Sparkplugs

[Bubu]

Im bringing up an old thread here but I have something to add.

The time has come to change plugs and I did some searching on here and found some of the info is incorrect.

The correct plug for the Polo GTI is not BKUR6ET. The correct plugs is as it states in the manual PFR6Q, its not an OEM number and the BKUR6ET are not equivalent. You can buy the PFR6Q in Aus. and its also the recommended plug for the Audi A3 1.8T. I just bought some from Pep's Auto (Pep's Auto Spares - About Pep's Auto Spares) for $80 for the set of 4, still cheaper than the dealers. You can also get it from these guys:

https://www.americanautos.com.au/cgi...15122028509207

As you can see from the photo (borrowed from dodge; thanks) the two are not the same the PFR6Q are a couple of millimeters longer than the BKUR6ET.

[firdausasri]

Hi Guys,

Just a tip. For those who've chipped your ECU, better go for a range colder plugs. In my experience, NGK BKR7E copper is the best bang for buck

[instigator]

best plugs you can use in a remapped GTI are those from a audi RS2.
just 1 degree colder and fit perfect.
they are specially designed for a RS2, so you might have problems finding them.
not the cheapest also, but quality has its price...

my 2 cents

[Bubu]

Well I changed the sparkplugs that came in the car when I bought it new.

After almost 50,000 kms (yes, I know plugs are supposed to be changed at 60,000kms) of which about 45,000 was done with the car chipped (by APR) I think the plugs look good compared to the new ones. The tip of the plug is slightly worn but the colouring indicates its running well.

So my opinion is that there is no need to go for colder plugs.

[insanekiwi]

I found exactly the same. I went for factory plugs.

Well I changed the sparkplugs that came in the car when I bought it new.

After almost 50,000 kms (yes, I know plugs are supposed to be changed at 60,000kms) of which about 45,000 was done with the car chipped (by APR) I think the plugs look good compared to the new ones. The tip of the plug is slightly worn but the colouring indicates its running well.

So my opinion is that there is no need to go for colder plugs.

[instigator]

it not that you need to have it,
it just will be safer to run in.

you have more boost, so also creating more heat,
the spark plugs will be getting to hot also.
the ignition tip can melt.
but it's not that it will melt, in most cases, there will be no problems.

[noone]

So my opinion is that there is no need to go for colder plugs.

Is that how you know? Would cooler plugs add no benefit as your current ones look ok? I don't know much about spark plugs, but that sounds like an odd way to decide which plugs to use...

Think I'm running the 7's

[nikanasz]

my pog has NGK BKR7E-IX in her combustion chamber. one range colder, of course.

i'll post some pics of the factory installed plugs when i get home

[Bubu]

Is that how you know? Would cooler plugs add no benefit as your current ones look ok? I don't know much about spark plugs, but that sounds like an odd way to decide which plugs to use...

Think I'm running the 7's

The colour and condition of the plugs tell you how your engine is running and if there are any problems. Mechanics have been using this method for years. Back then the only electronics under the bonnet were the battery and ignition.

Colder plugs would be required if your engine is running hotter and basically melting the sparkplug. The fact that the colour and tip of the plug looks good indicates to me that the engine is running fine. Although there is slight wear on the tip of the plug in the photo I posted earlier, it was the worst one out of the 4 and to me its an acceptable amount of wear. So to answer your question, there is no benefit of running a colder plug if the engine is running fine. The only reason you should change heat range in plugs is if there is a problem with the current ones. But keep in mind that unhealthy plugs usually indicates other engine problems (eg. rich mixture, too much timing, detonation, low compression, weak ignition, etc etc.).
Taking into account the fact that plugs that are too hot can cause detonation, you will probably find that manufacturers will choose a plug for the engine that can handle the extreme end of things without failing due to heat.

I forget to mention in earlier post that there is also an 'upgrade' sparkplug for the GTI. Its the IFR6Q-G, not sure if you can get those here in Oz, its listed on the NGK website from UK. NGK Partfinder for Cars & Light Commercial Vehicles

[DeanB]

I forget to mention in earlier post that there is also an 'upgrade' sparkplug for the GTI. Its the IFR6Q-G, not sure if you can get those here in Oz, its listed on the NGK website from UK. NGK Partfinder for Cars & Light Commercial Vehicles

Iridium plugs nice