Can anyone tell me the best spark plugs to purchase for MY01? Not sure what to use, I drive mostly around town, highway and like to play on the back roads of NC.
Any help would be greatly appreciated. I know my service manual suggests 2 models, however I am not sure if the manual was printed prior to the service replacement notice from Honda. Also if I read it correctly are the plugs supposed to be torqued to 6lbs.
Thanks, JimmyB

 

I think the torque specs are more like 18lbs from Honda, even though NGK says 22 for aluminum heads (I think I remember that right). Unless you're doing something silly like FI, the NGK replacement plugs mentioned in the spark plug recall should be fine. They have special stainless washers to prevent loosening of the plugs over time, which was the reason for the recall.

You'll probably get as many different suggestions as you get replies to this question. Spark plug preferences are widely varied and often not based on anything more than a "feeling" of some performance or driveability difference. But the experts (in my opinion the spark plug and auto manufacturers) will tell you that there is very little to be gained in performance from one plug to another. What's important is to use the correct heat range, gap, and plug type for your application to prevent engine damage and promote long plug life.

As an example, I've gotten many suggestions to "never use platinum or iridium plugs in a supercharged engine" but multiple calls to NGK have convinced me that's not the case. I'm running NGK iridiums, but wouldn't recommend them for a stock application because of the loosening issue.

 

OEM baby

 

DENSO

 

I ordered Denso, does anyone know the torque specs for the plugs?

 

I can't imagine where you would have read this. The pre-plug recall torque was 13. After the recall, it was bumped up to 18.
6 lb/ft can be unscrewed by hand.

BTW, why do you feel you need new plugs? The original ones are supposed to last over 100,000 miles.

 

a service manual i got from a s2ki.com peep indicates 54.444miles (euope normal schedule). UK manual.

on page 4-25:
Do not adjust the gap of platinum tip plugs; replace the spark plug if the gap is out of specification:
Electrode Gap:Standard (New): 1.0 - 1.1 mm (0.039 - 0.043 in)
Service Limit: 1.3 mm (0.015 in)
Replace the plug at the specified interval, or if the centre electrode is rounded. Use only the spark plugs listed below.
Spark Plugs:
NGK: PFR7G-11
DENSO: PK22PR-L11
Apply a small quantity of anti-seize compound to the plug threads, and screw the plugs into the cylinder head finger-tight. Then torque them to 18 N.m (1.8 kgf.m, 13 lbf.ft)

NASA type confusion between 18Nm and 13FtLb ???

 

Thanks for all the information. I only have 25K miles, but old habits die hard. I like to keep my cars at their peak performance as much as I can. Changing out the plugs is a simple way to do it. I also can't make myself change the oil every 7500 miles like the dealer told me I could. It is almost a religion for me to change the oil in both my vehicals every 3000 mile.