NGK Ruthenium HX Testing
08-23-19, 05:52 PM
#1
Driver School Candidate
Thread Starter
NGK Ruthenium HX Testing
Hey Club Lexus!
So recently I was going through the service history on my 2006 GS300 AWD, and noticed the only time the previous owner ever went into service was a TSB, while under warranty or Recall. No data on any other service, except the 100k service I had done at my local dealer (Yea I paid the stealership about $400 w/ military discounts for that, car was a rebuild project, VA is kinda strict on rebuild inspections, so easier to have reputable service done to prove the car is roadworthy here.) Longer story short, I have no proof of the spark plugs ever being changed, and all other maintenance items in good order thanks to me. The GS has a strong idle, and doesn't seem to be hesitant under the throttle. I do sometimes feel as if there is an ever so slight "hiccup" on the RPM gauge when going highway speed then hit a little congestion or traffic, but nothing out of the norm that would raise any questions.
As my daily driver I run it mainly highway, from the far east side of Virginia Beach to *** Norfolk everyday round trip, about a good 60ish mile round trip everyday. Good mileage and spark plugs are a necessity, currently get 23ish MPG's which is about average (from what I've seen) on the highway, with a lead foot lol. As OCD as I am, I'm not gonna trust a former owner who doesn't show good service records. So i figured I'm gonna pull the trigger on new plugs to keep the mental state happy anyways.
This brings us to our Title topic: NGK Ruthenium HX spark plugs. Has anyone ever tried them? Installed them? They have been discussed in Club Lexus, but not for our specific model years. Yes, i used the search feature. The plugs show a lot of promises, but then again so do car salesmen, and commissioned sales wellness products.
Here's my offer: I don't mind acting as the Guinea pig on this one:
Next Labor Day weekend I'm taking a little road trip from Virginia Beach to Orlando, About 775mi one way. I can order the plugs and take them to FL with me. On the way down i'll snap a pic of the Avg. mpg's using the old factory plugs. Change to the new NGK Ruthenium HX in Orlando (given the available time). Reset the mpg's Then run them back to Virginia Beach. Snapping another pic on the return.
OR
Change them with the oil, again, when I get back (playing it safe) and get an entire 5k mile fresh OCI of daily driving to and from work, recording the Avg mpg's in the car?
Six plugs on RockAuto run:
NGK Ruthenium HX:
$8.01 ea, or $48.06 for 6
DENSO 3473 (aka Toyota 90919-01249):
&12.34 ea. or 74.04
Both come with a .044 Gap so no worries there.
What do my fellow 3GS owner think of this test run?
"Do it!! About Damn Time someone did this!! I cant wait to see results,
etc"
or
"Are you crazy guy!?!?!?!? That too risky of a run! Those plugs are dangerous!!! Only use OEM parts, traitor!!!
etc"
YAY!!! first thread started!
So recently I was going through the service history on my 2006 GS300 AWD, and noticed the only time the previous owner ever went into service was a TSB, while under warranty or Recall. No data on any other service, except the 100k service I had done at my local dealer (Yea I paid the stealership about $400 w/ military discounts for that, car was a rebuild project, VA is kinda strict on rebuild inspections, so easier to have reputable service done to prove the car is roadworthy here.) Longer story short, I have no proof of the spark plugs ever being changed, and all other maintenance items in good order thanks to me. The GS has a strong idle, and doesn't seem to be hesitant under the throttle. I do sometimes feel as if there is an ever so slight "hiccup" on the RPM gauge when going highway speed then hit a little congestion or traffic, but nothing out of the norm that would raise any questions.
As my daily driver I run it mainly highway, from the far east side of Virginia Beach to *** Norfolk everyday round trip, about a good 60ish mile round trip everyday. Good mileage and spark plugs are a necessity, currently get 23ish MPG's which is about average (from what I've seen) on the highway, with a lead foot lol. As OCD as I am, I'm not gonna trust a former owner who doesn't show good service records. So i figured I'm gonna pull the trigger on new plugs to keep the mental state happy anyways.
This brings us to our Title topic: NGK Ruthenium HX spark plugs. Has anyone ever tried them? Installed them? They have been discussed in Club Lexus, but not for our specific model years. Yes, i used the search feature. The plugs show a lot of promises, but then again so do car salesmen, and commissioned sales wellness products.
Here's my offer: I don't mind acting as the Guinea pig on this one:
Next Labor Day weekend I'm taking a little road trip from Virginia Beach to Orlando, About 775mi one way. I can order the plugs and take them to FL with me. On the way down i'll snap a pic of the Avg. mpg's using the old factory plugs. Change to the new NGK Ruthenium HX in Orlando (given the available time). Reset the mpg's Then run them back to Virginia Beach. Snapping another pic on the return.
OR
Change them with the oil, again, when I get back (playing it safe) and get an entire 5k mile fresh OCI of daily driving to and from work, recording the Avg mpg's in the car?
Six plugs on RockAuto run:
NGK Ruthenium HX:
$8.01 ea, or $48.06 for 6
DENSO 3473 (aka Toyota 90919-01249):
&12.34 ea. or 74.04
Both come with a .044 Gap so no worries there.
What do my fellow 3GS owner think of this test run?
"Do it!! About Damn Time someone did this!! I cant wait to see results,
etc"or
"Are you crazy guy!?!?!?!? That too risky of a run! Those plugs are dangerous!!! Only use OEM parts, traitor!!!
etc"YAY!!! first thread started!
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