Topic: What spark plugs for my 2001 4 banger

[andpgud]

I am about to replace my 4 banger spark plugs. Should I replace the wires with it? What do you recommend?

This is how they look.

[sharpxmen]

replace everything: spark plugs, wires, distributor cap and rotor.

[andpgud]

Do the plugs look bad? What brands do you recommend?

[dwtaylorpdx]

I seem to have the best luck with standard  NGK plugs.

Platinum's special electrodes etc none gave me very good service.
I usually have to do mine every 18 to 29K in my YJ...

I use the NAPA Cap and rotor (Brass electrodes)
and I have had pretty good luck with the basic taylor wires.

The stock ignition seems plenty adequate for a daily driver and
my engine is pumped up a bit so far so good.

Dave

[Jeffy]

I use regular old Autolites but mine are gap'ed at .065" which is .030" over. But then I'm using a PD Ignition setup.  Platinum's don't usually work too well in Jeeps.  I've heard good things about the Copper "Truck" plugs though.  Haven't tried them myself though.

The plugs look normal:

[sharpxmen]

Do the plugs look bad? What brands do you recommend?

replace them, they don't look great. NGK my preference also, not sure which ones for '01 TJ but get them out of the catalog. Plain ones, no fancy stuff unless you want to go to Denso Iridium which i heard they're the best out there but pricey (never used them personally though).

[andpgud]

I seem to have the best luck with standard  NGK plugs.

Platinum's special electrodes etc none gave me very good service.
I usually have to do mine every 18 to 29K in my YJ...

I use the NAPA Cap and rotor (Brass electrodes)
and I have had pretty good luck with the basic taylor wires.

The stock ignition seems plenty adequate for a daily driver and
my engine is pumped up a bit so far so good.

Dave

Yes, but I have a YJ. Is it the same engine?

[dwtaylorpdx]

The larger displacement 4 bangers seem to have similar traits.
My 2.5 in the YJ ran well on NGK stock and even withthe bumped
compression, cam, etc it seems to like them fine, As Jeffy
mentioned the Autolights are also very good in this type of motor.

I've found the lugging in wheeling seems to fry the platinum and
fancy electrode plugs, at least that my theory...

I also read an article by the engineer that does the Porsche ignition
program and he claimed that US fuel actually has several additives
that react badly with the platinum alloy in some plugs.

I tried Bosche Platinums and only got about 12Kout of them before
they started mis-firing. Interestingly my wifes 1.8 liter BMW 4 cylinder
thats a 95 came out right in the middle of the platinum plug fad and
BMW wont use them they used NGK stock in this car.

Myth and legend.... :)

Dave

[andpgud]

I mistyped. I have  TJ and I live in europe. So just to be sure, which plugs and which wires shoudl I buy?

[Jeffy]

I mistyped. I have  TJ and I live in europe. So just to be sure, which plugs and which wires shoudl I buy?

If not you're running anything fancy then just run the same plugs you have.  (They look like Auto-lites).  You can play around with the gap if you want as well.  Maybe try going to .040".  For wires, you can use stock, or you can use performance wires, it's up to you.  The performance wires are nice BUT you would wnat a performance coil as well.  If you want a complete kit then I'd check out Performance Distributors FireWire kit with the Scremn' Demon coil.  You get everything you need except spark plugs.  A new coil, wires, rotor and cap.  You'll be able to gap your pligs to .065" then.

[andpgud]

Would these be any good?

[Jeffy]

Would these be any good?

From the color of the plugs the engine is running fine so there is really no reason not to use the same ones unless you've been having problems..  Like I said before, I run Autolites.  If you want OE then those are Champions but there really is no difference.  I've run Champions, Bosch and Autolites.  if you want to go fancy then try some Champion Truck Plugs.  Just stay away from the Platinum's...

[Jeffy]

Actually, there is one platinum plug that has worked.  I forgot about it when I was switching over to the PD system.  Autolite Double Platinum's.  When I switch plugs I'll probably go with NGK Iridium, I think.

[andpgud]

why should I stay away from the platinum ones?

[Jeffy]

why should I stay away from the platinum ones?

Generally, they show lackluster performance and life.  Although my double platinum's have done well.  I've had Bosch Platinum's and they didn't really do anything.