When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
NGK has released a new line of spark plugs that will fit the Z33 and Z34. They utilize a new element called 'ruthenium' in the electrode that is claimed to deliver better ignition and durability for a variety of reasons:
The ruthenium plug for the VQ35DE is labeled the LFR5AHX and if you shop around, you can find them for not much more than the standard Iridium NGK plug. The ruthenium plug for the VQ35HR and VQ37VHR is the LKAR7AHX-S and might be worth a try when it comes time to replace them at the 100K interval. Most of us know that NGK plugs are a good replacement part in doing tuneups and now we have another viable option to consider. Wondering if any other Z owners have gone to this new spark plug and if they have any comments on their performance?
DK - do you know if they'll bring out a step colder for the FI crowd?
No idea- but it might be a good option to explore. Call the NGK hotline (I think it's at the bottom of the link posted) and ask 'em. Can't hurt and post back here if you get an answer. There's very few "hard parts" being developed for the VQ35DE, so this is exciting news for some of us!
I'd like to see people actually test this, rather than their generic looking graphs to tell us they are better. I'll stick to my 2-step colder NGK V-Power coppers.
I'd like to see people actually test this, rather than their generic looking graphs to tell us they are better. I'll stick to my 2-step colder NGK V-Power coppers.
While I'd like to test the ruthenium plugs in my street Z, I put a fresh set of laser iridium NGKs into my VQ35DE in 2018. But I did obtain a full set of the LFR5AHX plugs for my Titan (uses the same sparkplug as the DE). If ANYTHING helps the mileage and performance of the VK56DE, it'll be a real plus! Expect to see some updates from this product trial in the future.
Gotta ask: how long do the NGK V-power copper plugs last in your blown VQ?
Gotta ask: how long do the NGK V-power copper plugs last in your blown VQ?
I only put about 3k miles on it while F/I so I have no idea. At least 3k miles :P. I never changed the stock Iridiums after originally going F/I and those fouled after I started to advance the timing for more power so I just went with the coppers since they were available to get that day and were only like $15 for a set.
Too bad I put in a set of Iridium's 15k ago, would try these out otherwise. Looks like it might be an interesting upgrade, if for some reason I have replace these sooner than expected.
Too bad I put in a set of Iridium's 15k ago, would try these out otherwise. Looks like it might be an interesting upgrade, if for some reason I have replace these sooner than expected.
...well...it has been a hard 15k...
Hah- this is my case as well. I just replaced the NGKs in both my street (DE) and race (HR) Zs in the past year. There's no real reason to replace them at this point, which is why I'm picking my Titan and replacing the plugs in the VK56DE. It's got almost 90K and is due for a plug change in the next year or so. Besides, if any change will help mileage on that gas-guzzling V8 I'll spot it relatively quickly.
Just noticed that RockAuto is beginning to carry the ruthenium NGKs as well. As of Feb 2019, the supply is starting to trickle in, so they'll be listed at the end of the spark plug list for each model. The GOOD news is they're actually cheaper than the iridium and double platinum plugs at $8.30/plug when I checked.
Just a quick note on any NGK plug change. The ruthenium plugs come pre-gapped at 0.044 and have a factory applied anti-seize (chrome-like) coating on the threads. Torque settings for our heads are low at 18 ft./lbs.
Just had a set of these arrive today. They look fine to me but will be a month or 2 yet before I get them installed. I will post what my findings (if any) are.
Just an update on the new NGK Ruthenium plugs- the swap in my Titan has been very successful and mileage/efficiency has gone up marginally. As stated previously, I haven't swapped them in either of my Zs, as I just replaced the NGK iridium plugs before the new rutheniums came out. But I have a new set of LKAR7AHX-S for the G37xS that will be going in shortly.
Anybody else swapped over to the ruthenium plugs? Gotta be a lot of folks reaching the 100K mark that need a plug change at this point. Comments on how the new electrode coating has performed?
Just an update on the new NGK Ruthenium plugs- the swap in my Titan has been very successful and mileage/efficiency has gone up marginally. As stated previously, I haven't swapped them in either of my Zs, as I just replaced the NGK iridium plugs before the new rutheniums came out. But I have a new set of LKAR7AHX-S for the G37xS that will be going in shortly.
Anybody else swapped over to the ruthenium plugs? Gotta be a lot of folks reaching the 100K mark that need a plug change at this point. Comments on how the new electrode coating has performed?
I can possibly try them out for next season hopefully in March if I can remember.
As is with NGKs numbering I believe the correct 1 step colder ruthenium plug is NGK 94122 LFR6AHX-S.
You should check the NGK site for more info. It appears the ruthenium plug design comes in two models: one for NA and another for FI with a different tip design to handle high heat.
Ruthenium HX is available in two designs to best maximize the performance of your engine.
Double Fine Electrode (DFE):
maximizes ignitability while reducing emissions for low heat engines. This NGK-patented design is recommended for non-turbo applications.
Projected Square Platinum Electrode (PSPE®):
provides the best ignitability and service life for high heat engines. This NGK-patented design is recommended for turbo and supercharged engines.
Just installed a set of the new NGK Ruthenium plugs along with a few things that needed addressing. I was having a slight “hiccup” every once in a while at idle. I knew my valve cover O rings were leaking into the coil packs/plugs and needed replacing, what better time to swap the plugs!! My air filters were also 6 years old and had thrown evap system codes in the past. Ordered the NGK plugs, new OEM valve covers/gaskets, new OEM purge valve, and new stage 2 AFE power intakes, cleaned the throttle bodies and any spare built up oil in the manifolds. Immediately noticed a difference!!! Idle is butter smooth, throttle response much better and the good ole butt dyno thinks the car feels peppier. Have not driven enough (Z is not my daily) to determine any mileage improvement, but I would recommend these plugs to anyone needing to replace theirs.
New NGK plug for the Z
