Fusion, Lodge, NGK, ***...

2527 Views 33 Replies 7 Participants Last post by ddouglas77, Aug 29, 2007

the_sicilian

Discussion Starter · Aug 29, 2007

so im overhauling my ignition system. new sensors, new valves, new gaskets, whateva.

the manual says LODGE HL for 1990 motronic, which checks out, ive heard of a 'change' in dealership plugs in 90 from 2HL (cooler) lodge plugs back to HL a hotter plug with more endurance (like my johnson) so it makes me consider the latest bosch plugs.

the motronic seems to be hot-plug friendly again, and so the +4 or IR Fusion plugs from BOSCH seem to have the right stuff. the design seems low-profile enough for the alfa engine, plus they seem to be designed with the same spirit.

does the bosch +4 and Fusion effectively retire the need for Lodge plugs (no longer in production)?

1 - 20 of 34 Posts

lowmileage

· #2 · Aug 29, 2007

IMO Lodge plugs are too expensive but worse, seemingly have a greater tendency to foul unless your car is running "perfect." Point #2 - I wouldn't run Bosch plugs in my lawnmower

. 3rd, why would you want anything other than NGK's

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Peter

· #3 · Aug 29, 2007

I used to run Golden Lodges exclusively, but based on a lot of feedback on this forum (look at this thread, for example http://www.alfabb.com/bb/forums/showthread.php?t=331&highlight=spark+plug ) I now use NGK B6ES in my GTV....limited experience, but seems to be fine. Golden's are so expensive!

lowmileage

· #4 · Aug 29, 2007

Peter said:
I now use NGK B6ES in my GTV....

I run the 7's after the "Golden"

Lodges that were in the car (when I bought it) fouled

and the car wouldn't start (fortunitely it was in my driveway)>

the_sicilian

Discussion Starter · #5 · Aug 29, 2007

but theyre J-style , i thought that is to be avoided.

it seems like Lodge was the only quad-point design of its time, perhaps its where bosch even got the idea.

I have a theory that they are compatible and run better with the motronic spiders. and since Lodge are the same price , seems smart to get the newer design.

the idea that from 70~89 needed a cooler plug like the 2HL is indicative of something odd, thats for sure. but motronics are pretty different.

Tifosi

· #6 · Aug 29, 2007

One would think with the higher compression in the Motronic a cooler plug would be in order, not the other way 'round.

Unless it had to do with low rpm emissions and partially loaded plugs, (you know, last gasp effort to pass smog tests by making sure the plugs burn white all the time), or a somewhat leaner mixture being a bit tougher to touch off.

lowmileage

· #7 · Aug 29, 2007

Bosch

....

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Tifosi

· #8 · Aug 29, 2007

****, what were those pulled out of, a sunken boat?

lowmileage

· #9 · Aug 29, 2007

Tifosi said:
****, what were those pulled out of, a sunken boat?

The Jeep forum. We don't like 'em overthere either. Not my vehicle (thank Gaud)

GTV4EVR

· #10 · Aug 29, 2007

the_sicilian said:
but theyre J-style , i thought that is to be avoided.

it seems like Lodge was the only quad-point design of its time, perhaps its where bosch even got the idea.

I have a theory that they are compatible and run better with the motronic spiders. and since Lodge are the same price , seems smart to get the newer design.

the idea that from 70~89 needed a cooler plug like the 2HL is indicative of something odd, thats for sure. but motronics are pretty different.

The 2HL is what Alfa recommended in the 69 owners manual too. When did they switch to the HL?
I've been using the 2HLs in my GTVs for 38 years and have never had a problem. I have used the NGKs a few times when it was convenient and haven't noticed any difference.

ddouglas77

· #11 · Aug 29, 2007

NGK Iridiums are what I prefer.

lowmileage

· #12 · Aug 29, 2007

ddouglas77 said:
NGK Iridiums are what I prefer.

Then I'll certainly make sure never to use them

ddouglas77

· #13 · Aug 29, 2007

lowmileage said:
Then I'll certainly make sure never to use them

LOL, glad to help out!

lowmileage

· #14 · Aug 29, 2007

ddouglas77 said:
LOL, glad to help out!

Only because I keep my speeds under 135 mph

and I know they kick in at 136

ddouglas77

· #15 · Aug 29, 2007

lowmileage said:
Only because I keep my speeds under 135 mph and I know they kick in at 136

This is how they kick in on NON-Alfa cars...

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the_sicilian

Discussion Starter · #16 · Aug 29, 2007

my other two vehicles are Jeeps and i use bosch platinums and they never looked like that.

those plugs came from a jeep with head issues.

plug fouling reflects the running of a carbeurated engines other components not the plug. all plugs foul in bad conditions.

Lodge was obviously chosen for its totally different four-point design for their omni-directional orientation and low-profile. until 1999 when the +4 came out, (only the Bosch Super plug had four points prior to that and they were bulky and like 4 J-points. nothing like the low-profile design of the +4 and IR Fusions)

and theyre Bosch. the guys who make every single other ignition component in the OEM setup. i dunno...i want to trust them...

ddouglas77

· #17 · Aug 29, 2007

the_sicilian said:
my other two vehicles are Jeeps and i use bosch platinums and they never looked like that.

those plugs came from a jeep with head issues.

plug fouling reflects the running of a carbeurated engines other components not the plug. all plugs foul in bad conditions.

Lodge was obviously chosen for its totally different four-point design for their omni-directional orientation and low-profile. until 1999 when the +4 came out, (only the Bosch Super plug had four points prior to that and they were bulky and like 4 J-points. nothing like the low-profile design of the +4 and IR Fusions)

and theyre Bosch. the guys who make every single other ignition component in the OEM setup. i dunno...i want to trust them...

I haven't used the IR Fusion, so I don't know, but I do know Bosch is a good company, having spent years running and maintaining a Bosch H&K GFK1500 pharmaceutical encapsulation machine, they are a good company! You are correct, those plugs wouldn't look like that on a good running engine, with good fuel, compression rings that aren't leaking and valve seals that aren't leaking along with the head gasket.

the_sicilian

Discussion Starter · #18 · Aug 29, 2007

well im putting my money where my mouth is. at 3pm, my autoparts store will have my IR Fusions and at 5pm, UPS will drop off my premium wires from centerline. i also have a fresh cap and rotor from bosch. lets see how it goes.

anyone have any tips about these premium wires? do i still use Dielectic grease for these metallic resistor boots? what can someboy apply to them to keep them shiny? ive seen them oxidate and look ugly.

ddouglas77

· #19 · Aug 29, 2007

the_sicilian said:
well im putting my money where my mouth is. at 3pm, my autoparts store will have my IR Fusions and at 5pm, UPS will drop off my premium wires from centerline. i also have a fresh cap and rotor from bosch. lets see how it goes.

anyone have any tips about these premium wires? do i still use Dielectic grease for these metallic resistor boots? what can someboy apply to them to keep them shiny? ive seen them oxidate and look ugly.

Silicone spray will keep most wires and hoses nice and shiny. Why didn't you just use the MSD 8.5mm sparkplug wires?

lowmileage

· #20 · Aug 29, 2007

the_sicilian said:
anyone have any tips about these premium wires?

I would have suggested Magnacore

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