Which Spark Plug?
#1
Which Spark Plug?
2001 Monte Carlo SS
Thinking about doing a tune up and changing the spark plugs. I notice there are Bosch installed at the moment. The manual calls for AC/Delco 41-921's which appear to be discontinued? Autozone sells AC/Delco 41-101's (Iridium) and 41-901's (Double Plat).
What is the difference in these and what is the recommendation? Which is closest to what came in the car? I'm assuming the 41-901's?
Thanks guys.
Thinking about doing a tune up and changing the spark plugs. I notice there are Bosch installed at the moment. The manual calls for AC/Delco 41-921's which appear to be discontinued? Autozone sells AC/Delco 41-101's (Iridium) and 41-901's (Double Plat).
What is the difference in these and what is the recommendation? Which is closest to what came in the car? I'm assuming the 41-901's?
Thanks guys.
#2
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,242
From: Mentor, Ohio
NO BOSCH! Some times you get lucky, but my experiences with BOSCH plugs, BAD (multiple times used in GM v6 engines and either immediate or premature failure).
I would get AC Delco or NGK (fun fact: some AC Delco plugs are rebranded NGKs).
I've been using NGK platinums in my 3100/3400 engines. Yet to change them in the Monte (my only 3800), but I'd have zero issues with NGKs.
I know Plats and Iridiums last longer then copper. I honestly don't know the difference between plats and iridiums (i'm guessing temperature or better spark in one vs the other).
To my knowledge all 2000+ 3800's had iridiums. I'd go that route. Also, check rockauto.com, lots of times you can get the plugs a LOT cheaper then the local stores (I can get 6 NGK plats shipped for under $3 a plug typically).
Don't forget to get new wires while your at it.
I would get AC Delco or NGK (fun fact: some AC Delco plugs are rebranded NGKs).
I've been using NGK platinums in my 3100/3400 engines. Yet to change them in the Monte (my only 3800), but I'd have zero issues with NGKs.
I know Plats and Iridiums last longer then copper. I honestly don't know the difference between plats and iridiums (i'm guessing temperature or better spark in one vs the other).
To my knowledge all 2000+ 3800's had iridiums. I'd go that route. Also, check rockauto.com, lots of times you can get the plugs a LOT cheaper then the local stores (I can get 6 NGK plats shipped for under $3 a plug typically).
Don't forget to get new wires while your at it.
#3
NO BOSCH! Some times you get lucky, but my experiences with BOSCH plugs, BAD (multiple times used in GM v6 engines and either immediate or premature failure).
I would get AC Delco or NGK (fun fact: some AC Delco plugs are rebranded NGKs).
I've been using NGK platinums in my 3100/3400 engines. Yet to change them in the Monte (my only 3800), but I'd have zero issues with NGKs.
I know Plats and Iridiums last longer then copper. I honestly don't know the difference between plats and iridiums (i'm guessing temperature or better spark in one vs the other).
To my knowledge all 2000+ 3800's had iridiums. I'd go that route. Also, check rockauto.com, lots of times you can get the plugs a LOT cheaper then the local stores (I can get 6 NGK plats shipped for under $3 a plug typically).
Don't forget to get new wires while your at it.
I would get AC Delco or NGK (fun fact: some AC Delco plugs are rebranded NGKs).
I've been using NGK platinums in my 3100/3400 engines. Yet to change them in the Monte (my only 3800), but I'd have zero issues with NGKs.
I know Plats and Iridiums last longer then copper. I honestly don't know the difference between plats and iridiums (i'm guessing temperature or better spark in one vs the other).
To my knowledge all 2000+ 3800's had iridiums. I'd go that route. Also, check rockauto.com, lots of times you can get the plugs a LOT cheaper then the local stores (I can get 6 NGK plats shipped for under $3 a plug typically).
Don't forget to get new wires while your at it.
#7
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 12,242
From: Mentor, Ohio
I actually have some factory AC Delco plugs that have "AC Delco" printed on the ceramic part, but has NGK stamped into the metal part. First time I saw that was the first time I decided to put NGK's into a GM v6 (gave me a good feeling that I'm not really risking much if GM is re-branding NGK plugs).
#9
I have a question, new to the forum. Just bought our first Monte Carlo and it needs a tune up. It is a 2004 3.8 supercharged and I was wondering which of the plugs you have been talking about would be good, but also provide the performance some fuel mileage is good but I want the get up and go too. Thanks for the help.
#10
I have a question, new to the forum. Just bought our first Monte Carlo and it needs a tune up. It is a 2004 3.8 supercharged and I was wondering which of the plugs you have been talking about would be good, but also provide the performance some fuel mileage is good but I want the get up and go too. Thanks for the help.