Abeness > wrote in news
> What size socket do I need for the plugs on a 94 Civic EX (D16Z6 engine)?
>
> Also, I notice that the service manual notes two different plugs, one
> the NGK ZFR5J-11 for "normal" driving, the other the NGK ZFR6J-11 for
> "hot climates or continuous high-speed driving". My car is used mostly
> for trips, not a lot of local driving. Does primary driving at highway
> speeds warrant the 6J plug?



If you're spending much of your time at or near 4,000 rpm, you'll need the
colder (6) plugs. Otherwise the insulator will overheat and blister.

Pull the plugs that are in the car now. If the insulators have some color
to them (doesn't matter what color as that's a function of your gas), then
you're fine. If they are bright white with tiny bubbles on them, move up a
range.


>
> Is another brand recommended? I just discovered sparkplugs.com--pretty
> cool. Anyone bought from them? A listing of plugs for my engine:
> http://www.sparkplugs.com/results_ap...1&AAIA=1168747
> None of these manufacturers means anything to me. It's unlikely that I
> need "premium" plugs--not a racer--but if the Champion Premium Gold plug
> is any better than the NGK OEM spec, the price is certainly right.


There are anecdotal reports of poor operation with anything other than NGK
or ND plugs, the OEM spec.

Personally, I've had unsatisfactory results with the "Splitfires". I don't
know if this was just my perception or if the car really did run worse, but
I didn't like them.

Champion and Autolite are domestic manufacturers. GM and Ford use them.


>
> Since the last tune-up on this car was at 97K miles at an unknown date
> (now at 118K), and since I don;t know whether the plugs were replaced
> then, I'm thinking it might be a good idea to replace them soon.
>


Never a bad idea, that's for sure. You may find little wear on your
existing plugs if they're platinums or if the car's spent much of its time
at city speeds.

--
TeGGeR®

The Unofficial Honda/Acura FAQ
www.tegger.com/hondafaq/