Iridium spark plugs: what are they and what are the advantages?

Hello everyone) A little history) I had Denso iridium spark plugs, which my godfather fitted for me; they were removed from a Lexus, seemingly as a replacement... I remember after the usual ones they performed very well. The motor became faster and more stable in operation and starts... But they were long, as you can see in the photo, they were attached) And now I’ve driven them for 65 thousand, completely forgetting what spark plugs are and how they heal the brain. Of course, I cleaned it sometimes with a brush and checked the gap)

And then I thought that it was time to change it, and the candles already looked very tired. I really didn’t want to switch to regular ones. And the same ones cost 2400... Expensive! So I started looking for options... I came across iridium Briskies, got them from a friend and he said that there are some for 350 apiece - 1400 a set. After smoking the Internet, torturing Uncle Google, I studied the product and decided to take it! I actually found them cheaper, they cost about 310, but I can always turn to this person, but to the Russian Post... It’s problematic.

I'll post a little description and video.

Spark plugs BRISK Premium series (Iridium)

Using a combination of a central electrode with an iridium contact and an outer electrode made of yttrium alloy and a copper core, aimed at the middle of the spark plug, reduces voltage requirements, opens the gap to the combustion chamber, and significantly reduces the spark-extinguishing effect during “cold” starts. At the same time, the replacement interval of 100,000 km is maintained.

The material used in the active part of the electrode has a particular influence on the longevity and functional properties of the spark plug. Despite the fact that precious metals such as platinum and iridium are very resistant to wear, they have a significant demand for the power generated by the ignition system. The combination of an iridium middle electrode and a specially designed yttrium alloy outer electrode based on nickel is the ideal solution for maintaining the longevity and increasing power of spark plugs.

The voltage requirement supplied by the ignition system also depends on the geometric shape of the spark. The optimal combination of the spark gap shape and the optimal choice of electrode materials brings a synergistic effect of improving the power of the spark plugs.

We will select NGK spark plugs (Japan-France) for carburetor and injection engines of “classic” VAZ cars (2101, 2102, 2103, 2104, 2105, 2106, 2107) with contact and non-contact ignition systems. The list below is far from complete, but includes the most common and most frequently used NGK spark plugs on “classics”.

Spark plugs for VAZ 2106, 2107, 2108, 2109

VAZ 2106, 2107, 2108 and 2109 cars are very similar to each other in their design and engines.
However, they were produced with both an injector and a carburetor, so when choosing spark plugs you need to focus on the fuel system and ignition option (contact or non-contact). The manufacturer of original spark plugs for all of the above cars is the Russian company “E3”, Engels. According to the rating of spark plugs for the VAZ 2106 on PartReview dated 05/07/20, owners prefer NGK products. Manufacturers BRISK, Denso and Finwhale also stand out.

Which parts to choose?

When choosing spark plugs for a VAZ 2106 car, you must be guided by the numerical value indicated on the marking. It denotes the heat value of the element, which characterizes the candle’s ability to remove heat and self-clean from carbon deposits during operation. According to the Russian classification, elements are divided into the following groups:

If you install too “hot” or “cold” spark plugs on a VAZ 2106 car, the engine will not be able to function in normal mode with maximum efficiency. The letter indices on the marking indicate less important parameters, but they also need to be taken into account. For example, a product with the designation A17DV is suitable for engines with a carburetor and an ignition system with mechanical contacts, and A17DVRM is suitable for power units with an injector.

The trouble is that the classification of imported candles differs from Russian ones, and there is no single measurement system; each manufacturer has its own. Therefore, before you buy reliable products from the Japanese company NGK or another brand for the VAZ 2106, it is recommended to study the table.

Using the table, you can select elements from some foreign brands for classic Zhiguli models with different fuel supply methods and types of sparking systems.

Spark plugs for VAZ 2106, 2107, 2108 and 2109 – which ones to install?

The technical characteristics of spark plugs for engines of cars 2106/2107/2108/2109 differed from the fuel supply system to the combustion chamber. On VAZ 2106 and 2107 with carburetors and a contact ignition system, spark plugs with article number 21010-3707010-86 are provided from the factory. For carburetor 2106/2107/2108/2109 but with contactless ignition, spark plugs with article numbers 2108-3707010-86 or 21080-3707010-86 were installed. But in fact it is the same spare part. They are interchangeable. But on injection cars of this series, the spark plugs were somewhat different.

With injection engines on VAZ 2107, 2108 and 2109, spark plugs with article numbers 21110-3707010-86, 21110-3707010-00 or 2111-3707010 were installed. The main difference between spark plugs on injection and carburetor engines is the gap size. Otherwise, all these are ordinary nickel single-pin spark plugs with a heat rating of 17 and a tightening torque of 22 Nm.

