Let's talk spark plugs

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Alright, I've done plenty of searching but can't find a definitive answer amongst these forums.

I'm looking to change my plugs this weekend, I'm looking to go for a suitable plug for a car with a retune and mild mods.

I've read bits and pieces about NGK irridiums being good, others say to steer clear and that platinums are the way to go.

Can anyone give me a definitive answer on the plug type, plug code, and gap setting we should use on a retuned car?

[DiZzY]

OEM - PFR6Q
NGK Plat - BKUR6ET
Bosch - FR7LDC+

Iridiums from what I have read dont last in turbo cars, go platnums.

I dont know the exact gap setting.

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Thanks a bunch DiZzY!

As for the gap, this forum seems to state the 1.8T's typically use a .032" gap from the factory, and they recommend a 0.28" gap for reflashed cars.

I think i'll measure my gap when I pull them out to be sure.

[Stuwey]

With coil-on-plug ignition types, you'll find that the ignition system can throw a spark big enough to light wet paper.

32 or 28 thou ain't gonna make any difference. The only reason i can see to use a smaller plug gap would be that more boost (compression) can blow out a weak spark. Last time I checked, we weren't running an old Lucas points ignition system.

I'm not sure you'll find any difference at all. Certainly not enough that you'll feel a difference in any case.

[Preen59]

I'm not sure you'll find any difference at all. Certainly not enough that you'll feel a difference in any case.

Exactly what i was going to say. To quote a friend of mine, ignition systems these days have "enough spark to jump start a dead hooker".

I'd be surprised if you could even tell the difference on a dyno, let alone through the seat of your pants.

Waste of money in my opinion. But if it makes you happy, by all means go nuts.. I'm not stopping you.

[gregozedobe]

IIRC I read somewhere about it being best to stay with the OEM heat range plug for a remapped VAG engine, the reasoning being that a remapped engine is likley to run richer than std at WOT (to protect the engine), so a colder plug is more likley to foul up. Seems a reasonable theory to me, but I have no direct experience either way.

[Bug_racer]

OEM - PFR6Q
NGK Plat - BKUR6ET
Bosch - FR7LDC+

Iridiums from what I have read dont last in turbo cars, go platnums.

I dont know the exact gap setting.

NGK is BKUR6ET-10 . Next colder plug is BKUR7ET

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Yeah, I'm looking down this track for reliability purposes. I'd rather make sure I have the appropriate spark setup for the new maps the car is running.

I'm well aware plugs do **** all for performance.

[Brisben]

Yeah, I'm looking down this track for reliability purposes. I'd rather make sure I have the appropriate spark setup for the new maps the car is running.

I'm well aware plugs do **** all for performance.

Try putting a new set in against an old set, you will notice the difference.

[DiZzY]

Word of warning. Be very careful buying the NGK plugs from ebay sellers, as there are alot of fakes going round.

[Hilal]

They do make a difference, but very minor, new ones will have a better spark than older ones and will be clean from any carbon deposits.

Iridiums/Platinums are said to have a better spark, and only main difference is noticed when starting the car.

[Brisben]

They do make a difference, but very minor, new ones will have a better spark than older ones and will be clean from any carbon deposits.

Iridiums/Platinums are said to have a better spark, and only main difference is noticed when starting the car.

I did have standard plugs in my MK1, I got irridiums because the ole fella, got me a set from the UK and worked out to about $20 the set (They are like that each in Australia(Criminal I reckon)

I have found they are best when the car gets hot, my old plugs in, the car seemed a little sluggish when hot, now with the irridiums it seems to run the same as when just getting warm, not sluggish at all. I have certainly noticed the difference. Car starts sweet, half a turn, brmmm!!