Iridium Vs Copper

[WindMindMusic]

Looking at NGK, anybody think it’ll make a distance between iridium and copper spark plug electrode tips in carbureted bikes?

NGK DR8EIX Iridium IX Spark Plug, One Size https://a.co/d/4MuwxTq

This will fit the Zongshen 250cc, right?

[WindMindMusic]

In keeping with the cheap China theme here Lolol

TORCH D8RTI Iridium Spark Plug Replace for NGK DR8EA D8EA DR8EIX DR8EGP DPR8EA-9 Spark Plug, for CHAMPION R6G Spark Plug, for Denso X24ESZU9 IX24 X24ESR-U Spark Plug, for Motorcraft HG22C, OEM, ea https://a.co/d/5aOyjky

[WindMindMusic]

Look at their company history

[WindMindMusic]

*Product may not arrive until or in 2023

[Mudflap]

An iridium plug made a noticable difference in how well the CG engine in my quad starts in very cold weather.

[Bill Hilly]

From what I have been told by knowledgeable members here, The iridium's advantage is that it will last far longer than the motor is likely to last. I am just running a regular NGK plug, and even when the stock plug was in the bike, it was just fine. I just changed for peace of mind.

[Megadan]

Use a quality plug. That's what matters more than anything. A good basic copper NGK or Denso will be more than sufficient to have a good running bike.

The big advantage of iridium is how hard/tough it is. Due to it's tough nature the electrode can be much smaller than a standard copper plug. The small nature of the electrode means that the spark generates from a highly concentrated area which results in easier starts and lower required voltage to operate. Basically stronger and more consistent spark from the same coil setup. Since Iridium is also so tough it will basically last the life of your bike unless it suffers some sort of damage.

[Texas Pete]

With Iridium re-gapping is infrequent or eliminated. In fact, the initial reason this type of plug was developed was an attempt to meet the 100,000-mile durability/maintenance requirement mandated by the US EPA for exhaust emissions, not because they offered any improved performance over conventional electrodes. Platinum or iridium plugs will give you worse performance than a conventional plug unless you use a larger gap than is recommended for the steel electrode plug equivalent. If your China bike is going to go over 100,000 miles on the engine or longer life than that then you might want to invest in one, otherwise the design of the iridium plug was to seperate you from your money.

[Megadan]

There are advantages to iridium and platinum plugs beyond longevity. Copper is the most conductive, absolutely.

As I said previously, it doesn't matter what you run at the end.of the day. Just run a good name brand spark plug.

[WindMindMusic]

I went NGK iridium.

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by WindMindMusic

I went NGK iridium.

Should work out just fine. I have been running the same NGK DPR8EIX plug in my Hawk since the day I put it together a few years ago lol. In that time I have replaced a coil and swapped around multiple CDI Boxes as well as tuned at least 4 carbs all on an engine with high compression with a cam and ported cylinder head. Still fires up and runs like a champ

[Fast_Freddy]

FWIW when I turbocharged a Toyota a few years back I was advised to use copper plugs but had too many misfires with them. I went with an iridium NGK and it ran flawlessly for the next 40k miles when I sold it. It really does depend on the application but I personally like iridium plugs.

[Oldenslow]

Use an iridium plug if you like -- won't hurt anything. BUT, it won't run any better with iridium than with a regular decent-quality plug and will cost a whole lot more...

[Megadan]

Originally Posted by Oldenslow

Use an iridium plug if you like -- won't hurt anything. BUT, it won't run any better with iridium than with a regular decent-quality plug and will cost a whole lot more...

People always say this but let's be real here... it's a single cylinder engine so you are only spending a few extra dollars.