If we talk about the rating of spark plugs for the VAZ 2107 on PartReview, owners prefer Bosch products. Manufacturers BRISK, Denso and NGK also stand out.

The rating of spark plugs on PartReview for VAZ (Lada) 2108/2109 says the following, owners buy the following brands BRISK, Finwhale, Champion and Denso.

Read more about the sizes of original spark plugs in the table.

*According to Champion nomenclature (Russian standard)

Also, original candles can be found directly from the manufacturer, the Engels plant. The article number of spark plugs for injection engines is A17DVRM, for carburetor engines there are several options - A17DVR, A17DV-10, A17DVM.

The most well-known and frequently used substitutes from other manufacturers are presented below in the list.

Sometimes, even though these are old and super-budget cars, their owners install iridium DENSO IW20TT, price - 610 rubles / piece, or platinum Bosch 0242235540 at a price of 200 rubles / piece. Both models are equally suitable for injectors and carburetors. But nevertheless, this is a little justified waste.

TOP 10 best spark plugs for VAZ (Lada)

The most common type is gasoline cars, which require full maintenance. Usually a simple part like spark plugs doesn't raise many questions. However, the unit requires more attention than most motorists think. The stability of the engine and the service life of the ignition system depend on the correct choice.

In 2021, there are a large number of models and companies on the market that, in their opinion, produce the best spark plugs for VAZ and other car models. But it is not always the case.

Iridium in spark plugs

When purchasing these components, which are essential for the operation of gasoline engines, it is important to understand the features and advantages of this metal in their composition.

The upper part of the central electrode is made from it, which is subject to the greatest destructive influences during the sparking process.

Thanks to the properties of iridium, reliability and durability of spark plugs are achieved.

The following physical and chemical characteristics can be distinguished:

• chemical inertness, preventing interaction with oxygen even at high temperatures;
• refractoriness, resistance to extreme temperatures, ensuring spark stability under various engine operating conditions;
• facilitated electron emission, preserving the integrity of iridium atoms, saving energy.

Thus, iridium spark plugs practically do not oxidize, are not destroyed during intensive use, and are characterized by resistance to erosion. They ensure stable combustion even with strong compression of the fuel-air mixture inside the cylinders.

Which spark plugs for VAZ are better to choose?

There are a large number of different modifications of the part, which complicates life for motorists. The problem is that each motor is designed for a specific type of spark plug. If you supply the wrong part, a number of negative consequences can arise.

1. Misfire of the mixture due to the gap between the electrodes of the element being too wide.
2. Interruptions in the operation of the internal combustion engine caused by too low spark power.
3. Instant failure of the device due to too much electrode protrusion.

Also, depending on the inconsistencies present, other malfunctions may “pop up” that reduce the comfort of using the car.

What to look for when choosing.

Specialists from the AvtoVAZ plant recommend selecting spark plugs according to a number of parameters.

1. Heat number. The parameter characterizes the rate of heat removal from the working part of the candle. At the same time, the electrode transfers excess heat to the spark plug skirt in a timely manner, which ensures stable operation of the part. If energy is removed too quickly, scale forms on the working part of the part, which prevents normal spark breakdown. If the withdrawal is too slow, the thin electrode overheats. The process provokes the formation of glow ignition. This prevents the engine from operating normally due to detonation of the mixture or its early ignition. Under normal thermal conditions, a spark adequately breaks through the spark plugs and does not form excessive carbon deposits.
2. Spark gap. Some users know that for the engine to operate correctly, the spark gap on the spark plugs must be maintained. The working gap on VAZ spark plugs is strictly set by the manufacturer of the power plant and is necessary due to the fact that the formed electric arc has a certain strength. As the distance increases, the spark loses stability, which can lead to misfires. In the opposite case, easier starting of the engine is ensured, but when the gas is released, the electric arc current may not be enough. This is justified by the fact that each ignition coil has a certain transformation ratio, usually equal to 2000 units. This means that during the start-up of the internal combustion engine, the elements produce up to 14 kW, and during normal operation it is already 24. Consequently, failure to comply with this parameter can lead to serious disruptions in the operation of the motor.
3. Departure of the working part of the electrodes. The parameter is critical for adequate operation of the power plant. The spark plugs on the VAZ 8-valve injector, as well as for carburetor models, have electrodes strongly pushed forward. This is due to the fact that the structural parts are located in the corner of the combustion chamber, where there is no adequate ventilation. The overhang of the working part allows for better ignition of the mixture and stabilizes engine operation. If the spark plugs are mounted in a multi-valve engine, where the inserts are located in the center of the valve head, it is recommended to install spark plugs with a deep-set core - this will prevent damage to the electrodes by the piston bottom and an abundance of carbon deposits on the structural elements.
4. Number of electrodes. Initially, manufacturers position this parameter as a definite plus. When one electrode “burns out,” the spark plug switches to another, which significantly increases its service life. However, not everything is as simple as it seems at first glance. If the mixture is sprayed unevenly in the cylinder (poor ventilation of the combustion chamber), and at this moment the spark jumps to the shadowed part (the place where the exhaust remains), misfire may occur, which will lead to unstable operation of the power plant. Additionally, this fact increases the wear of the catalyst and engine oil, which is critical for VAZ cars.
5. Manufacturer. The manufacturer of the product is also an important parameter. Users recommend buying from trusted brands that have been on the market for a long time. The cost of such candles will be significant, but with proper selection and operation they will work for a long time and without significant complaints.

