LexusLadi

Hi All,

How do you guys buy spark plugs do you go OEM or with any specific brand? I've bought NGK laser platinum's before and was pretty happy. But I think over a couple thousand miles they seemed to go dull and lost power. This was on a AUDI A4 2.0T I guess because of carbon build up etc. or maybe that car...Hard to tell really.

Anyway, I was looking around at spark plugs and I came across these: Pulstar Plasma Core Spark Plugs BE1H10

Are they any good? There $15.25 per plug on AMZ.

I usually go with some kind of expensive ones. I figure it's worth the extra money considering I only change them maybe once in the time I own the car before selling it on.

I've gone as high as paying $20 per plug they were for these Spitfires by D3. They were made by a company out in California that specifies in Cadillac aftermarket tuning. I put them in my XLR at them time some 5 years ago, with those I could really tell a big difference in power!




Also, I am planning on putting these in my hybrid. With the way this engine is designed I don't even think it would be worth or make sense to pay too much more for them. I think the tolerances are so tight that I wouldn't even be able to take advantage of the extra power provided. Maybe from a mileage perspective I would see a boost but I am still skeptical. Anyway just wanted to know what you guys thought.

Thanks,
L

Rainbird

I would go with Denso or NGK.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

OEM - Denso Iridium (not platinum)

LexusLadi

http://www.carbibles.com/productreviews_pulstar.html

Rainbird

It's your car and you can do with it as you please, but you might want to read about the advantages of using Iridium Spark Plugs. This is why Lexus uses them:

http://densoiridium.com/faq.php

fastnoypi

id stick with either Denso or NGK iridium plugs in the proper heat range. These OEM manufacturers have spent way more money than you can imagine into R&D of their plugs than those small boutique brands.

thomas1

Yup best plug on the market is the Iridium. They last forever and if you go into the technology they have excellent spark creation.

lexus997

+1


My local dealer wants $650 to replace the spark plugs, but this is another maintenance item that I will tackle in May once the weather hopefully turns consistently nice. I was able to buy the OEM Denso plugs for about $10 each from Advance Auto Parts.


I plan on changing the spark plugs ONCE as I do not plan on keeping the vehicle beyond 250k miles.

LexusLadi

Thank you for all your comments. I have read about the iridium plugs and am very impressed. Being they are what Lexus use's and recommends in putting in there own vehicles makes the most sense. These clams other manufacture's make sound reasonable but when put to the test fail miserably is somewhat sad and it goes to show you how far they are willing to go to get you spend your money.(Pretty much anything and everything.)

I plan on changing them late summer or early fall. I need to do the timing belt and water pump so I would like to tackle it all at once. Probably, going to do it 100K is my estimate.

mandyfig

Denso Iridium + 1!

ac921ol

iTrader: (1)

When do you guys usually try changing spark plugs? What mile?

lexus997

The owner's manual states to replace the spark plugs at 120k miles for the RX350.

lexsc4

I just ordered 6 Denso FK20HR-11 from Amazon today $9.91 each with free shipping.

I am going to have my mechanic replace the plugs ($50 labor extra only) while he is replacing the water pump and the drive belt ($200 labor). 08 RX350 currently has 97K miles and water pump is slowly leaking coolant and making rattling sound while the car is cold.

08 RX350 AWD (wife)
08 Avalon Touring (mine)

LexusLadi

Nice find on the spark plugs!
All that work seems like a really good price. Although an estimate only, I imagine. Can you please provide the final total bill for the labor and parts, when completed please?

lexsc4

I have known this mechanic for over 10 years with all my cars and I recommend a lot of biz to him. He has never upcharge me after the job. Maybe this time he will.......

I will let you guys know when complete.