A good Subaru owner site is Ultimate Subaru Message Board (USMB).
Link: at http://www.ultimatesubaru.org/forum/
I’m with insulting this guy if he tried to tell you Subaru recommends Pulstar plugs. That is BS of the highest order. Get the factory recommended NGK platinums installed in the car. They’ll give you the best service and longevity. Stay away from gimmicks.
Perhaps it would help to understand the differences in plugs. As the plug arcs, material from the center electrodes erodes. It basically slowly becomes vaporized from the intensely hot spark. This happens more from the center electrode, as the spark jumps from that to the “shell” electrode, the ground (by the way, guys, I’m intentionally ignoring “wasted spark” systems). Platinum is simply a harder material than used to be used, so it erodes slower. Irridium is an even harder material, some 8X harder than platinum.
The real issue is that erosion of the plugs affects the engine operation, its efficiency, reliability, and emissions. Using plugs of a lesser “robustness” than the designers specified risks early inefficient operation and even improper combustion leading to carbon buildup that could affect thing slike the oxygen sensor and the cat converter. Yes, your engine could run on old fashioned copper-core plugs, but I’d strongly recommend against it.
Go with the manufacturer’s recommendation. Avoid problems.
What I’ve found…is if the car manufacturer calls for Platinum or Iridium plugs then you’ll NEVER be able to find standard Copper plugs. Not even the aftermarket companies will make them…My wifes Lexus calls for Iridium…and right now only Denso makes a plug for that car…and ONLY Iridium.
True…but a copper core plug with the same dimensions, base, heat range, and resistance could be subsitituted…although I’d stronly recommend against it.
NGK doesn’t list one for the Lexus? Odd. Usually Toyota uses Denso and NGK interchangably.
The factory platinum plugs for your car cost $6-$7 each at a discount parts store. Your mechanic is buying them cheaper than that…
The term “Tune up” is meaningless. Please define what services that includes…
Guys, this post is originally from April. I’m pretty sure the OP has long since made a decision.
Don’t sweat it, though. I got suckered too.