#Ruthenium vs iridium series

Every plug in the Laser Series was designed for an OEM application.

NGK builds two types of iridium spark plugs: OE Iridium and Iridium IX®. I'm definitely inclined to believe NGK, but let me know if I'm misguided.Īny thoughts on the OE version versus the fancy IX version?īelow is language from NGK's website on those two: NGK says not to do it because their thread coating acts like an anti-seize/anti-corrosive, but a bunch of people still swear by the anti-seize. I mildly abuse my Miata, but it doesn't go on the track.Ī related question is whether to apply anti-seize. The price is about the same and I don't care whether they last 40,000 miles or 75,000 miles. My google fu skills pulled up no useful real-world info on Ruthenium plugs. Until a couple days ago, didn't even know Ruthenium was word anyway, it's marketed as a 'performance' plug. Of the many current NGK offerings, I'm looking at the OE version (iridium + platinum), the upgraded 'IX' version (double iridium), and one that is Ruthenium. So, I need spark plugs for my 2006 Miata. You guys are a wealth of knowledge even if when your opinions differ much better info than I got in the forums. Ruthenium HX™ brings the most advanced spark plug technology to the automotive aftermarket, delivering better efficiency and power for today’s engines.Edit: Thanks for all the well-written replies.

These two plugs perform similarly, due to their fine-wire tip design, but the service interval is different the Laser Series are typically designed to last 80 to 100 thousand miles, where as the Iridium IX® spark plugs are designed to last 40 to 50 thousand miles. The Iridium IX® plugs are offered in various heat ranges and sizes to fit most automotive and non-automotive applications.

#Ruthenium vs iridium upgrade

Iridium IX® plugs are an excellent upgrade from standard nickel plugs. They are a great option for modified engines, and where recommended, are appropriate replacements for OEM spark plugs. The Iridium IX® spark plugs are a single precious metal aftermarket performance plug. Some of these plugs have special resistors or multiple ground electrodes, depending on the original equipment requirements. For the OE Iridium series, dual precious metal means iridium on the center tip and platinum on the ground electrode. The price difference is immaterial to me, especially since these plugs might outlive me.Įven more confusing is that I see recommendations everywhere for the NGK ILTR6A-13G, which isn't listed as an option in NGK's parts finder for my 2006 NC.īelow is language from NGK's website on all three types of plugs They also have two non-iridium options: one platinum and the other 'Ruthenium' LTR6AHX (what the hell? I thought iridium was cutting edge?)Īnyway, after reading NGK's marketing copy, is the Iridium LTR6BI-13 the best bet for my usage? There doesn't seem to be any quantifiable improvement in performance or reliability for IX the material is fancier, but I don't see where IX is an improvement. Went onto NGK's plug finder and it spit out two iridium options: The OE Iridium LTR6BI-13 (part 91725), and the Iridium IX® LTR6IX (part 6509).

So, I need spark plugs for my stock 2006 NC GT.