I noticed on NGK that the traditional DR8EA plugs were for 2000 - 2002 DS's, but 2003-2004 they use Part # DCPR8E which i thought was wierd and dont know why that is.
So i dug a lil more on competitors plugs and found this info:
Champion Traditional spark plug Part # RA6HC
Resistor plug, 12mm, 3/4"reach, 11/16" or 18mm hex head, .030 " core nose projection, copper core racing plug.

Champion Traditional spark plug Part # QL16V
CDI resistor, 14mm, 1/2" reach, 13/16" hex head, surface gap racing plug.

Autolite Resistor Part # 4163
Copper Core Necked Down Center Electrode Nickel Plated Shell
Hex - 11/16" Reach - 3/4" Diameter - 12MM

Denso Iridium Part # IX24
12mm thread, 19mm reach, 18mm hex, gasket seat, 0.4mm iridium center electrode, tapered cut U-groove ground, resistor, .032" gap.

Denso Platinum Part # X24ES-ZU
12mm thread, 19mm(3/4") reach, 18mm hex, 0.7mm platinum center electrode, tapered cut U-groove ground.

Has anyone tryed any of these diff plugs besides NGK traditionals? And do those lil specifics really make that much of a difference - like the gaps and mm centers?

 

My 04 came from the factory with DR8EA's. I now run DR9EA's with 13:1 piston and have not had any issues with these plugs fouling. Do a search on "spark plug" and you will find lots of info on what others have used.

 

I am in the process of switching to DR8EIX plugs (Iridium) requiring less power to fire - increasing the longevity of my ignition components and making for the most complete burn (Don't I sound like a darn commercial).

At $6.99 each, they aren't too expensive...

 

yea i've run the iridium plugs before, they fouled up as fast as regular NGK's did lol so im lookin into all the others to learn all the minor details involved with a spark plug and its performance via type - gold, platinum, iridium, etc.

 

Wait a minute, how fast are you fouling up the plugs? I have 3 DSs and that is not an issue we fight. If you are fouling at a very high rate, I am thinking you are running way rich.

 

I'm curious to what the best plug is for my setup also. I'll do some research when I get a chance.

 

If you foul iridium plugs easy, you most likely have other issues. They require 25% less energy to fire than platinum plugs and platinum plugs require less energy than standard copper core plugs so you should get WAAAAAAAAAY more time out of iridium plugs. I've been running an iridium plug in my CR500 for about the last 10 full tanks of fuel (doesn't get ridden too much - that took me about 2 years). It still starts and runs great! Before that, I was fouling out standard NGK plugs about every 2 tanks or so. I ride it 90% woods trails, so the rpm's typically don't get really high and there is a lot of low speed, low rpm running - which is very hard on a plug. It often doesn't allow proper plug temperature for cleaning and the need for rich running is there to keep the overall engine temps down - the radiators aren't very effective at 5-15mph. Just my $.02.

 

no im not fouling easy, my '02 Baja hasnt had a plug change... since i got the EFI lol, but i put new ones in the '04 since i got it last year and it brought up the thought process thats all

 

Ah ok that would make since. I was just thinking that I have had the same plugs in my dad's and brother's bikes for over a year now, and we are talking hours of ride time. That was at an average of about 1 weekend a month of riding and racing the dunes.

My bike has been a different story all together, but those issues were my fault. [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

I think I'll try the iridium plugs next time I need some. if they last longer and need less energy then why not?