Selection options

Used and new spark plug for internal combustion engines
Which spark plugs are best for VAZ?

To select good SZ, you must be guided by the following criteria:

• The first parameter to consider when purchasing is the heat rating. It should be noted that this parameter is conditional and not universal, so it must be selected in accordance with the model of a particular motor. This number shows the pressure level in the internal combustion engine cylinder at which glow ignition occurs. The use of SZ with a higher heat number is allowed, but is not prohibited if it is lower.
• Another parameter is the possibility of self-cleaning. Unfortunately, this parameter can only be accurately verified in practice, since all SZ manufacturers promise consumers a high level of self-cleaning. If this indicator is really high, then carbon deposits will not form on the SZ, which is especially important for their optimal operation.
• When buying spark plugs from a VAZ, you also need to take into account their gap. Each manufacturer sets the appropriate gap for individual product lines. If we are talking about domestically produced cars, then in this case this gap on the VAZ spark plugs should be 0.5-0.7 mm.
• Traditional SZ are equipped with two electrodes - one central and one side, but not so long ago global manufacturers began producing devices with 3 and 4 electrodes. These electrodes cannot produce multiple sparks - their purpose is to provide more consistent sparking. Accordingly, the use of such SZ contributes to more stable operation of the power unit due to improved ignition procedures.
• Before purchasing SZ, carefully inspect them for mechanical damage. If you see that there are cracks on the device’s body, then it is better to refuse to purchase such SZ. Also, before installation, check that the gap is the correct size.
• To diagnose purchased SZ, you can install them in a pressure chamber, of course, if you have such an opportunity, then adjust the pressure in it to about 10 kg/cm2, and the current should be connected with a value of 22 kV. As a result, a spark should begin to form. If the spark appears intermittently, this indicates that the SZ is not working, but if the sparking is continuous, then the devices can be purchased (the author of the video is Nail Poroshin).

LADA spark plugs: top 10 options

The rating contains 10 modifications of spark plugs, without division into specific car models.

10th place: ZZ A17 DVRM

The list of the best offers opens with an effective model that is in demand among a large number of buyers. Such prevalence is ensured by the stable quality of products. In the original packaging it is impossible to find a defective part or a spark plug with a broken gap. A significant advantage of the products is the ability to work actively even when the voltage drops to 6V in the on-board network. Similar spark plugs in the VAZ 2107 are often found due to their moderate cost.

The indicators are overshadowed by bad statistics - as of 2020, 35% of the kits on the market are fakes, which forces motorists to carefully select products in stores.

• reasonable price;
• durable;
• simple design.

9th place: TZ 17 DVRM

The next representative of the rating implies the presence of as many as three electrodes on the working part of the device. A large number of motorists install such spark plugs on a VAZ carburetor or even an injection type. Thanks to the use of advanced developments in design, the manufacturer has increased the service life of the electrode.

Pirate copies also play a role here - there are a large number of them, which makes buyers cautious about purchasing products.

• good performance;
• long period of operation;
• wide use.

8th place: DENSO W20EPR-U11

If you want to buy VAZ injector spark plugs, you can turn to the eighth position of the rating. Candles represent a compromise between high quality and moderate cost. Thanks to this symbiosis, such spark plugs are perfect for the VAZ 2106. Also, this model will be relevant for more modern versions. It uses technology to increase spark stability. The development significantly increases the service life of the part, which helps save on vehicle servicing. This also made it possible to reduce the maximum voltage drop to 6.5 V, which is less than that of Russian analogues, but thanks to stability, the spark plugs win positions.

• stable operation during voltage fluctuations in the on-board network;
• long service life.

7th place: BRISK LR15YCY-1

The next contender for the title of best is distinguished by an increased overhang of the working part. The specified spark plugs for the VAZ 2107 carburetor are ideal. The standard eight-valve engine works great with the included model.

In terms of performance parameters, the model is a confident average and can be used even on used foreign cars with similar engines. The ability to work on a dead battery has also been developed. The product is capable of igniting the mixture even at 6.2 V within the network, which is significantly better than the performance of competitors’ analogues. Buyers consider the rather high cost to be the only serious disadvantage.

• increased resource;
• sufficient versatility;
• The gap fits well with classic engines.

• high price;
• difficult to find - not very common.