Spark Plugs

ncS60 · Dec 9, 2007

I am going to change my spark plugs (40K miles on current plugs) and I was wondering if the "Volvo" plugs are the best for replacement? My car is a stock 2.4T and it is a daily commuter of about 35K miles a year. I have had experience with using all types of different plugs in all my other vehicles (iridium, platinum, copper) and although I tend to like copper because I normally change them often, I need a plug that will be good atleast to 40K.

Are the stock plugs platinum? If so, are the volvo plugs any better than Bosch or are they the same?

I just wasn't sure if Volvo used platinum plugs with Turbo's or not.

Thanks!

Wagoneer · Dec 10, 2007

Re: Spark Plugs (ncS60)

please oh please do a search...

platinums will work but they burn out quicker. I use them, only because I get them at a discounted price. Bosch coppers seem to be the plug of choice. The turbos seem to like them the most. Most volvo gods will say that no volvo will need anything more than them.

Most imporstant thing if you get ANY plug... gap them correctly. If you're running stock boost: .028 works great (They mostly come at .030-.032 if you buy them off the shelf). If you're chipped or running higher boost levels (or live in a colder climate) gap down to about .024/.025.

ncS60 · Dec 10, 2007

Thanks for the help! I did a search on multiple forums and it did seem that copper was the popular choice but I wanted to get a few more opinions since the stock plugs are platinum. I am not going to chip or step up the boost, so it will remain stock. Thanks for the tip regarding .028!

Thanks.

Freeworld · Dec 10, 2007

Re: (ncS60)

I'm going with this next time too. I don't know what they were, but at my last tune-up, my mechanic put in plugs that were $30 a piece!!!

bfavre4 · Dec 10, 2007

Re: (Freeworld)

Where can you buy Bosch plugs?

Freeworld · Dec 10, 2007

Re: (bfavre4)

Quote, originally posted by bfavre4 »

Where can you buy Bosch plugs?

The internet?

docbipe · Dec 10, 2007

Re: (bfavre4)

Sparkplugs.com. Been using them for years, comparisons online, great prices.

Doc http://********************/smile/emcocktl.gif

Wagoneer · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (Freeworld)

Quote, originally posted by Freeworld »

I'm going with this next time too. I don't know what they were, but at my last tune-up, my mechanic put in plugs that were $30 a piece!!!

I have never seen plugs for more than $15 a piece. I think your mechanic took you for a ride. You should ask him what they were.

mrapczynski · Dec 11, 2007

Re: Spark Plugs (ncS60)

I just got my S60 T5 back from its 45,000mi service today. I have mine taken care of at an independent shop (Volvo/BMW/Audi/Porsche) - also diamond certified. These guys are tops!

I too am going to be replacing plugs myself, probably before xmas and I asked my service guy about plugs "upgrades", say for example using iridium's. He said stick with a set of Volvo OEM plugs for the turbo - very high rate of mis-fires and other foul ups with non-OEM plugs. I've done lots and lots of searching and multiple forums and the "Volvo gods" are coming up inconsistent. I'm sticking with my service guy's advice, that's what I pay them for.

FCP Groton has a set of OEMs for $32...seems to be a reasonable balance between inexpensive and predictable quality.

ncS60 · Dec 11, 2007

Good point...I think I'll try FCP Groton for $32.

Thanks!

bfavre4 · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (ncS60)

Thanks for the FCPgroton tip; 5 OEM plugs for $32 is pretty good.

HH01T5 · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (bfavre4)

bosch plugs suck. I run NGK platinum spark plugs for like a year now, nevere misfires never have a problem. Next time Im switching to iridium plugs. Yea stock plugs might be fine, but for a a couple dollars extra why not get platinum or iridium.

2001 S60 T5___ ipd ecu, 3" ferrita DP, tme exhaust, EST intake, tme springs, bilstein shocks, poly upper engine mount, lower trans mount, qbm strut conv., VDO boost gauge, dubstop grille, TSW hyper black wheels

mrapczynski · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (HH01T5)

That was initially my reasoning. The cost is not the factor, it is the reliability I'm brining up. I've been ready to get a set of iridiums but I cannot find enough happy users. I have found plenty of archived forum posts noting that iridiums for Volvo applications don't last long, have melting issues (someone explain that one, geez), and now my service group advising against it - I'm re-thinking my spark plug plan.

I want my car to run, fast AND reliable - with less me under the hood tinkering. Just my reasoning. If iridiums work for you and there are no problems then you're doing pretty good!

Wagoneer · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (mrapczynski)

Quote, originally posted by mrapczynski »

I want my car to run, fast AND reliable

Oh how I wish those two would go together sometimes.

HH01T5 · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (mrapczynski)

Go read about iridiums melting point.... i highly doubt they have melting issues. I think people have issues with them because they install them wrong. they require a different gapping.

HH01T5 · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (HH01T5)

But in a way I do agree with you, because I bought NGK iridium plugs and haven't had them installed yet because like you trying to do some research. also the platinum plugs i use now seem to be working fine. I dont know who to believe. I know this though 06 STI's used platinum plugs and the new models changed to NGK iridium plugs so they cant be that bad

mrapczynski · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (HH01T5)

Yeah I have seen the melting point, 700C higher,etc... - numbers are good, I can work with that. BUT the word on the street isn't giving me much confidence. I was confused when I read one post either here or on volvoforums where one or more Denso's melted and said driver switch over to Bosch coppers.

In the face of that, I'm still willing hear more arguments for iridiums. I'd like to think I might run an ECU upgrade within a year and I need a consistent performance option. I've also read that re-gapping an OEM plug works for higher boost level. Decisions decisions!

Argh.

mrapczynski · Dec 11, 2007

Re: (Wagoneer)

Quote, originally posted by mrapczynski »
I want my car to run, fast AND reliable

Quote, originally posted by Wagoneer
Oh how I wish those two would go together sometimes.

Psh. Now that I think about it, what's the fun in that?

Spark Plugs

ncS60

Wagoneer

ncS60

Freeworld

bfavre4

Freeworld

docbipe

Wagoneer

mrapczynski

ncS60

bfavre4

HH01T5

mrapczynski

Wagoneer

HH01T5

HH01T5

mrapczynski

mrapczynski

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