Hey everyone, im looking to upgrade my spark plugs and spark plug wires on my P5 wo some high performace spark plugs n wires. I was wondering if you guys could tell me what kinda spark plugs are car uses(like size wise or whatever) and what kinda spark plugs and wires are good. Like i saw this add in a magazine that had 4 metal spark things in stead of just on for each plug. I know almost nothing about spark plugs and spark plug wires but i was wondering if you guys can tell me :

1. What kind of size or whatever does the P5 take
2. What kind are good and what type of wires will i need
3. About how much can i get them for(can i get a link?)
4. What kinda wires do are cars take?


please help, thanks everyone!!

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but the stock Protege ignition system is very sufficient. Upgrading it won't do much for you.

 

I do believe we have a distributorless ignition system and therefore do not see any spark plug wires above my valve cover. That would then rule out your option for upgrading the wires.

That's the difference between the new 2.0's and the older probe FS-DE. I think I'm right, but there's always that chance.

Check it out. Later

 

Just asking here.

But would upgrading to something like Iridium plugs or something else of high quality assist on cold starts? I mean in winter and so forth?

I've heard that it did, but I'm not really sure.

 

Are you having cold starting trouble, with a brand new car? That shouldn't be.

Basically, changing plugs is a waste of money. I posted on another forum that hotter-burning plugs (which is really all the Iridiums and Splitfires do) usually winds up hindering, not helping your performance.

Because the plugs give off so much heat, the combustion within the chamber is actually LESS efficient. The air/fuel mixture should be as cool as possible for best combustion.

I tried Splitfires in my 93 Miata, and wound up with an engine that knocked and pinged all over the place. Off-idle throttle response was horrible, too.

Once I changed the plugs back to OEM, the problem went away.

Don't even bother with so-called "high performance" spark plugs.

 

"so called high performance spark plugs" are many times offering lower resistance. Lower resistance means "more spark" and smoother idle, less strainy trothle response, better fuel economy.
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"so called high performance spark plugs" are many times offering lower resistance. Lower resistance means "more spark" and smoother idle, less strainy trothle response, better fuel economy.
Double Platinum plugs will last longer and in many cases have lower resistance than just "single" platinums.
What kind of plugs we have on P5?
Are those single or double plats?
Plugs can make nice difference, but don't expect noticible hp gains from it. Difference will be felt in the overall smoothness department.

 

...and more spark= more heat.

I've never seen a case where "better" plugs gave "smoothness"

This might work on much larger displacement engines, where a little extra heat in the combustion chambers doesn't have as much of an effect, because of their size.

But in a little cylinder, like our 2.0L, that extra heat can really build up, reducing performance.

If you do upgrade, keep us posted on the results.

 

Spark plugs have a heat range associated with them. If you're running too hot because of a "performance" spark plug, you probably have the wrong heat range. The amount of heat added to the combustion chamber by the spark is nominal in comparison to the amount of heat extracted from the combustion chamber by the spark plug. Until you get into heaving modifications, stick with the stock heat range.

If the old plugs are worn or bad, then a plug change would yield a smoother running engine by offering a better spark for combustion. In some cases, you can get a smoother running engine by replacing slightly worn plugs.

Iridium plugs last longer than copper plugs. Platinum plugs last longer than copper as well, but the tips don't transfer heat as well as copper or iridium, so you may end up with a hot spot in the combustion chamber where pre-ignition may occur.

 

If it ain't broke don't fix it! If our cars alread have NGKs in them then we already have the best plug for this type of engine. If your dead set on new plugs then I would stick with the NGK line and get their irridium plug. I have put these in my Bonneville SSEI that I had, and they are far better than the rest of the competition. But remember our cars are not supercharged nor turbocharged and don't have the compression the warrants these type of plugs. I agree that its a waste of money. More harm than good!

 

Thanks for the info everyone. I guess from your guys' feedback i wont get them any time soon. ill probably get them in a couple months or even longer. Ill tell you guys how it goes when i do get em. I think im gonna concentrate on getting a head unit and some nice component speakers. Thanks again people!