I know, search the threads, I did and am more confused than ever...

All I want is a good set of spark plugs that will not melt my credit card to buy them...

I'm not looking for cheap but don't want over priced either, what is the best middle of the road, makes good sense to use, normal wear, good service life but don't need 100K miles, plug to buy for a 03 XK8 with 90K miles and no issues.

Thanks for putting up with another spark plug thread....

 

I used NGK plugs for my recent plug change. They were the recommended plugs for the car but surprisingly were not that expensive off of Ebay. If I remember rightly they were about £70 for 8 (about $110) so didn't exactly break the bank.

 

Apparently NGK has 2 levels of Iridum plugs. I went with the less expensive and have been happy with results and costs (less than $60. Maybe you can check these and determine if they meet your criteria. http://www.ebay.com/itm/8-pcs-NGK-Iridium-IX-Plug-Spark-Plugs-97-06-Jaguar-XK8-4-0L-4-2L-V8-Kit-Set-ce-/301543768301?fits=Year%3A2003|Make%3AJaguar|Model% 3AXK8&hash=item463568c0ed

 

I've always found Denso and NGK iridium spark plugs to be top-notch in the industry, but some of the platinum plugs can do 100,000 miles and are much less costly. Just be sure to research and acquire the proper application....

 

My turn for a dumb question. What's the difference in price between the recommended plug and a lower cost alternative?

 

Depends upon where you decide to purchase your spark plugs. Best prices are usually online at sites such as rockauto.com or drivewire.com. Depending upon what's on sale at the time, platinum plugs can be one-third the cost of iridium plugs....

 

So, a couple of dollars per plug?

 

More than that. If you pay a retail store for a Denso or NGK iridium plug, they may charge you $12 or so apiece. They may only charge you $4 or $5 apiece for the corresponding platinum plug....

As usual, the best deals are online....

 

So $8 per plug difference, or $64 per car set. Not much of a savings over 100K miles.

 

Thanks for the replies....maybe I should have been more clear..

Does anyone care to share some part numbers?

Thanks

Also while we are at this, I've seen conflicting info on the proper gap. Any advice as this?

 

I usually keep NGK 5464 in stock but I have used DENSO Iridiums (maybe 5303 ???)

Look up some part numbers on Rock Auto and call around to parts stores.

bob gauff