Copper plugs in 2AZ-FE?

[headmotty]

Is anyone running standard copper plugs? This would be for a 2007 LE, and the plugs are standard Denso. I know iridiums are called for, but I assume standards would be fine too, just have to change more often. So just wondering, really. Or is there a real reason why iridiums *must* be used? Will damage result if not? Thanks.

[arabianobsession]

I would never, ever use copper plugs in a car, ESPECIALLY if platinum or iridium is the standard spec. Your car was designed to run with a certain quality part-if you downgrade you will see the performance of your car go downhill as well.

I highly advise against using copper plugs in this case. Heck, I don't even use those cheapos in my old V6 Mustang!

[PhatRoyale]

You can run whatever you want.

But copper plugs will need to be replaced more often as they wear faster.

The difference is negligible.

[arabianobsession]

Personally, I wouldn't. I've ran cars with copper and have gotten less than stellar results. But that's just me.

[arabianobsession]

P.S.: With the cost of replacing copper ones more often, why waste the time and energy when you can do it once and forget about it?

[SilverBullet]

^ +1. When I did them on my 2AZ, I went with the exact same thing that was in it before. Cost: $40. I replaced them myself, so no labor cost like the $100 the dealer wanted to rip me off for. It took about 45 mins to an hour. Mine's a 2003, which shouldnt matter, a 2AZ is a 2AZ, but if you want pics on how to do it, pm me.

[SilverBullet]

i only have 5 pics of it, so i cant really help you there. but here are the plugs i used: http://i1220.photobucket.com/albums/...eakx/001-1.jpg
cant figure out why it keeps the link, its supposed to just show up.....but click the link and it should go to it.

[Punks_Not_Dead5]

You have to click the little mountain button and paste the link in it.

[headmotty]

arabianobsession - OK, you said "that's just me" and I know it's an opinion, but "I would never, ever use copper plugs in a car"? Really? Even though copper plugs are made for cars, and for decades and decades, almost all cars ran on nothing but standard copper plugs? And you don't use copper plugs in your old Mustang? If by "old" you mean 60's, then you should actually be using standard copper plugs, following your reasoning to use only the standard spec.

I don't believe a copper Denso plug can be considered a "downgrade" in quality from the iridiums. Can you expand on how I would see the performance of my car go downhill, or what your less than stellar results were? Otherwise, you're not really providing a useful answer to my question.

[aznlunatic206]

IMO, if a car comes with iridiums then i would stick with iridiums and nothing less.

[SilverBullet]

^+1. And if you MUST use copper plugs, go ahead. It's your car; we're just trying to help you out here. If you don't want our opinions, don't ask.

[Yuko]

^+2 Iridiums plugs are rated up to 100k before service so it pays off quickly than swapping copper spark plugs every 30K. (Even if it's easy to do on the 2.4L) Only NGK and Denso for Toyota.

[Glenn8963]

it can be seen as an economic choice....copper...more frequent changing

iridium...less frequent changing


copper, better spark

iridium, platinum, weaker spark


take this article for what it's worth....

http://www.carsdirect.com/car-repair...op-performance



will copper cause engine damage (??), was your question.....NO would be the answer.

and for anyone's information....i have had spark plugs shoot out of their metal "bodies", (the ceramic core shot out) and it didn't matter WHAT type it was..when a plug is defective..??? it'll break on you.

[BlackG5]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

You can run whatever you want.

But copper plugs will need to be replaced more often as they wear faster.

The difference is negligible.

+1


I run the OEM iridiums in my 2AZ, but if I were to boost it, I'd run copper.

[DOHCammer]

Copper plugs offer less resistance than platinum and iridium. Copper plugs put less stress on the coil/coils under high stress situations and may prevent misfires. High stress situations would be under boost (supercharged or turboed) and/or nitrous. Stock engines are engineered with a certain plug in mind and that plug should be used for the greatest efficiency. IMO Iridium plugs more than pay for themselves due to only having to be replaced once as opposed to 4 times for copper. You get no benefit from copper plugs on a stock engine except for reduced per plug cost if you put them in yourself. Ultimately the choice is yours, do what you want. No harm will come to your engine.