Denso iridium power IXUH22: user review

[silverbrabus]

Would compare it to how the car feels on a cool morning when air density is greater.

Now on cool mornings ... it's a different car. Definite noticeable power increase accompanied by deep howl at the top end.

[Capt. Jack]

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.

Thanks! That's helpful! I think I'll try them.

[Pee-wee German]

Originally Posted by silverbrabus

Reference threads:


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

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.

Just ordered mine; thanks for the reminding me of sparkplugs.com. Hey, can you give us your most confident prediction on how many miles you expect out of yours?

[donnyonee]

www.sparkplugs.com doesnt carry them on the web, where are you making your purchase?

[MPrice2984]

A good alternative is Bosch YR7MPP33, I've had them in my car for over 20k.

[gkalexdc]

Hey. Imn an old guy. But..the Question is...Do you GAP plugs anymore? Or Do the Iridium Plugs come (as I would hope) already at their most magnificent computer generated GAP ?

[Pee-wee German]

Originally Posted by donnyonee

www.sparkplugs.com doesnt carry them on the web, where are you making your purchase?

I ordered the IXUH22 's on recommendation by SilverBrabus

[silverbrabus]

Originally Posted by smartacus

can you give us your most confident prediction on how many miles you expect out of yours?

Plan on swapping at no more than 30k.

Obviously they would continue to function for at least twice that but at reduced efficiency from ground electrode erosion.

[silverbrabus]

Originally Posted by gkalexdc

Hey. Im an old guy. But..the Question is...Do you GAP plugs anymore? Or Do the Iridium Plugs come (as I would hope) already at their most magnificent computer generated GAP ?

Old guy here too, still have my gapping tool -- just haven't used it in a long time.

You don't gap these. Or at least not supposed to. Just verify they're at factory spec out of the box and install. Minor tweaking is Ok to make them all equal, but have to be very careful of fine wire center electrode.

[donnyonee]

gaping tool nothing, its all in the dwell.