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Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:12 pm

Hi Everyone,
I know this topic has been tossed around the forums but I really cannot come to a good conclusion about what spark plugs to use in my stock 1600cc DP engine. I am currently using Bosch W8AC plugs in the car and am very satisfied with the way it runs. I would love to continue using this model plug but as I have heard, Bosch has replaced this model with the Bosch WR8AC and have heard mixed reviews on this new plug. I have also heard around the forums that NGK B5HS is a great substitute but again it seems to have mixed reviews?

I am really looking to get an equally comparable spark plug to the original Bosch W8AC. Which spark plug is the best and closest plug to the W8AC on the market today? Thanks.

-Matt

Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:15 pm

I've been using NGKs for years and never a problem. Get the B5HS and try them, it's not like they're a big investment.

Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:22 pm

Glenn wrote: I've been using NGKs for years and never a problem. Get the B5HS and try them, it's not like they're a big investment. B6HS is what I started using what's the diference between B5HS and B6 ,..stock 1600

Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:32 pm

68IHscout wrote: B6HS is what I started using what's the diference between B5HS and B6 ,..stock 1600
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_support/spark_plugs/p2.asp?mode=nml
B6 is a "cooler" plug than a B5. For NGK plugs, smaller heat range numbers are HOTTER.
I have tried BOTH and cannot tell any difference.

Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:34 pm

I'm using a "6" heat range on a 2180 with 9.5:1 cr. For a stock engine it'd use a "5".

Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:40 pm

Glenn wrote: I'm using a "6" heat range on a 2180 with 9.5:1 cr. For a stock engine it'd use a "5". perfect answer B5 its going in from now on ..thanks Glenn....

Tue Apr 24, 2012 7:53 pm

Ok...I am going to give the B5HS a try. Thanks Guys!

Tue Apr 24, 2012 8:20 pm

Also thanks ashman for the link , and since we are on the subject , I read here somewhere that the gap should be set at 28 instead of 24?

Wed Apr 25, 2012 5:12 pm

BMW switched from Bosch to NGK as main OE supplier for spark plugs quite a few years ago. Than must tell you something.

Gap is another endless debate here. .024 - .028 is a range. Anything within the range is ok.

Personally, I gap them wider, .030-.032 in order to force the coil to put out a higher voltage, producing a higher energy spark. The downside is that the coil, cap, rotor and wires have to be perfect, or misfire could result. I am not recommending others do the same. A large gap could prevent the car from starting in extremely cold weather, with the battery voltage low while cranking thick oil. That is not an issue for me. It is puzzling that US cars with point ignitions typically used .032 - .036 plug gaps while the Euro cars the smaller gap. Smaller dwell angle with 8-cylinder distributors make it even more of a mystery, as coil saturation would be less. One possibility is that US cars have an external ballast resistor which is bypassed when the starter is engaged, increasing coil voltage for starting.

Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:46 pm

Ok, so I called around to many local parts stores in my area looking for NGK B5HS plugs. None of the stores carried the model so I emailed NGK directly. The response I received stated that NGK B5HS stock #4210 (which NGK rep. says it is actually 4310?) has been discontinued since 2002 and the replacement is BR5HS or stock #3722. Now I am a bit confused. Glenn, I know you said you use the B5HS plugs, when was the last time you bought a set? Any ideas?

Thu Apr 26, 2012 6:51 pm

I actually use BCP6ES which are 3/4" reach where the HS are 1/2" reach.

I just checked my online vendor and can get NGK B5HS, they have 20 in stock.

Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:03 pm

It’s kind of weird. I was searching through some online vendor websites like aircooled.net and it shows that they have them in stock. I would just get the plugs shipped but I live in Canada and to get them to my door it’s going to cost upward of $50. That’s a lot for 4 spark plugs. I would like to be able to find a vendor locally or at least in Canada so I don’t have to pay duty. I just find it strange that they seem to be readily available throughout the US but I can not find them where I live?

Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:34 pm

They do show up on the NGK web site, but are not what the site offers if you use the part finder (they recommend a BR6HS.) Here is a list of stock numbers and plug part numbers directly from NGK. B5HS has the stock number 4210.

Thu Apr 26, 2012 7:52 pm

Yeah, that is the list that I was using. That is why I was surprised when the NGK rep said that A. they don't make it anymore and B. the stock # is 4310 not 4210. Maybe the rep. made a mistake or something. Although it doesn't explain why there are not any suppliers have the plug in their system in my area.

Fri Apr 27, 2012 5:08 am

ACVWB wrote: Hi Everyone,
I know this topic has been tossed around the forums but I really cannot come to a good conclusion about what spark plugs to use in my stock 1600cc DP engine. I am currently using Bosch W8AC plugs in the car and am very satisfied with the way it runs. I would love to continue using this model plug but as I have heard, Bosch has replaced this model with the Bosch WR8AC and have heard mixed reviews on this new plug. I have also heard around the forums that NGK B5HS is a great substitute but again it seems to have mixed reviews?

I am really looking to get an equally comparable spark plug to the original Bosch W8AC. Which spark plug is the best and closest plug to the W8AC on the market today? Thanks.

-Matt

I guess it would depend on which heads you have.