How to choose the right spark plugs for a VAZ

When choosing the best spark plugs for a VAZ engine, you should be guided by the parameters of the car and engine:

1. Heat number. If a spark plug is approved for use on a specific car, then it will be suitable in terms of its thermal characteristics. Small deviations play a seasonal role and depend on the owner’s driving style.
2. Geometric dimensions - diameter and thread pitch, length of the threaded part of the body. Protrusion or recession of the electrode area into the material of the block head is not allowed.
3. The nominal gap between the electrodes can be adjusted. The spark plug will operate uninterruptedly at the factory-set value.
4. The wrench size is of secondary importance and affects the applicability of the existing tool. It is always safer to choose the size that matches the factory size.
5. The sticking out of the electrodes has an indirect effect; the heat rating depends on it.

You should not get carried away with high-reliability spark plugs that have two to four side electrodes instead of the standard one. This will do little, but massive protruding parts can shield the working gap from the mixture flows in the cylinder, which will worsen the conditions for uninterrupted ignition.

All kinds of “patented” products mentioning plasma ignition, annular gap or with miniature prechambers are mostly advertising gimmicks; they will not work normally in all modes. It is better for the engine not to mess with such devices.

With contact ignition

Contact battery ignition was used on outdated engines with a carburetor and 8 valves, for example, VAZ models 2106, 2107 and the like. Such products have a reduced spark gap, since the power of the simplest ignition system is small, the secondary voltage cannot reach this value. The situation is saved by the low compression ratio of older engines. The higher the pressure at the end of the compression stroke, the more difficult it is to break through the spark gap.

Small size and power do not seem to be an obstacle to the operation of the motor. The engines are not particularly economical or environmentally friendly; the carburetors prepare a fairly rich mixture, which is not difficult to ignite even with a weak spark.

With contactless ignition system

For the first time, the contactless system was used on models 2108, 2109, early 2110, then engines of the classic family with Solex carburetors capable of preparing a lean mixture were equipped with such devices. The distributor with a Hall sensor worked on an electronic switch, which developed significant power in the secondary circuit; the voltage was enough to break through the increased spark gap at high pressure. It was possible to install more modernized candles or increase the gap in the classic ones.

For injection engines

With the advent of electronic fuel injection systems, ignition power has increased even further. The distributor has failed. Ignition modules with several coils or blocks for each spark plug without high-voltage wires have appeared. Requirements for parts have changed, including radio interference suppression. Such devices are not interchangeable. The injector can prepare lean and ultra-lean mixtures, while the engine maintains uniform thrust, which a carburetor cannot do.

Injection engines were installed on VAZ models 2114, 2115, 21074, which have 8 valves, and 2112 - 16 valves. These are modern units for their era, so choosing candles for them will not be difficult - many imported analogues are suitable.

Number of electrodes for a spark plug

Today you can find single- and multi-electrode hot and cold spark plugs on sale. Each of these varieties has certain advantages. Today, single-electrode spark plugs are used mainly with older engines, due to their short service life and instability in operation.

Modern powerful high-performance engines use multi-electrode spark plugs, which can have up to four side electrodes. They are characterized by durability and stability in operation. We note a significant reduction in exhaust toxicity and reduction in fuel consumption when using such multi-electron spark plugs. Their only drawback is their high price, which leads to a significant increase in the cost of car maintenance and repair, especially when it is necessary to replace them with a set on a six or eight-cylinder engine.

Rating of the TOP 5 best spark plugs for VAZ cars

Copper-nickel spark plugs for VAZ cars of the “Standard” category are used on carburetor engines with a contact ignition system; their reliable service life does not exceed 10,000 kilometers.

Attention! These are products with a good reputation, so they are massively counterfeited. The rules for identifying the original can be found on the manufacturers’ websites.

Budget models

At the beginning of the conversation about how to choose low-cost models, you need to find out their capabilities. Classic candles are cheaper, but will last less. Their appearance and design are simple and familiar.

At the top there is a white ceramic body, and the base is made of a metal cartridge with a thread. The principle of operation is to emit sparks from two electrodes (central and side).

Consumables of this class will not allow you to use the car engine at full power. The service life is shorter than that of expensive car spark plugs. Manufacturers don’t worry about materials. Therefore, copper parts can only be found at Champion.

Other companies are experimenting with designs and technologies. Below are classic car spark plugs and their 2020 ratings.

NGK 6465 BKR6E-11 – Extended service life

The Japanese company NGK uses the technology of sawing the electrode into two parts. When starting the engine, the spark flashes in the first half.

When the level of plaque or soot on it increases, the other half begins to work. This principle allows NGK models to maintain spark generation levels longer.

NGK 6465 BKR6E-11 are designed for gasoline engines. The base is made of nickel and the top is ceramic. NGK 6465 BKR6E-11 will correct the “twitchiness” of the car and normalize fuel consumption. There will be enough consumables for 30-40 thousand kilometers.

Chinese manufacturers often counterfeit NGK products. Moreover, the markings remain the same - “Made in Japan” and “Made in France”, as on the original candles. A fake can be distinguished by rough stamping, which affects spark production.

pros

• Price;
• Quality;
• Life time.

