Spark Plugs...

[generator12]

I want to get this settled once and for all. (Well, at least until next week...)

In browsing forums - automotive and marine - I often see comments regarding spark plug preferences. My guess is that the least favorite brand among them is Champion.

Yet, almost everything I buy comes with a Champion from the OEM, and the parts lists all specify a Champion number for a replacement. It's been a while since I looked at different brands side-by-side and could compare prices, but when I did I seem to recall that there were others similarly priced. If that holds true, price wouldn't be the reason.

Your thoughts on favorites and on OEM's choosing Champion...??

 

[JoLin]

Re: Spark Plugs...

I want to get this settled once and for all. (Well, at least until next week...)

Ain't gonna happen. This is no different from a 'what's the best oil?' thread. Every responder will have a different opinion. Over the course of 45 years of DIY I've used every brand of spark plug, according to what's available at the store or what's on sale.

IMO, there's nothing wrong with Champions, and I used many. Over the years I've gravitated to NGK's in my boat engines. Not sure I can tell you why, aside from the fact that many seem to recommend them and they work fine... which is not to say that Champions wouldn't work just as well.

My .02

 

[Georgesalmon]

Re: Spark Plugs...

WEll, I use champion plugs sometimes and they do come in some new engines. Not all, not Ford for sure. I don't think there is anything wrong with Champion. I do think that they may have a good marketing department. I also think that many engine manufacturers probably have their engineers write the specifications of the spark plug they want and send the specs to several plug guys. Then they buy from the lowest bidder. Not uncommon for them to outsource stuff they don't/can't make in house, like oil for example. JMO

 

[JB]

Re: Spark Plugs...

There are subtle differences in spark plugs from different makers but claimed to be, and listed as, equivalent. Some OEM engineers take those differences into account when specifying a particular make and model plug.

That is why I prefer to use the plug specified by the maker of the product.

 

[generator12]

Re: Spark Plugs...

Well, JoLin was right. Didn't happen...!

So today I bought a replacement Champion for my Deere.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Spark Plugs...

I do not like champs, but that's just one mans opinion....

 

[bigdee]

Re: Spark Plugs...

Not rocket science. Just an electrode with a gap to ground. With today's high voltage capacitive discharge ignition systems even an old worn out plug will fire on every stroke. I have pulled plugs with over 100k miles and the electrodes worn down to a .090-.125 gap and they were still firing without triggering any diagnostic codes. I usually stick with what the OEM specifies unless it is some overpriced brand.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Spark Plugs...

I do not like champs, but that's just one mans opinion....

Champs have their place. Only brand to use in Chryslers. Won't work at all in Fords.

 

[Grub54891]

Re: Spark Plugs...

Champs have their place. Only brand to use in Chryslers. Won't work at all in Fords.

Or Chevys

 

[ezbtr]

Re: Spark Plugs...

OEM always for me

 

[BlkY2k]

Re: Spark Plugs...

I use champions all the time, but I also change plugs more frequent than most people will. My Dad taught me to never re-gap and re-install always remove and replace. You will never find a plug in one of my vehicles with over 10000 miles. I normally do mine in the spring and fall. Champion coppers are what? $1.59- 1.69 a piece, seems like cheap insurance to me.

 

[F14CRAZY]

Re: Spark Plugs...

Champion for Chrysler products, AC Delco for GM, Motorcraft for Fords, and Denso's for Japanese products. Do that and you can't go wrong

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Spark Plugs...

Champion for Chrysler products,

Why?

 

[dan t.]

Re: Spark Plugs...

A few years back when I was into oval track racing we tried them all, Champions didnt last the day, we found the best performance and longest lasting were NGKs.