Been doing some research. Started out looking up info on the E3 spark plugs because I've actually had good results with them in 1-cylinder motors (bicycle motors, lawnmowers, & such)... but I soon discovered that the makers of the E3 plugs are actually pretty small and are more than likely NOT able to offer you the proper plug for your vehicle. For example... was looking at spark plugs for two of my cars, and Denso offers two different spark plugs, but E3 only has the E3.48 for BOTH of them. But the manufacturers require two separate heat ranges for the plugs. E3 is not able to cover one or both of these heat ranges. Long story short, I read that in addition to spark plug reach, the heat range is the most important characteristic of the plug.
Started looking into various metal characteristics, as well, since the E3 plug is the only plug I've seen to offer a nickel electrode. Funny enough, nickel is actually a "better" metal than platinum. Nickel's melting point isn't as high as platinums, but they should both last long enough. In all this research, I also ran across some other "gimmicky" spark plugs called "Torque Master" plugs, which use a stainless steel electrode. To save you the trouble, stainless steel is a fairly poor conductor of electricity. A few folks on ClubLexus had positive things to say, but on several other forums, others were complaining about the electrode falling off the plug and causing some damage. Not even worth considering.
Don't want this thread to be a bunch of unsubstantiated claims and opinions, tho. So here are the numbers for a few common metals used on spark plug electrodes. Doesn't include copper, but we already know copper is the "best" choice for conductivity that doesn't run $1,600 an ounce.
http://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/pages/technical/iridium_spark_plugs.htm
Soo... my final conclusion is:
That the BEST for performance is copper.
And the BEST for longevity is iridium.
Now, for iridium.... I'll also mention that NGK and Denso are perhaps the "best" manufacturers. Each of them have two separate iridium plugs -- 1 for performance (30k miles), 1 for longevity (120k miles). NGK's 120k mile plugs are called "Laser" Iridums. Denso's 100,000 mile plugs are called "Long Life" Iridiums.
Some people who compare these two manufacturers state that NGK's plugs last 4 times longer, and that Denso's plugs have the "fine wire" 0.4mm electrode [or vise versa]... but they both have comparable plugs - performance and durability.
If your car calls for platinum plugs, I would ditch them and use the iridium plugs for the next 10 years without worrying about fouled plugs. The Long Life & Laser Iridiums actually have platinum ground electrodes, so in terms of electrical resistance and such, they will provide OEM results.... they'll just last 4 times longer without fouling or needing gap adjusted, etc.
But if you're looking for performance... you cannot beat some el cheapo copper plugs. Better to replace them every year or two if you have a ratchet and a spark plug socket.
Started looking into various metal characteristics, as well, since the E3 plug is the only plug I've seen to offer a nickel electrode. Funny enough, nickel is actually a "better" metal than platinum. Nickel's melting point isn't as high as platinums, but they should both last long enough. In all this research, I also ran across some other "gimmicky" spark plugs called "Torque Master" plugs, which use a stainless steel electrode. To save you the trouble, stainless steel is a fairly poor conductor of electricity. A few folks on ClubLexus had positive things to say, but on several other forums, others were complaining about the electrode falling off the plug and causing some damage. Not even worth considering.
Don't want this thread to be a bunch of unsubstantiated claims and opinions, tho. So here are the numbers for a few common metals used on spark plug electrodes. Doesn't include copper, but we already know copper is the "best" choice for conductivity that doesn't run $1,600 an ounce.
http://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/pages/technical/iridium_spark_plugs.htm
Soo... my final conclusion is:
That the BEST for performance is copper.
And the BEST for longevity is iridium.
Now, for iridium.... I'll also mention that NGK and Denso are perhaps the "best" manufacturers. Each of them have two separate iridium plugs -- 1 for performance (30k miles), 1 for longevity (120k miles). NGK's 120k mile plugs are called "Laser" Iridums. Denso's 100,000 mile plugs are called "Long Life" Iridiums.
Some people who compare these two manufacturers state that NGK's plugs last 4 times longer, and that Denso's plugs have the "fine wire" 0.4mm electrode [or vise versa]... but they both have comparable plugs - performance and durability.
If your car calls for platinum plugs, I would ditch them and use the iridium plugs for the next 10 years without worrying about fouled plugs. The Long Life & Laser Iridiums actually have platinum ground electrodes, so in terms of electrical resistance and such, they will provide OEM results.... they'll just last 4 times longer without fouling or needing gap adjusted, etc.
But if you're looking for performance... you cannot beat some el cheapo copper plugs. Better to replace them every year or two if you have a ratchet and a spark plug socket.