Spark Plug Replacement

[techwhore]

I've got a 1990 Camry V% LE. I'm looking to replace the spark plugs, and am considering the Bosch Platinum +4 series. I'd like some feedback first though. I know that they're not for every vehicle and so I'm looking to avoid any problems.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[EKam]

The platnium +4 will provide no advantage over regular OEM platnium plugs, as much as they want you to believe that it's not.

[Parmenides3]

The Tercel that I'm unloading soon ('92, 100k) seems to burn a little oil and slightly fouls the plugs. I've gone with the Bosch+4 because the engine stays happier for longer, and I can't help but think that the four points are a part of that. But I'm giving the car to a guy who's notoriously cheap when he buys parts. I want him to take good care of the car. I know how he is with parts because he's my dad. Do I try the OEM platinum, or look for a cheaper premium plug, or do I send him spark plug care packages? Thanks, Parmenides3

[EKam]

There are a lot of spark plug gimmicks out there, unless you plan to do a lot of work on the engine, sticking with OEM plugs is usually your safest choice.

[NOTSOFAST]

I have used +4 and I really cant tell the diff but i think it would be better if U have buildup and instead of having the spark jump only on one electrode it has the choice of the easiest and shortest electrode bcs of the 3 other ones !!!!!! And when that one stops getting the spark if it was an OEM u would have a dead cylinder but with 3 other ones U have a better chance !!!!
Just my 2 cents .......

[EKam]

Originally posted by NOTSOFAST
And when that one stops getting the spark if it was an OEM u would have a dead cylinder but with 3 other ones U have a better chance !!!!
Just my 2 cents .......

My 96 V6 stock plugs came with dual tips.

[NOTSOFAST]

Originally posted by EKam
My 96 V6 stock plugs came with dual tips.

Well what can I say ???? Mine were single tipped !!!!! Just my luck I guess !!!!!!!

[Parmenides3]

Alright, I just spent the last hour clicking around and I can't find any hard data comparing the Bosch+4 to any other plug. I'm disappointed. The fact that using them makes my engine happy is good, but the possibility that I'm simply being sucked into hype is proving hard to dispel. The next time I buy plugs, I'm getting regular OEM platinums, and I'll know the difference soon enough, if there is one. The thing that really disemboweled my blind faith in the four-point plug is the fact that Bosch's own website DOES NOT OFFER EASY-ACCESS INFORMATION demonstrating the superiority of their product. From a perspective purely of hardware, the +4 is good and does no harm in my Tercel. But Bosch has not made any effort to PROVE that something less flashy would not do the job just as well. O, well, I learned something. That, at least, is priceless.

[rjm]

I tried out the 4-spark Bosch vs. the standard NGK. I must disagree with the gimick statement - the marketing a bit overdone, yes, but not a gimick! If your plugs are fouling - this will not help - these will also foul and at the same rate! If your engine is still in good condition though you will find that these last a very long time. I replaced mine after 40000km and they were still good - except the gaps opened up a bit. I found that they do indeed give me easier starting and better fuel consumption in town. No difference on the open road though. I'm back on NGK however as they are a 1/4 of the price.

[csaxon]

I can't say they're better then oem, but I put some Bosch+4's in my sons '99 Camry LE 4 cylinder. With over 70000 miles on them their smooth at idle and at highway speeds with plenty of zip.