Aftermarket Spark Plugs ??

[V8TT]

Hi again! Has anyone tried anything diffrent on their Lotus ?? If so please share the model, brand etc. As well as thoughts/negatives/positives. I just replaced my factory worn out NGK's for the same ones on my V8, but I cross referenced the number for some Denso Iridium ones (Model #IK20 if Im not mistaken). I was wondering if this is A.a bad idea, why ? and B.Is this the right heat range and size etc for my Lotus. Thanks!!

AL

[superdave]

Hi there, those plugs are the same as my Nissan 200Sx. I have put IK24 in though to cope with a higher temperature change.
As for my Esprit, I did try Denso IW24 (standard is IW22) but had problems 6 months later. Iam putting it down to mine being a carb turbo and the plugs fowling up. I think they need to be installed on a newer car with an ECU to adjust the timing and fueling.
In the end, just over christmas, all four packed in and my car wouldn't start.
Replaced them with NGK normal plugs but went to a higher temperature range.

Cheers,



Dave Walters

[Kev@carnoisseur]

I also have the denso's. Try them they seem realy good.

[JRSE]

I used to own a Calibra 4x4 Turbo for my sins! A number of us used to run the Denso Iridiums when we were chipping our cars. Going from 12psi ish standard of overboost to 22psi required a stronger spark and a cooler running plug. Not to mention a larger front mount intercooler (I had an Evo 6 one fitted). Not an Esprit but we were seeing over 300bhp...

On standard boost I used to use NGK V grooves.

If I do buy an Esprit (looking mosty likely!) I too was thinking of using the Denso Iridiums again.

[Kev@carnoisseur]

My friend has a Nova with a calibra turbo engine. It dont have denso's but it wastes my esprit!!!! Good engines the C20 LETs and a lot more relible then my esprit.

[JRSE]

Kev@carnoisseur said:

My friend has a Nova with a calibra turbo engine. It dont have denso's but it wastes my esprit!!!! Good engines the C20 LETs and a lot more relible then my esprit.

Yes, the LET are a good engine (even better tuned up) and in a Nova will catch many super cars out!

[feffman]

V8TT:

I haven't tried the Denso plugs in my 1999 Esprit nor will I. Tried them in my 1994 S4 and felt they were horrible. I went back tot he stock plugs and will use the stock NGK when I replace plugs int eh V8.

Mark

[kmaier]

V8TT said:

Hi again! Has anyone tried anything diffrent on their Lotus ?? If so please share the model, brand etc. As well as thoughts/negatives/positives. I just replaced my factory worn out NGK's for the same ones on my V8, but I cross referenced the number for some Denso Iridium ones (Model #IK20 if Im not mistaken). I was wondering if this is A.a bad idea, why ? and B.Is this the right heat range and size etc for my Lotus. Thanks!! AL

If your plugs were worn out in less than 11K miles, I think you might have problems elsewhere. I just replaced mine ~28K miles and the car still ran fine. They are noticebly worn and the gaps enlarged, but they are not fried in any sense. Something to think about.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[V8TT]

kmaier said:

V8TT said: Hi again! Has anyone tried anything diffrent on their Lotus ?? If so please share the model, brand etc. As well as thoughts/negatives/positives. I just replaced my factory worn out NGK's for the same ones on my V8, but I cross referenced the number for some Denso Iridium ones (Model #IK20 if Im not mistaken). I was wondering if this is A.a bad idea, why ? and B.Is this the right heat range and size etc for my Lotus. Thanks!! AL If your plugs were worn out in less than 11K miles, I think you might have problems elsewhere. I just replaced mine ~28K miles and the car still ran fine. They are noticebly worn and the gaps enlarged, but they are not fried in any sense. Something to think about. Regards, KM 2000 V8

Well the plugs looked fine ... the color was proper. But the bad thing was that thery were RUSTED completely! Its because the car had sat for a while so ... things happened.

AL


>> Edited by V8TT on Monday 22 March 02:53

[kmaier]

On the early V8 cars, the spark plug covers would leak water in after washing or being in the rain as the hatch louvers allow for water. Sitting has nothing to do with it. This would also make the car run poorly when they filled up with water due to shorting of the spark. Lotus made a change and started to use a silicone sealant in conjunction with the rubber seals where the spark plug wires come in from under the plenum area. I would suggest you get some sealant and do the same to prevent this from happening again. I recently replaced plugs on two V8s (mine '00 and a friends '99) and neither had rusty plugs and both were nearing 30K miles.

Regards, KM
2000 V8

[V8TT]

kmaier said:

On the early V8 cars, the spark plug covers would leak water in after washing or being in the rain as the hatch louvers allow for water. Sitting has nothing to do with it. This would also make the car run poorly when they filled up with water due to shorting of the spark. Lotus made a change and started to use a silicone sealant in conjunction with the rubber seals where the spark plug wires come in from under the plenum area. I would suggest you get some sealant and do the same to prevent this from happening again. I recently replaced plugs on two V8s (mine '00 and a friends '99) and neither had rusty plugs and both were nearing 30K miles. Regards, KM 2000 V8

Yes, I understand this ... it actually was due to sitting outside in the elements for about a month due to the previous owners ignorance. But luckily the paint and everything else is in tip top shape! Ill be looking for a way to seal the covers a little better so that water cant get into the spark plug areas.

AL