118,800 on my 2000 LX with a second round of (OEM) NGK's...why fix it when it isn't broken?

 

Good point. I'm not suggesting that the NGK OEMs are "broken". However, I'm curious as to whether Bosch has "built a better mouse trap" with their new radically designed plugs, namely the Platinum 2, Platinum 4 and Platimum Fusion. I'm also curious about other radical designs, like that of the E3 plugs.

Perhaps in the final analysis, these new designs will prove to be no better, or even worse, than plugs with a more traditional designe. I also understand that there are a greater number of OEM plug models than that of plugs marketed primarily to the aftermarket, suggesting a high degree of customization to a particular application.
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There have been a number of people (numerous amount I should say) reported that they have nothing but problems with their Proteges after switching to Boschspark plugs -anywhere from misfirngs to slow performances etc., etc..
Now I'm not saying Bosch plugs are inferior in any way whatsoever, although Ihad the +4s installed on my Porsche 944 (nothing else except 'Bosch') and theyperformed exceptionally well.But certain cars are just not meant to be - such as the Mazda Protege.
NGKs are no worst [or better]than Bosch, but the design elements of those plugs do go hand in hand withMazdas very well...therefore I say "why fix it when it isn't broken"?

You can give it a shot, worst comes to worst, you'll only lose a few bucks if you install them yourself...or...you mightgain a few more horsepower if your Protege appproves them Bosch plugs.

 

You might want to read this
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showt...ighlight=bosch

 

Well, we shall see. I've had the Fusion plugs installed for two weeks now and they seem to be performing just fine.
A couple of times I did notice what I think was a misfire at idle, but I think that I may have noticed this with the OEM NGKs as well. Also, I just purchased an Innova Car Reader 3030 and found out that all the sensors are working correctly and that there are no trouble codes stored in the on-board computer. My vehicle is equipped with a misfire monitor and there were no recordable instances of misfires. So I think the plugs are performing quite well. It will be interesting to see how they do over time.
Most people don't understand how multi-side (ground) electrode plugs work and what the intended advantages are of this design over that of the traditional single ground electrode plugs. Electricity always takes the path of least resistance and when multiple possible paths are available, it will take this path to the exclusion of others. So, when a plug with multiple ground electrodes fires, the spark jumps between the center electrode and only one of the ground electrodes (the one offering the least resistance). However, this is not always the same ground electrode and over the life of the plug all of the ground electrodes are used, just not at the same time. This allows the plug to last longer.
With regard to the Bosch +2, +4 and fusion plugs, their designs also allow for better exposure of the spark to the air/fuel mixture and allow the flame kernel to grow downward toward the piston without a side electrode in its way. This is supposed to be advantageous. At least that is what they claim.
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Different strokes for different folks, if the plugs suit your car, then I'm happy to hear that you're not experiencing any difficulties.
One of the guys from another forum wrote an in depth article regarding his experience with the NGK plugs he'd installed in his car. All its technicalities were explained and why it is different, and how they react differently compared to Bosch plugs used in Mazda Proteges. Turns out, these are the same plugs that I'd put in my car 6 months ago.
http://www.msprotege.com/forum/showt...hp?t=123631485