Spark plug advice on '03 Octavia 1.8T elegance

[dangoddard]

I've done a quick search on here but couldn't quite find what I was after. 

 

I'm going to check my spark plugs tomorrow on my Octavia and I was having a quick look on europarts at different spark plugs, but have no idea where to start. Assuming I do need to change them, I wondered what I should look for in a plug? I'm keen to buy from eurocarparts just cause it's very easy and quick to find a part and collect it from their store just down the road! 

 

I read about copper vs platinum and I'm aware of the need for gapping occasionally, but wondered what kinds of spark plugs I should go for? They seem to vary from £3.50 up to three times that price, so I wondered whether it is worth paying the extra or buying cheap and changing more frequently? Any extra benefit to the more pricey ones I've found below? 

 

Here are some of the plugs that have come up for my car on Eurocarparts:

 

Cheapest:

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Skoda_Octavia_1.8_2003/p/car-parts/regular-service/car-service-parts/spark-plugs/?408660050&1&7c3046aceea0696472f4b9d7a7567c7c2c982260&000301

 

Cheap: 

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Skoda_Octavia_1.8_2003/p/car-parts/regular-service/car-service-parts/spark-plugs/?408772150&1&b2ecc92aea90932e78a2107223a581d0bbe3a286&000301

 

Pricey: http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Skoda_Octavia_1.8_2003/p/car-parts/regular-service/car-service-parts/spark-plugs/?408440040&1&b155a983eea26ebd9d2a9d2470fcdd4df47dafb4&000301

[kentphil1]

Used Bosch plugs in my last car and was distinctly unimpressed with their short service life. NGK PFR6Q for me every time.

[petrolbloke]

59 minutes ago, kentphil1 said:

NGK PFR6Q for me every time.

 

+1

 

Also check GSF and Carparts 4 less before ordering from ECP. GSF seem to have 45-50% off every weekend, ECP normally 25-30% and CP4L sometimes 10-12%.

[Jonathan_1.8T]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NGK-Spark-Plug-PFR6Q-/110883809118?hash=item19d130a75e:g:4HoAAOSwv0tVZc~L

 

Best price I can see atm ^

[SheffieldVRS]

What gaps are people setting/checking them at?  

[dangoddard]

I would also like to know this ^^

 

I have read 0.7mm on this forum somewhere before I think

 

Edited 9 February, 2017 by dangoddard

[kentphil1]

Is this any use?

 

Replace spark plugs   Note t  To release the spark plugs use a special spark plug wrench. t  Observe the disposal instructions for the spark plugs. t  Change interval: every 60 000 km, or 4 years. t  Tightening torque: 30 Nm. Use the following assembly tools to unplug the spark plug connector and the ignition units (not applicable for cable with the fixture):

Engine fitted	Engine identification characters	Tool
2.0 ltr./85 kW 1.6 ltr./75 kW 1.4 ltr./74 kW	AQY, APK, AZH, AZJ, AEG, AVU, BFQ, AEH, AKL	Extractor -T10112-
1.8 ltr./132 kW 1.8 ltr./110 kW	AUQ, AGU, ARZ, AUM, ARX	Extractor -T40039-
1.4 ltr./55 kW	BCA	Extractor -T10094-

 

Engine fitted	Engine identification characters	Spark plug manufacturer's designation	Part number	Electrode spacing
2.0 ltr./85 kW	APK, AQY and AZH	NGK BKUR 6ET - 10	101 000 033 AA	1,0 mm → Remark
	AZJ	NGK PZFR 5D - 1	101 000 062 AB	1,0 mm → Remark
2.0 ltr./82 kW	AEG	NGK BKUR 6ET - 10	101 000 033 AA	1,0 mm → Remark
1.8 ltr./132 kW	AUQ	NGK PFR 6Q	101 000 063 AA	0,7 mm → Remark
1.8 ltr./110 kW	AGU	Bosch F 7LTCR	101 000 051 AA	1,0 mm → Remark
	ARX, AUM, ARZ	NGK PFR 6Q	101 000 063 AA	0,7 mm → Remark
1.8 ltr./92 kW	AGN	NGK BKUR 6ET - 10	101 000 033 AA	1,0 mm → Remark
1.6 ltr./75 kW	AVU	NGK BKUR 6ET - 10	101 000 033 AA	1,0 mm → Remark
	BFQ	BERU 14FGH-7 DTURX	101 000 041 AC	0.8 mm → Remark
1.6 ltr./74 kW	AEH, AKL	NGK BKUR 6ET - 10	101 000 033 AA	1,0 mm → Remark
1.6 ltr./55 kW	AEE	NGK BUR 6ET	101 000 036 AA	0.8 mm → Remark
		Bosch W 7LTCR	101 000 050 AC	1,0 mm → Remark
		BERU 14GH-7 DTUR	101 000 040 AD	0.8 mm → Remark
1.4 ltr./55 kW	AXP with manual gearbox	NGK BKUR 6ET - 10	101 000 033 AA	1,0 mm → Remark
	AXP with automatic gearbox	NGK PZFR 5D - 1	101 000 062 AB	1,0 mm → Remark
	BCA	BERU 14FGH-7 DTURX	101 000 041 AC	0.8 mm → Remark
1.4 ltr./44 kW	AMD	Champion RC89 PYC	101 000 049 AC	0.8 mm → Remark
		BRISK DR 15TC	101 000 060 AA	0.8 mm → Remark

 

1)  Distance between earth electrode and spark plug insulator.

[dangoddard]

Wow, yes very helpful thanks. Also backs up the recommendation for the plugs from everyone. Much appreciated!

[huwants2no]

19 hours ago, Jonathan_1.8T said:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NGK-Spark-Plug-PFR6Q-/110883809118?hash=item19d130a75e:g:4HoAAOSwv0tVZc~L

 

Best price I can see atm ^

 

£20 postage?

 

Sorry,that was only to Ireland

Edited 9 February, 2017 by huwants2no

[yesiamtom]

I fitted NGK BKR7E to mine (stage 1 remap, full exhaust) and it runs great.  

[dangoddard]

How is the stage 1 remap? How's economy and power compared to standard?

[yesiamtom]

I bought the car with the map already on it and have never driven a standard VRS so can't compare but I have a feeling the map is fairly aggressive. Average mpg is 30, that's with short pootles around town, couple of motorway journeys and then hooning it down a/b roads in a fairly equal split. On the motorway I've seen it creep up to 40 for a journey. The power is amazing, at 3000rpm the car just opens up and rockets forward. I've had the car 4 or 5 months and it honestly still scares me on the twisties 

[km666]

Another vote for the BKR7E! I've got stage 1 also and started with the basic 150bhp AUM. Its alot better with the map, better MPG, much better acceleration, I cant see any reason not to. Although you do need 99 RON petrol so reliant on being near Tesco or Shell. I can get 43mpg on the way to work at a steady 70 (75-80 indicated) on the motorway, my long distance mpg average is around 34mpg over 2000 miles.

The 2 other best mods ive done are the 312mm front brake upgrade and a 24mm adjustable whiteline rarb. It seriously reduces understeer to the point where they start handling with a good degree of composure.

[dangoddard]

I'd love to do a stage 1 remap, but I think my clutch might need doing first. I can't tell for sure if its going though. Seems to slip if I floor it in first but its ok in other gears, which perhaps isn't what to expect, I dunno.