really expect to see an improvement in performance, but better gas
mileage and smoother power delivery would be a big plus in my book. What do
you guys think? -Adam

TOM: We think it's good that you're not expecting improved performance. And
you'd do well to not expect anything in the way of gas mileage or power
delivery either (whatever that means). RAY: We have not had any firsthand
experience with Iridium plugs - my brother's still getting used to the
changeover to metal plugs from the old stone ones - but we understand the
theory.

TOM: The theory is that the harder the metal - and Iridium is harder than
platinum - the longer a spark plug will last. Nippon Denso - which, by the
way, is a very reputable maker of ignition parts - claims that its
original-equipment Iridium plugs can last as long as 120,000 miles, versus
100,000 for most platinum
plugs.

RAY: What they don't tell you is that after 120,000 miles in the cylinder
head, those plugs are going to be practically welded in there, and you're
going to have to break them off and scrape out the remains with garden
tools. So when you use any kind of long-life plug, we recommend that you
take them out every 30,000 miles or so, just so you CAN get them out when
you need to.

TOM: Denso is also marketing a very thin-tipped version of the Iridium plug
for super-high-performance cars. The company claims this plug requires less
voltage to fire than a standard plug, and therefore it will improve mileage
(whatever that means), smooth out power delivery (whatever that means) and
bring peace to the Middle East. That might all be true (we'll ask Jackie
Stewart the next time we see him). But I doubt it would make a noticeable
difference in your four-cylinder Audi wagon.

TOM: So, in general, improvements in spark plugs have been in the area of
useful life, rather than increased performance. And barring any overwhelming
evidence to the contrary (Denso, just send the evidence along WITH the
lawsuit papers), I'd assume that's the case here, too, Adam. So don't expect
any miracles. ..... "

Hey, how about those xenon filled blue light H1 &/or H4's?


mlp

~-----Original Message-----
~From: s-car-list On Behalf Of Bruce Mendel
~
~All,
~
~I just took the plunge and ordered a set of five of the Densos (Bill goaded
~me into it!). My car is running 25 lbs of boost, and I'm going down to
~Summit Point racetrack this weekend, so I will try them on the highway ride
~down (200 miles), and then on the track if they work well on the
~trip there.
~
~Will report back to everyone.
~
~Bruce
~----- Original Message -----
~From: "Bill Mahoney" <wmahoney at disk.com>
~To: "James Murray (LMC)" <James.Murray at ericsson.ca>;
~<s-car-list at audifans.com>
~Sent: Tuesday, November 12, 2002 12:17 PM
~Subject: [s-cars] RE: Bosch Platimum+4 Plugs
~
~
~> Woops sorry wrong link.  Try this one.
~> http://www.densoiridium.com/default.asp
~>