Firing it up! (A Sparkplug Question)

[Homey237]

According to the NGK website:  The 1500 model uses DPR7EA-9 (standard) or DPR7EXI-9 (iridium )plugs.  The Autolite cross reference is XS4164DP (Extreme Sports Iridium) or 4164 (standard).  Autolite has a $2.00/plug rebate going on the Iridium plugs right now (www.autolite.com).

Hope this helps the 1500 owners out there.

[ski.dive]

I got a 1500,  those numbers will not do me any good.

[chief]

The CR7E/CR7EIX - is for 2001 and later 800 drifters.

The CR8E/CR8EIX - for 1999/2000 800 drifters.

The Autolite 4303 is a direct cross to both these plugs.

No champion is directly crossed to the CR7E or CR8E. (I've only listed the plugs that directly cross between mfg'rs.) I need to add the CR8E's and I will note the Champion G59C.

There is a non-resistor type plug C7E that crosses to the Autolite 4303 and Champion G59C. Looks like the G59C (a copper plus plug) is a cross for the "8" as well. Apparently non-resistor plugs.  And, the 4303 crosses to the CR7E and CR8E... they will fit, but I'm not sure they are the same heat range etc.

There is some indication the G59C may be a hotter plug than the CR7E or CR8E.

I am planning to give the iridium plugs a go... NGK DPR7EIX-9 specifically for my 1500. Would be the CR7EIX for the 800.

[drifter1946]

not jet, more info here: http://www.championsparkplugs.com/more_info.asp?AAIA=&pid=8882
and here: http://www.ngk.de/index.php?id=403&pd=430&t=motorrad&lmf=KAWASAKI&h=KAWASAKI&m=800

[ski.dive]

drifter1946
these 2 plugs you listed: CHAMPION G59C  and
NGK IRIDIUM IX CR8EIX

are not on the list that CHIEF listed??

[chief]

Ok. I've updated the spark plug reference a bit. I'll add more as I find it. Let me know if you have any additions etc.

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/sparkplugref.html

[drifter1946]

Absolutely you are right with your argumentation. I can say from myself I before I go in the mountains drive other sparkplug takes, with a higher warm value.

[chief]

I"ll do some research on this and include some more info.

[pcarrell]

Cool.....thanks for the explaination.

[chief]

 "best" as in better quality? "Best" as in improved performance?

The list provides the different manufacturer's plugs which will fit the drifter. Probably, the same "heat range" as the oem. Folks have opinions concerning which manufacturer has the "best" quality plug.

I've had to use hotter plugs when I modified bikes. I've had to use colder plugs to deal with some issues on other bikes. I haven't done anything to the drifter that has required either of these, so the plugs recommended by the mfg'r have been fine. The oem plugs are good quality as well.

I looked at the expensive plugs that are supposed to improve performance... I never saw any improvement (dyno) - but some folks indicate they "feel" a difference. There isn't that much money involved, so there is no reason not to try the various "performance" plugs to see if they make a difference on your machine. IMHO.

[drifter1946]

CHAMPION G59C   
NGK IRIDIUM IX CR8EIX this is the best 

[pcarrell]

OK, so the list has 20,000 options, but none of them are explained.  Or all those all basically the same plug (heat range) by different manufacturers?

[pcarrell]

Now why didn't I think of looking there?

Thanks!

[chief]

Not really. There are "hotter", or "colder" plugs  but the oem's work fine. I've read a lot about some of the "premium" plugs but nothing improved performance significantly.

There is a plug reference in the mods/tips on the web site, under reference... here's the direct link to that page.

http://www.vulcandrifterriders.com/sparkplugref.html

[pcarrell]

So, whats the best sparkplugs for our bikes?

I know OEM works, but there's got to be a better choice?