Hi All,

I have been doing a bit of research into alternative spark plugs for the 100HP as I have had my panda now for nearly three years and wanted to find an alternative to the standard plug as I have found the standard NGK DCPR7E which fiat supply are showing performance deteoration well before the service intervals. I have changed mine every 10,000 as the effects I am getting are very slighty rough idle and sometimes when cold it sounds like its only firing on three cylinders for first 30 secs. Change the plugs and it doesnt happen again until several thousand miles. So here is a list of alternative plugs for the 100HP including prices for standards.

I am now running the Denso IXU22 Iridium Plug and I must say the difference it has made it astonishing to say the least. I find the throttle response in sport mode a lot smoother and I do seem to be getting a bit more power. I will of course be keeping an eye on the running over the next few thousand miles but seeing as fiat charge around £35 for a set of 4 standard NGK's these alternatives are same price.

All prices shown are from http://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/

Specs for all plugs are as follows:-

Thread 12mm
Reach 19mm
Seat Flat
Hex 16mm

Standard Plugs

NGK DCPR7E £3-49 Each
Champion RA8HC £3-35 Each
Denso XU22EPR-U £3-03 Each

Enhanced Plug

NGK PKR7A (Double Platinum) £8-73 Each

Performance Plugs

NGK DCPR7EVX (Platinum Centre) £7-06 Each
Denso IXU22 (Iridium Power - Iridium Centre) £7-95 Each
Denso VXU22 (Iridium Tough - Iridium Centre/Platinum Ground) £10-74 Each

So there are a lot of alternatives and also from information I have been given the denso plugs should not be regapped as they are factory set.

If anyone trys any of the plugs even the IXU22 which I am using please post here.

Regards

Mark

I have to say I have been running the standard NGK plugs and have noticed no deterioration throughout their lifespan.

I did think about upgrading the Iridium plug but after seeking advice from a well known tuning company I was made aware that these plugs offer no real benifit unless the car is running some serious power.