430 - Spark plug options | FerrariChat

430 Spark plug options

Discussion in '360/430' started by robst, Oct 4, 2024.

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  1. robst

    robst Karting

    Mar 9, 2024
    99
    Houston
    Full Name:
    Rob
    Hey guys, I'm the process of doing some maintenance on the 430 and I was wondering if you all knew a good option for Iridium spark plugs for it?

    I have seen the offer a Denso option but I'd like to stick with NGK but I'm having a hard time finding an equivalent to the recommended double platinum.

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. AandSC

    AandSC Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Dec 12, 2016
    890
    Jax, FL
    Full Name:
    Allen
    Recommend go straight to NGK and buy the OEMs. Just did this for my California after extensive searching and trying to save $1.53 per spark plug.
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  3. misterioso

    misterioso Rookie

    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    日本
    Hello!
    I'm Japanese and I'm writing sentences using Google's translation tool. I hope my words get across well.
    I use the CR8EDX-S "MOTODX" motorcycle spark plug. I have a terminal plug (sold separately) attached to the screw-type terminal.
    Compared to the PMR8B, the ground electrode part of the CR8EDX-S is about 1.0 mm shorter, but the engine runs without any problems.
    I've driven about 3000 km without any problems.
    After the replacement, I feel like the engine sound at idle has become smoother. Image Unavailable, Please Login
     
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  4. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,010
    USA
    I would stick with the stock NGK platinum plug. In my BMW and Toyota I used NGK EIX iridium plugs and found absolutely no difference in operation and fuel mileage. I'm not feeling it would be any different in the Ferrari. I am back to using the factory plugs in the BMW and Toyota, after the EIX reached their useful life. In the BMW and Toyota applications, the factory NGK plugs have a stated life of 100k, where the EIX is half that. While I typically change plugs a bit earlier than 100k, I wasn't looking forward to even more frequent changes.
     
  5. jerbear27

    jerbear27 Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Jun 12, 2022
    273
    CT
    Full Name:
    Jeremy
    Just did mine last winter. NGK’s.

    NGK 6378 PMR8B Laser Platinum Spark Plug from NGK.com which I think is sparkplugs.com.
     
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  6. robst

    robst Karting

    Mar 9, 2024
    99
    Houston
    Full Name:
    Rob
    Thank you for the reply.
    Would you mind expanding/explaining more on this part of your comment? "have a terminal plug (sold separately) attached to the screw-type terminal"
     
  7. robst

    robst Karting

    Mar 9, 2024
    99
    Houston
    Full Name:
    Rob
    I'm not looking for better gas mileage (after all, that's not why we got these cars for). There are quite some benefits to iridium spark plugs over platinum. Some of the benefits are less resistance, meaning they are easier on the coils (increasing their lifespan). Another important benefit is they last longer than the platinum, they are stronger and better able to handle high temperatures, iridium has a higher melting point that platinum.

    The key to spark plug performance is its ability to maintain a sharp edge on the center and side electrodes. In addition to maintaining a sharp edge, you want the metal to maintain the gap and not erode. Iridium does a better job at both compared to platinum. It's not about make more power, it's about spark plug life and efficiency.
     
  8. Snapshift

    Snapshift Formula Junior
    Rossa Subscribed

    May 31, 2020
    862
    Centralia IL
    Full Name:
    Lyle D. Pahnke
    I looked for Iridium for the 458 and never was able to find them. In fact finding OEM plugs from NGK for the 458 is getting even more scarce. I had to source them from Australia to get original factory specified plugs. They are the platinum and have dual ground electrodes like aircraft plugs. Id stick with factory plugs if unable to find equivalents.
     
  9. f355spider

    f355spider F1 World Champ
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    May 29, 2001
    18,010
    USA
    In 50k miles, there was no performance difference in either vehicle. I have 362,000 miles on the Toyota with stock coils. On the BMW, 368,000 miles and replaced two coils a year or two before the trial. There may be a performance improvement, but it is no of any huge consequence. They do not last longer, unless designed to. NGK (for example) makes two version of their platinum plugs. An OEM version with thicker electrodes that last 100k miles and normal or "performance" versions that last 40k to 50k miles. Maybe they do the same with Iridium plugs? But in general, NGKs change recommendations remain the same. I've spoken with their tech support in the past before trying the EIX Iridium plugs.
     
  10. DOWORKFCAR

    DOWORKFCAR Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 15, 2016
    327
    I did a Blackstone oil analysis on my F430 and it came back with slightly higher fuel levels. I think replaced all plugs and coils and performed the same oil analysis after 2,500 miles, no fuel detected! These cars are getting old, maintenance is key.
     
  11. flash32

    flash32 F1 Veteran

    Aug 22, 2008
    6,471
    Central NJ
    Full Name:
    Dominick
    A few reasons for that may also be leaky fuel injectors , too short of trips ( oil never getting above 180-200 to burn off the fuel ) , start and letting engine idle for long period of time ( most people think doing this in winter is good - it is not)

    Also when you sample - you should bring engine oil up to temp over 170-180 and then drain and sample .. starting any car and moving to a lift per se and draining/sampling the oil will yield same results

    Just wanted to share
     
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  12. DOWORKFCAR

    DOWORKFCAR Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 15, 2016
    327

    Yes completely agree with the above!
     
  13. misterioso

    misterioso Rookie

    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    日本
    PMR8Bのイグニッションコイル取り付け部は固定端子タイプです。CR8EDX-Sはネジタイプですので端子は別途ご購入ください。
    CR8EDX-Sのプラグギャップは0.8mmとPMR8Bより0.1mm広いため、点火コイルにかかる負荷が若干増加する可能性があります。
    負荷が増すと火花が強くなると思います。
    私は0.8mmで使っています。
    ちなみに、日本ではCR8EDX-Sの方がPMR8Bより安く入手できます。
     

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  14. robst

    robst Karting

    Mar 9, 2024
    99
    Houston
    Full Name:
    Rob
    This is excellent information @misterioso
    Coincidentally I just received an email from NGK USA in which they stated that a good iridium replacement for the PMR8B is a MR8BI8. Now like you mentioned on your first message, this is a motorcycle spark plug, just like the PMR8B. Also, per their email, the only difference between the two (other than material) is the gap at which both come preset from the factory, but that is easily adjustable to Ferrari spec prior to installing them.
    NGK USA says that it is rare to see a 10mm spark plug in a car engine and that they are not sure why Ferrari chose that type of spark plug for the F430. Specially since the 612 Scaglietti from the same year, uses a 12mm and does have an option for an Iridium spark plug from NGK (yes, I know that is a V12 not a V8-my point is they had the option for a regular "car" plug, yet they chose the 10mm).

    I will ask them about the terminal as well.
    Is this a well known upgrade in Japan for the F430?
     
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  15. Rifledriver

    Rifledriver Three Time F1 World Champ

    Apr 29, 2004
    36,401
    Cowboy Capitol of the World
    Full Name:
    Brian Crall
    Bore size in the 2 engines is the same. I wonder if valve sizes dictated a smaller plug in 430.
     
  16. misterioso

    misterioso Rookie

    Aug 22, 2023
    10
    日本
    フェラーリにおけるCR8EDX-Sの採用は日本でも知られていない。
    日本でもメーカー指定のPMR8Bを使用するのが一般的です。
    私はバイクのエンジニアなので、慣れ親しんだバイクのスパークプラグがフェラーリのエンジンにも使えるのではないかと思い、使ってみました。
    フェラーリのエンジンは、性能やメンテナンス性などにおいて、バイクのエンジンと似た特徴を持っていると感じています。
     
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