2002 Subaru Outback - Which spark plugs?

[ibroad]

I'm replacing my spark plugs next weekend and I'm deciding between 2 types.

 

My Outback is stock, 5 speed MT, 4 banger

 

 

1) Manual Recommended- NGK V Power (BKR5E-11)

 

or

 

2) Forum Popular - NGK Iridium IX (BKR5EIX-11)

 

[presslab]

Your engine uses a "wasted spark" type system. These will wear both the center electrode as well as the lateral electrode. The Iridium plug you listed will only protect against wear of the center electrode. So these plugs won't really last any longer, and you won't get any benefit from the increased cost. The correct Iridium option would be a double Iridium electrode, like the NGK Laser Iridium.

 

http://www.amazon.com/NGK-IFR5E-11-Laser-Iridium-Spark/dp/B000GZAUG8/

 

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/dyk_waste_spark_ignitions.pdf

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/DYK_LaserIridium_vs_Iridium%20IX.pdf

 

Some Subaru turbo engines use a "coil on plug" system. These can use the plugs with only an Iridium center electrode.

 

If your engine does not burn oil and runs clean, you can probably extend the service interval with the Laser Iridium plugs. Otherwise just use the factory recommended NGK ones.

[ibroad]

Your engine uses a "wasted spark" type system. These will wear both the center electrode as well as the lateral electrode. The Iridium plug you listed will only protect against wear of the center electrode. So these plugs won't really last any longer, and you won't get any benefit from the increased cost. The correct Iridium option would be a double Iridium electrode, like the NGK Laser Iridium.

 

http://www.amazon.com/NGK-IFR5E-11-Laser-Iridium-Spark/dp/B000GZAUG8/

 

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/dyk_waste_spark_ignitions.pdf

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/pdf/DYK_LaserIridium_vs_Iridium%20IX.pdf

 

Some Subaru turbo engines use a "coil on plug" system. These can use the plugs with only an Iridium center electrode.

 

If your engine does not burn oil and runs clean, you can probably extend the service interval with the Laser Iridium plugs. Otherwise just use the factory recommended NGK ones.

 

Awesome. Thanks for the help.

 

I'm also replacing the valve cover gaskets at the same time.

[ibroad]

If your engine does not burn oil and runs clean, you can probably extend the service interval with the Laser Iridium plugs. Otherwise just use the factory recommended NGK ones.

 

So would these be alright to get?

http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_partdetail.php?partid=1439

 

$10 for 4 seems pretty damn cheap.

[nickb21]

Those look right. It's almost the same (if not the same) price at my local NAPA for the V-powers. That is what I run in my '02 and haven't had any issue. I did try the G-powers (which are like a buck more each) out for 30 or 40k, and the were fine (supposedly you can go 60k between changes). But with plugs so easy to do, I just end up changing the V's every 30k give or take.

[Fairtax4me]

V-powers take my vote. You'll get about 40k out of them before the electrodes get too worn. Then you can re-gap them and keep on trucking, or replace them for $10 again. What are Iridiums, $10 each? $40 and they'll last 60k maybe 80k miles.

[ibroad]

K, thanks a lot.

 

I'll just get the V Powers!

[ivans imports]

most spark plug ishues i see is from the spark tracking down the side of plug instead of down the center of plug the less resistance in the plug the longer it will last ngk V power all the way i do not like the platnum or iridium plugs at all even when they are called for i do not use them and { IF IT DONT SAY NGK THROW IT AWAY ]

[Loyale 2.7 Turbo]

Your engine uses a "wasted spark" type system. These will wear both the center electrode as well as the lateral electrode. The Iridium plug you listed will only protect against wear of the center electrode. So these plugs won't really last any longer, and you won't get any benefit from the increased cost. The correct Iridium option would be a double Iridium electrode, like the NGK Laser Iridium. ...

 

Good Info! ... ... Thanks for Sharing.

[ThosL]

I put in the recommended NGK plugs a year and a half ago or so; already worn out after 25K miles or less.  I kept the Denso Iridiums I had before and the misfiring and sputtering stopped. Forester is running well now.

[88SubGL]

Were those NGK’s from Amazon? If so, they may not be genuine NGK’s.

[ThosL]

6 hours ago, 88SubGL said:

Were those NGK’s from Amazon? If so, they may not be genuine NGK’s.

I'd have to check my order, probably Amazon.   

I know Home Depot got in trouble as they played games with customers selling DeWalt and other name brand equipment that were either seconds or knock offs.

[lmdew]

NGK copper core is all you need.  Subaru or NGK plug wires.

[ThosL]

Plug failure within a year caused me unending problems which caused me to change out everything else that I thought could be the cause of sputtering and misfiring.  I didn't realize it could be the NGK plugs I put in.  Forester is running as well as ever; I put on a couple Cooper tires yesterday that I got from the local junkyard for $50 on the rim each nicely mounted and balanced already.

Edited Tuesday at 04:43 PM by ThosL