Drivetrain (Cooper S) MINI Cooper S (R56) intakes, exhausts, pulleys, headers, throttle bodies, and any other modifications to the Cooper S drivetrain.

Drivetrain spark plugs eh?

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  #1  
Old 02-21-2010 | 09:54 PM
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spark plugs eh?

I have now 54-55k miles on my mcs and think its about time to change the spark plugs.

Plus I think one is bad due to start up and check engine light coming on randomly then turning off. I haven't had time to get the code -_-

But hey it wouldn't hurt to change it and see if it helps the problem or not

Anyone recommend a good brand? Where to get it at a store or online?

Thanks.

Chris
 
  #2  
Old 02-21-2010 | 10:02 PM
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ngk laser iridiums?
 
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Old 02-21-2010 | 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by stinkytofu
ngk laser iridiums?
Can i get them at autozone?

What about the Pulstar sparkplug.
 
  #4  
Old 02-21-2010 | 10:13 PM
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I've just installed the Pulstar plugs in my MINI. After running with the originals for 90k it's certainly made a difference.
 
  #5  
Old 02-21-2010 | 10:28 PM
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Originally Posted by OXYBLUECOOP
I've just installed the Pulstar plugs in my MINI. After running with the originals for 90k it's certainly made a difference.
Sooo for the extra money its worth it?

Do you notice better start up? fuel economy?
 
  #6  
Old 02-22-2010 | 02:25 AM
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For as long as the R56 has been out, most tuner shops haven't really recommended any new spectacular plug. It might be best to stick with the stock plug...

NGK ILZKBR7A-8G
 
  #7  
Old 02-22-2010 | 06:08 AM
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Originally Posted by countryboyshane
For as long as the R56 has been out, most tuner shops haven't really recommended any new spectacular plug. It might be best to stick with the stock plug...

NGK ILZKBR7A-8G

Stay Stock unless your mods list grows and you require upgraded plugs.

After 55K on those plugs you will notice a different feel as soon as you replace those plugs with anything even stock.
I would recommend staying stock for now. IMO
 
  #8  
Old 02-22-2010 | 06:12 AM
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Have tried to find a colder ngk for the turbo motor and all that is offered is a copper plug
 
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Old 02-22-2010 | 07:59 AM
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copper plugs are good, my teacher runs autolite $3.88 copper plugs on his 1500hp turbo mustang
 
  #10  
Old 02-22-2010 | 09:23 AM
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I have thought about changing my plugs also, recently found out Brisk makes a silver plug for the R56. I believe Alta is selling them. I believe they were a good plug in the R53 but don't know anyone with them in an R56. Any oppinions?
 
  #11  
Old 02-22-2010 | 12:11 PM
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Originally Posted by JamesHunt
Have tried to find a colder ngk for the turbo motor and all that is offered is a copper plug
If you are not running into pre-ignition issues, the only thing you will gain with a colder plug is poor start up behavior and poor gas mileage until the car is warm.
 
  #12  
Old 02-22-2010 | 12:15 PM
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Originally Posted by stinkytofu
copper plugs are good, my teacher runs autolite $3.88 copper plugs on his 1500hp turbo mustang
Too true. High hp motors like that tend to get a spark plug change quite often so running rediculously expensive plugs makes little sense at all.
 
  #13  
Old 02-23-2010 | 04:28 PM
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Originally Posted by Chili_Mini_PA
Stay Stock unless your mods list grows and you require upgraded plugs.

After 55K on those plugs you will notice a different feel as soon as you replace those plugs with anything even stock.
I would recommend staying stock for now. IMO

Does it matter if I just get better plugs now then later? Will it effect my engine?
 
  #14  
Old 02-23-2010 | 08:39 PM
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Have tried to find a colder ngk for the turbo motor and all that is offered is a copper plug
Doesnt Way Motor Works sell a set of Iridiums with a colder heat range?

http://www.waymotorworks.com/denso-i...ark-plugs.html
 
  #15  
Old 02-24-2010 | 07:45 AM
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bought my new NGK ILZKBR7A-8G plugs at AutoZone. got 46,500 miles when i changed them, def needed them! smoother running.
 
  #16  
Old 02-24-2010 | 07:52 AM
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Originally Posted by unclemeat
Doesnt Way Motor Works sell a set of Iridiums with a colder heat range?

http://www.waymotorworks.com/denso-i...ark-plugs.html

Denso= Made by Toyota crap
 
  #17  
Old 02-24-2010 | 03:54 PM
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DENSO....BAD!!!!!
 
  #18  
Old 03-15-2010 | 07:44 AM
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Just some more spark plug information for others about to do it... NGK ILZKBR7A8G is part number 5992. Autozone by me (NY) cannot order these anymore, but listed them for $15.99. Local auto shops could buy them, but the cost was $25/plug (the same cost as my local MINI dealership - Prestige). I found the plugs on Amazon for $15.xx, which is tax free/shipping free (prime members). Hope that helps...
 
  #19  
Old 04-14-2010 | 08:11 AM
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Originally Posted by tachicardia
Just some more spark plug information for others about to do it... NGK ILZKBR7A8G is part number 5992. Autozone by me (NY) cannot order these anymore, but listed them for $15.99. Local auto shops could buy them, but the cost was $25/plug (the same cost as my local MINI dealership - Prestige). I found the plugs on Amazon for $15.xx, which is tax free/shipping free (prime members). Hope that helps...
I just found the same NGK plug for $12.98 at rockauto.com

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/x,ca...k%2BPlug%2BNGK
 
  #20  
Old 04-14-2010 | 06:43 PM
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cool i just ordered a set from rockauto. thanks slinger688
 
  #21  
Old 04-18-2010 | 04:14 AM
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anybody know where to get the 12 sided socket for the plugs?
 
  #22  
Old 04-18-2010 | 04:15 AM
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and what are the torque specs as well? 25 ft lbs?
 
  #23  
Old 04-18-2010 | 04:44 AM
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I ran copper plugs in my VR6 turbo car. They work awesome you just have to change them around every oil change (4K). They're cheap as heck, too.
 
  #24  
Old 04-18-2010 | 04:56 AM
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You can get the socket at Sears (craftsman). I think it was about $6-7. NOTE: I had to grind the outside of mine down because as I unscrewed the spark plugs the socket got warm and expanded and got stuck. There was very little clearance between the sidewall and the socket. The socket is thick, so I just rolled it against my grinding wheel.
 
  #25  
Old 04-18-2010 | 05:24 AM
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I picked mine up from Sears. You don't really need to buy the special socket. I use a regular 12 point 14mm socket and stick a small piece of bubble wrap in it to hold the plug in place. It works great.

I have done the plugs twice now and no problem with the socket getting stuck. The torque spec is on the box if you get them from the dealer. I believe the spark plug is torque is around 23 newton meters but DEFINITELY NOT 25 FOOT POUNDS.
 

Last edited by scottab36; 04-18-2010 at 06:40 AM.


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