I can find lots of posts discussing plugs for the turbo motors, but cannot find opinions on plugs for non-turbo. Volvo seems to think the oem plugs are gold plated! To confuse me more, my owner's manual says use Champion RC8PYP. Posts I've found indicate this plug is for turbo motors.
Then there is the COPPER vs PLATINUM debate. But, once again, it seems to be critical in a turbo motor.

Would like to be able to use something available from Autozone/AdvanceAuto/NAPA. Would also like to get them replaced before I have to go out of town in couple days, making buying on-line not a good option right now.


Opinions/Suggestions?

 

Hello, "...opinions about plugs on non-turbos." Here's mine and it matches that of many on these Volvo boards. Stick with the 5 pack of Volvo 3 electrode plugs. The price I've seen at a Volvo dealer wasn't that much higher than buying on-line. I feel, but do not know, that the engineers at Porsche knew what they were doing when they specified that plug. The only time I ever had a no-start condition with either of my non-turbos was after I tried some other spark plug. An old, experienced Volvo mechanic told me never to do it again. All he did was replace the plugs with the Volvo ones and I was on my way. I felt like a jerk. You can avoid all that. It's the wiser man who learns from the mistakes of others. Think of it as one less thing to worry about. Also, remember to use anti-seize on the threads. Kira

 

I only use Volvo plugs. I have pulled NGK plugs out of a couple of cars that were running good. I would suggest Volvo plug what ever the cost but have seen NGK's work fine. Other plugs will likely wear faster, use more fuel, and may even lose parts off of them. I have run Volvo plugs almost 50,000 miles and not tell the drif ference.

 

Readily available at autoparts bosch copper core supers
(.028 gap)

Have them in my S70 t5 and 850 na

 

appreciate the input, everyone!
Yesterday, I carried the V70 in to the independent Volvo specific repair shop to have tranny software upgraded to get that neutral over-ride mess fixed and asked them what plugs they use. They use NGK BKR6E / 6962

 

These cars will run well with many plugs in them. That's what the computer is suppose to do, compensate for things not perfect. I had NGK plug in my 960 and when I switched to Volvo plugs my gas mileage improved 10%. So, in just 5,000 miles I saved $70. You do the math.

 

Rspi
You mean those triple Volvo plugs?.
Interesting..

 

That was in my '97. Not sure if they were the tripple plugs or not, just that they were OEM. They did have some funny electrode tip on them, very thin.

Couldn't even find them on www.iPdusa.com: http://www.fcpgroton.com/product-exe...ategory_id/111

I also purchased a set of what I thought were high quality plugs that Champion sold for my 740 GLE when I was driving it. My mileage dropped 20% which I noticed right away. I pulled those plugs within a week or 2 and tossed them in the trash. Put in OEM plugs which I usually drove for about 75,000 - 100,000 miles.

 

interesting comments and observations, rspi!
Since my last post, I installed some Bosch coppers and gapped @ .028. I will closely watch the fuel mileage as I calculate it every refill. The Volvo plugs are not really outragious at $34 plus tax, but it's a 45 min drive 1-way to get to nearest Volvo dealership. If I see a dramatic decrease in fuel mileage, and with gas being ~$3.30+ a gal, I will make the drive.
Again, much apprecaite all the comments!
-steve (north Atlanta 'burbs)

 

Don't waste your time or gas driving to get them, just order them from FCP or some other supplier. A lot of them carry OEM parts, even has Volvo label on them. I was a little surprised that after market places/suppliers carry real OEM parts.