[PLUG-TALK] Any Gearheads Here?

[Paul Mullen]

On Mon, Mar 08, 2010 at 01:13:54PM -0800, Rich Shepard wrote:
> Anyone here work on vehicles and is familiar with the quality of
> various parts brands? I'm trying to learn if there are meaningful
> differences among Bosch, Beck/Arnley, NKG, and other companies that
> make spark plugs, distributor caps/rotors, and other ignition
> components.

For spark plugs, I always stick with the make and part that the OEM
recommends. You can certainly get cheaper plugs, but you get what you
pay for (cough-AutoLite-cough). How much will you save in total?
Twenty dollars? Your time is probably worth more than that. And does
B/A even market plugs? If so, they're probably made by a third party.

I've also noticed that some engines are more sensitive to plug type
than others. A four-cylinder Toyota truck engine seems to run on
anything, but the Mazda rotary in the Rx-7 is very finicky. You can
experiment, or you can save time (if not money) and just adhere to the
manufacturer's specs.

Same advice applies to ignition cables. I've never noticed much
difference between brands of caps and rotors.

-- 
Paul