Spark plugs again

[fastfreddy1414]

I am new to this forum and I've searched for about an hour with no luck. I'm sure this has been discussed many times.

I just bought a 2003 PT GT, no performance mods yet. I'll probalby get the stage 1 kit soon though. I've read the spark plug guide but it is mostly for non-turbos. I'm pretty sure I can reach all plugs and wires without removing the intake manifold. In any case I bought a set of double platinum Champion plugs to replace these ones since I don't know when they were last done. Now I read not to use Platinums...
From what I read the gap is supposed to be around 35thou right? I'll get some MSD wires too while I'm at it.

Question
1. What type of plugs should I use then? The cheap copper ones?

Any other input opinions are appreciated.

[quicksilverdon]

Welcome.
Yes, with a swivel you can do all the plugs without removing anything on an '03 turbo.
Yes, platinums aren't a good idea for a turbo - the stock copper, or, for longer life, irridiums.
Gap at 0.040, and use anti-seize on the plug threads, and dielectric grease on the plug boots.

[fastfreddy1414]

OK sounds good. Who makes the irridiums for a PT Turbo though, and what is the part number? I couldn't find any at the store I went to.

[quicksilverdon]

Originally Posted by fastfreddy1414

OK sounds good. Who makes the irridiums for a PT Turbo though, and what is the part number? I couldn't find any at the store I went to.

Champion and NGK. The Champions have the "nut" part down too low, and you have to grind a socket to get them in - you used to have to do that with the NGKs, too...

[Mean Green]

Irridium plugs IMHO are a waste of money. I used the stock Copper Plus plugs in my 280 hp '03 GT and use the stock Copper Plus plugs in my 350 hp '05 SRT-4. Both cars are beasts and run very well. While irridium may last a bit longer I can get 4 sets of stock Copper Plus plugs for the price of a set of irridiums. It's your car so put what you want.

[fastfreddy1414]

OK sounds good. I'll go with the Copper Plus ones then. Thanks for your help!

[Moodvayne]

Don't use Champion. When I bought my GT that's what came with it, and within the first few months I started having car problems and my engine light came on. I took it to my mechanic, he ran a diagnostic, and saw that something was wrong with the spark plugs. He pulled them out, and they had started to burn up. He told me that they were Champion, and not to use them. He said they are some of the worst he could buy.

Since he is a family friend, he went ahead and ordered some new plugs, don't know what kind he put in, but it's a big difference. Just make sure if you do buy better plugs then Champion, that you upgrade the wires too.

[quicksilverdon]

You bought your GT used, right? How many miles on it? Those may have been the original plugs.
There are lots of folks on these forums, and there is no evidence that the champions are any worse than any other plug.
Some go to platinum or irrdium because they last longer than copper.