Denso iridium power IXUH22: user review

[silverbrabus]

Reference threads:
Plug Change (see post #76)
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...-ixuh22-24065/

Not listed for Smart yet, but from the above threads and specs off the Denso site, these are correct for the 451.

Why you want them:
http://www.globaldenso.com/en/produc.../features.html

Where to buy:
$11.99 each at www.sparkplugs.com. For comparison, factory XU22HDR9s are $6.15 each.

Install:
Not the easiest plugs I've ever changed, but doable with a decent socket set. About a 30 minute job. Possibly not recommended for beginners.

Initial impressions:
As advertised. Quicker starts -- less cranking. Smoother idle. Definite power increase -- not huge but it's there -- at least a couple hp. Would compare it to how the car feels on a cool morning when air density is greater. Even sounds different, maybe slightly deeper tone.

Mpg:
Will report after a couple tankfulls. Could go either way, I've been putting my foot in it, newfound power is fun.

Negatives:
Not "long-life" plugs, ground electrode isn't exotic metal. 0.4mm electrode and u-goove optimize fuel ignition not plug lifespan. Long-life option is the SXU22HDR8 (also available at sparkplugs.com.)

Conclusion:
Improved driveability and a couple hp for about the same $$ as a drop-in air filter. IMO a no-brainer.

[jwight]

If nothing else, thanks for a link to the good price on the stock plugs.

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by silverbrabus

Reference threads:
Plug Change (see post #76)
http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...-ixuh22-24065/

Not listed for Smart yet, but from the above threads and specs off the Denso site, these are correct for the 451.

Why you want them:
DENSO SPARK PLUGS - Basic Knowledge

Where to buy:
$11.99 each at www.sparkplugs.com. For comparison, factory XU22HDR9s are $6.15 each.

Install:
Not the easiest plugs I've ever changed, but doable with a decent socket set. About a 30 minute job. Possibly not recommended for beginners.

Initial impressions:
As advertised. Quicker starts -- less cranking. Smoother idle. Definite power increase -- not huge but it's there -- at least a couple hp. Would compare it to how the car feels on a cool morning when air density is greater. Even sounds different, maybe slightly deeper tone.

Mpg:
Will report after a couple tankfulls. Could go either way, I've been putting my foot in it, newfound power is fun.

Negatives:
Not "long-life" plugs, ground electrode isn't exotic metal. 0.4mm electrode and u-goove optimize fuel ignition not plug lifespan. Long-life option is the SXU22HDR8 (also available at sparkplugs.com.)

Conclusion:
Improved driveability and a couple hp for about the same $$ as a drop-in air filter. IMO a no-brainer.

Nice commentary. Thanks.

(...oh, and disregard the annoying from the previous poster

...we let everyone in here )

[jwight]

Gee, thanks ED; I really did appreciate the link to the price on the stock plugs (hence the ) and the review, but have it your way.

[EdwardDennis]

Originally Posted by jwight

Gee, thanks ED; I really did appreciate the link to the price on the stock plugs (hence the ) and the review, but have it your way.

Sorry...bad joke. Didn't go over well. Apologies.

[Padawan]

Originally Posted by silverbrabus

Initial impressions:
As advertised. Quicker starts -- less cranking. Smoother idle. Definite power increase -- not huge but it's there -- at least a couple hp. Would compare it to how the car feels on a cool morning when air density is greater. Even sounds different, maybe slightly deeper tone.

How many miles were on your stock plugs? Any photos of them?

[jwight]

Originally Posted by EdwardDennis

Sorry...bad joke. Didn't go over well. Apologies.

No problem - thanks for clarifying.

[silverbrabus]

Originally Posted by Padawan

How many miles were on your stock plugs? Any photos of them?

~3k. Look just like these: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...-ixuh22-24065/

Swapped not out of necessity, but in favor of superior technology. My last 2 cars had iridiums from the factory. I didn't think even lawnmowers came with standard plugs anymore. No excuse other than to reduce cost by a few pennies for these to be OE.

[ulflyer]

I guess I have a hard time believing that any one plug is that much better than any other. Factory plugs run 100K without any problem; in fact the Corolla in my garage has 130K and never skipped a beat. Nevertheless, we all like to treat our "babies" with whatever we perceive best (I'm no exception) and with whatever makes us happy. Let us know if you see any improvement in gas milage, etc. You might be on to something and I make no claims to being a know-it-all.

[DavidV]

Originally Posted by silverbrabus

~3k. Look just like these: http://www.smartcarofamerica.com/for...-ixuh22-24065/

Swapped not out of necessity, but in favor of superior technology. My last 2 cars had iridiums from the factory. I didn't think even lawnmowers came with standard plugs anymore. No excuse other than to reduce cost by a few pennies for these to be OE.

A lot of the high HP turbo MR2 guys (myself included) prefer to run copper over Iridium.

-- DavidV