[QUOTE=BENJMNS,Oct 6 2005, 01:14 AM] So what is the official word on how often to replace the NGK coppers?

 

that's a rather salient point u bring up there coral.

it's not like the s2000 and FI got married just yesterday. people have been running SCs on S2000s for well over 4 years. reliably. this issue with denso iridiums is rather new or at least we're starting to get the real picture via two threads dating back maybe just a few weeks? let's explore some sort of long lasting, reliable alternative instead of immediately seettling for 3K copper swaps.

i'm not so much saying i'm not willing to do it, but i recognize that it is a hassle esp for someone who has little to no desire or perhaps the option to spend the added time in switching out plugs as often as oil changes.

now if someone has an laternative long lasting type solution, pls do share. i am listening.

 

Eh - if you really think about it every 6k miles is not that often. The average driver puts 15k miles on a car during a 1 year time frame. So lets go in the worst case scenario and give 18k miles per year. The NGK Copper Spark Plugs are approximately $8, we'll figure everything total to be $10. So once every 4 months for a total of 3 times a year you'll have to spend $10 and change out the spark plugs. Being extra careful, it wouldn't be a bad idea to check the spark plugs from time to time - make sure they are gapped correct and see if you have carbon buildup or not. Basically you can read the spark plug to see if you are running rich/lean. Lets say you do this every 3k miles which (in our 18k miles a year equation) would be every 2 months.
So,with $30k spent on the S2000 and give or take roughly $5,000 on a Turbo/Supercharger setup. Is it really that much of a hassle to check your spark plugs every 2 months and replace them every 4 months?

 

it's all relative right? we go from 100K or life of car change to every 3K to 6K with added labor costs for many who don't neither the time nor desire to do the work themselves (me).

Look, let's not get stuck in trying to convince someone that it's so easy and everything's hunky dory because the scenario will be diff from person to person. Believe me, I love the car and run $5K wheels, $6K SC setup, blah blah blah.... and i drive this car even in the rain. so obviously i don't exactly try to cut corners on my s2000.. but it's always nice to minimize time requirements, added costs since money and time don't grow on trees....

Are there any safe longer lasting alternatives to coppers?

 

Negative - if you view this thread. You will see that XViper himself told the poster that he might want to reconsider Iridium Plugs. I personally have never heard of anyone testing out Platinum Plugs with Forced Induction, so I can not comment on that. Users of Iridium Plugs have been having problems for quite some time now with many many more in the past few weeks. So far people using NGK Coppers seem to have the upper hand!

You are right though - the S2000 is not new to Forced Induction. Supercharged S2000's have been around for numerous years. However, this car was designed to be a naturally aspirated car - just like any other honda. And just like any other forced induction honda there is a degree of maintenance that must be taken - including regularly checking oil levels, spark plugs, belt tension, etc etc etc.

I won't try to talk you into taking more time to check your spark plugs as I do understand many people are very busy. However if you are looking for a car that you can just bolt on some forced induction and continue everything on routine factory maintenance program - Honda definitely wasn't the way to go.

 

Ok, so if xviper is the official measure of the latest and greatest disseminator of info here... in the very same thread you pointed me to he says and I quote: " The fact that we've had a rash of recent failures comes as a surprise to all of us."

Note the word RECENT. Take note of the date of the post.

And it's not just Honda. It's every car manufacturer. Sure, more hp generally requires more time and attention. I'm all for that.

But given the history of the Comptech SC (the one I run) and the S2000 and the overall positive experience with the unit to work very reliabily as a bolt-on product... my expectations fall right in line.

Now, again, back to my original question... looking for more input, thx.

 

[QUOTE=BENJMNS @ Oct 6 2005, 10:09 AM]
Ok, so if xviper is the official measure of the latest and greatest disseminator of info here... in the very same thread you pointed me to he says and I quote: " The fact that we've had a rash of recent failures comes as a surprise to all of us."

 

Blah, blah, blah.

If you're running a stock CT setup, run the IK24's. Don't change 'em. Just drive. That's what you wanted to hear, right? Fact is, you're changing the car, therefore you're changing the maintenance requirements.

I don't think s2ki age really comes into play here, but I will say that the impression I get from your posts, Benji, is that you want all the good while dismissing the necessary. It's your car. In the end, you'll do as you wish.

 

I received both 7173 and 7405. can't wait 'til I install it. I hope my 8000rpm bog problem goes away.

 

you brought nothing to the table. thx.