OK, I need to know which spark plugs to use in my 01 Disco II. I read on here and get different opinions, and then I called three local parts places today to ask if they have the Bosch Platinum plugs in stock, and they all 3 told me I was crazy to use them, as they are junk and have issues. My mechanic said the same thing, and suggested NGK plugs. None of them seemed to have any personal vendetta against Bosch, but all said the plugs are junk. What's up with this claim, and/or what should I be using? They say that Champion plugs are OEM, but did not necessarily recommend them, but were definitely not as against them as the Bosch. Can someone fill me in? Thanks -

 

While I realize mine is a DI I run champion copper plugs and they work the best for my engine.

 

We ahve had lots of people on here use the Bosch +4 and then have mis fires soon after and then they needed to replace the coil pack.
The +4's take lots of juice to work right.
We have had just as many people have zero problems with them.
NGK is the top spark plug manufacture and all the tuner guys use them because theya re the best plug.
I currently have AutoLite Iridium's in my truck and she runs great, before these I used Denso Iridiums, my truck had the Champion plugs in it when I did my first tune up on her.
Buyu whatever plugs you want, just like motor oil, coolant, gas, gear lube, filters...it is all opinion and what works best for you.
Rover says copper plugs, Mitsubishi says Iridium, GM says Platnium...whatever, its all good.

 

Hey Spike - thanks for confusing the hell out of me even more - just kidding, thanks for the input.

Seriously though, is it a roll of the dice? I'll probably stay away from the +4's and either go with the Bosch Platinum's or NGK Platinums....I'm still curious to hear other feedback / opinions!

 

Yeah Spike, that was a very non decisive answer. I've heard you need plugs that were designed for our aluminum engine. Rover does say champion....

 

what'd it come with OEM? cuz, that's what i'd stick with. obviously, with millions (thousands ) of dollars in research and development into the disco they were able to determine THE best all-around plug for this particular motor.

i realize plug technology has changed lots in recent years and what is available now wasn't even a engineer's wet dream then. but, at the least, change intervals on plugs are 30k+ miles. do ya wanna gamble with something that isn't the easiest of jobs when you know you can be sure for the next couple/few years?

my 2 cents...brian

 

Good point...it's a tough call though as yes, there have been advances in plugs, just like anything else. And, it's about a 30 minute job on a Disco 2 to change out the plugs. More comments welcome!!

 

nice, this is called spark plug (no brand)
http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/NLP100320G.cfm

 

Platinum plugs are designed for no purpose other than to last longer than copper. Multiple conductors (+2 +4) seem to be a dubious proposition. Spark jumps to the easiest path to ground from the center electrode. I suppose the benefit is supposed to be that if one of those electrodes gets fouled, there are 3 more to keep on going. So its platinum extended life plus more extended life. Except you can't effective re gap them.

As far as people having misfires from weak spark because of weak coils when switching from copper to plat or iridium, they already had problems that were going to crop up sooner rather than later.

I've been through this stuff with people at the track. People who were interested enough to spend money on dyno time and to swap plugs out and do back to back tests. None of them showed significant performance difference, from basic coppers at $2 a piece to $25 a piece exotic plugs. The largest difference in performance is finding the right heat range.

With a motor that is so easy to change plugs on, assuming you do your own work, why spend more money on anything other than a set of quality coppers? As most of you know you'll need that extra cash later to fix everything else that is wrong.

 

Good stuff, and I agree....and after all, it seems like the people who are complaining the most about issues are using the higher $$ (gimmicky) plugs. Good reply - I appreciate the feedback.