I can't see the plugs well enough - maybe more of a top-down view.

 

Oh, well since they've been replaced the car runs smoother. It occasionally sputtered when I pushed in the clutch pedal, like it was about to stall and then recovered. Now it doesn't do that.

 

good info man!!

 

Copper and Gold are good conductors but they require more frequent cleaning and replacing. Good if you are FI, prob not the best choice if you want a reliable low maint plug.

 

 

I wonder if I will notice a diff I haven't changed them ever since owning the car at 36kmi now im at 96k or 3 yrs
how long did you guys wait and you guys notice a diff?

 

I guarantee you that your plug gaps have opened up to at least .051" over that mileage if you have factory style plugs, as the center electrode erodes. Swapping to new plugs will provide a noticeable change. Mine had 55k on them when I got the car and the factory plugs were toast. I can't imagine what they would have looked like after 100,000 miles. I've gone with Iridium NGK plugs, noticeable change in all engine operations over used factory plugs.

 

Good write up!
Any Body try the E3 PLUGS??

 

you'll see some improvement, might not be in MPG but my experience is every time I change plugs is 'Wow, I didn't think they really wore out'

 

Did my plugs today @ 42K miles. Everything went OK but the clips holding the connectors to the coil packs broke on three cylinders, I guess I pressed too hard. They went back on but are slightly loose, I'll try to figure out a mini zip tie patch.

FWIW, my original plugs looked great, gap was at .042" and the center electrode wasn't very rounded. Replaced with Denso platinums at .039" gap.