Minuses

• Sensitive to the quality of gasoline;
• A large number of fakes.

Bosch W7DC (0 241 235 755) – For the winter season

Bosch W7DC car spark plugs (0 241 235 755) are equipped with a standard thread and a copper main electrode. It is flush with the white ceramic insulator. Consumables are designed for a gasoline engine.

During the winter season, Bosch W7DC ensures quick warm-up of the engine and starting the engine for the first time. Using cheap fuel can cause deposits and deposits. The service life will also be noticeably reduced.

pros

• Price;
• Copper coating;
• High quality build.

Minuses:

• Sensitivity to fuel;
• Life time.

Champion OE201/T10 – Copper core

The Russian trading brand Champion makes the best candles in the budget price range. Champion OE201/T10 electrodes are made of copper.

This allows you to “roll” more than 40 thousand kilometers on one set. The copper core dissipates heat evenly. This technology prevents candles from melting due to elevated temperatures.

In practice, these consumable models have default gaps set to 1 - 1.1 mm. Despite the slight difference in size, the engine will run intermittently, stall, and stall.

pros

• Price;
• High-quality assembly;
• Life time;
• Copper coating.

Minuses

Discrepancies in clearances.

NGK 7529 BP6E

NGK 7529 BP6E

The spark plugs are universal and work across the entire range of temperatures and loads. They are resistant to the formation of deposits on the insulator, maintain the shape of the electrodes and the size of the gap. V-line technology ensures uninterrupted sparking. The copper rod in the central electrode removes heat, preventing overheating and damage to the insulator. The sealing of the housing is adequately done, the tightness is always at its best.

The gap for these spark plugs is 0.9 mm. This means that it is better not to use the product for a carburetor engine, only an injector.

The price for such quality is attractive and does not go out of the general range in the category.

The cost of candles is, on average, 150 rubles per piece.

Advantages and disadvantages

Good engine starting in any weather.

Sparking without interruption due to the use of new technology.

Excellent tightness.

Compliance price/quality.

There are often fakes on the market

BOSCH W7DC

BOSCH W7DC

Such candles have a working range that provides versatility of use. Sometimes they work on motors that require different temperature characteristics, which emphasizes the stability of German products.

The model is well assembled - it consists of a copper core and a shell with increased anti-corrosion properties. The gap here is 0.7-0.8 mm. The key size is 20.8.

One can note some optimism in setting the heat number in relation to old VAZ car engines.

The average cost for one candle is 150 rubles.

Advantages and disadvantages

High-quality assembly of the part.

Uninterrupted operation under heavy loads and low temperatures.

Price corresponding to quality.

The mixture may get on the spark plugs.

Candles made of precious metals

What are the best spark plugs to use to ensure they last a long time? Of course, candles are made of special metals. Spark plugs can be iridium or platinum. Special metal makes these candles more durable. An electrode made of precious metal is able to withstand high loads and temperatures, and almost no carbon deposits form on its surface.

Main advantages:

• Long service life. If the car is operated under normal conditions, then these spark plugs can last for decades;
• Such candles have a unique function of self-cleaning from carbon deposits;
• Allows you to significantly improve the operating dynamics and overall engine power of your car;
• Reduce fuel consumption, which improves operating efficiency.

The only drawback of such candles is their high cost. Most popular brands that produce conventional spark plugs also produce spark plugs from precious metals.

DENSO 3043 W20EP-U

DENSO 3043 W20EP-U

The best candles for this application took first place in the ranking. Experienced car service workers always recommend Denso products, knowing that the client will be satisfied. There will be no complaints about the candles; the products guarantee their operation regardless of the mode - idle or load.

There are some downsides - the U-Groove technology does not prevent you from driving on a cold engine at low speeds, soot formation is possible, the spark plugs are a little colder in heat rating than inexperienced drivers would like.

The gap on the product is 0.8 mm, therefore, it is not suitable for a carburetor engine.

The cost, on average, is 130 rubles per unit.

Advantages and disadvantages

Excellent quality, which is why spark plugs are installed on many cars from the factory.

Copper core ensures reliability.

Increased flame spread thanks to the U-shaped groove of the side electrode.

Soot quickly forms on candles.

Denso PK20PR-P

A special feature of this line of spark plugs is the presence of sputtering on the platinum electrodes. The design of the product is simple, single-electrode, but in terms of spark formation quality, the product is in no way inferior to multi-electrode models. The manufacturing company was able to achieve the same durability as iridium products, but using platinum, which is cheaper.

Advantages:

• slightly higher cost than products that do not contain precious metals;
• long working life, significantly exceeding the replacement period established by the maintenance regulations;
• versatility. Modifications of this line are suitable for most cars, including those that have been discontinued;
• at high speeds - self-cleaning effect;
• good threaded connection;
• excellent quality seal ring;
• The product is always on sale.

There are also several disadvantages:

• It happens that the standard gap value does not correspond to the car manufacturer’s specifications, so you have to set it;
• the product does not tolerate prolonged idling very well and becomes covered with a layer of soot;
• poor compatibility with liquefied gas.