If you own a Subaru, read this before you purchase spark plugs.

I wasn't quite sure where to post this so Mods, feel free to move it where ever you see fit.

Seeing how I noticed today that O'reilly's electronic catalogs we're completely incorrect today and have quite possibly ruined a fellow members engine in his vehicle I feel compelled to post this in hopes to educate anyone on here when they go to any auto parts store to ensure that they get the correct plugs. The following is a scan of page 190 in the NGK Automotive spark plug catalog listing all Imprezas from 93 through 2009:



The plug in question today was for an '04 STi (engine designation 257), which called for a LFR6AIX-11. He was given a BKR5EIX-11, which is for an '05 (engine designation 253), noticeably different in length, heat range and obviously part # the electronic catalog stated that this was the correct plug... obviously not. I've contacted corporate to correct their catalogs so hopefully this doesn't happen again.

I hope this helps everyone here who owns an Impreza when they need plugs. Also on a side note, I've noticed a lot of the listings for these cars aren't always 100% correct... I don't know why but be extra cautious when purchasing parts. If at all possible bring the old part in when purchasing the new one to match it up. I try my best to find the right part when people come in to see me, but I have no control over everyone else who works for the company unfortunately.

Moved to Engine section.
Thanks for the info. I've also read that the -11 designated parts for the turbo motors is wrong as well.. however i need to verify that. I've been looking for a new set of plugs for an 08, but i can't seem to find a straight answer on exactly what the part numbers are for iridium, platinum, and copper plugs. Hell, I can't even find copper plugs at all for my car, and all the major aftermarket suppliers only seem to carry a step colder. Which I have no need for just yet.

Heard about Zach's car today. That's a bummer. I wonder what Oreilly's is gonna do about it.

i heard about zachs car , i sure hope oriellys steps up and admitts there screw up and completly foots the bill for fixing his car . or i would definitly pursure sum legal action ,
there suppose to know better ...

Yeah I really hope Oreilly's steps up and takes care of things correctly I only go to the King store and only when certain employees are there and I will wait very patiently for them (Dan and Hoot) they know their shit and will try to find a solution to your problems

Yeah I hope they do something because the electronic catalog is something us parts guys use a lot, especially for something as simple as spark plugs.

As for the -11 on the NGKs I've tried to find the ones without the -11 and basically NGK has superseded them to the -11 plugs... which according to the specifications in the catalog means it has a .041" gap, which is odd because the ones i gave Zach were right at .037" out of the box... and according to the catalog he needs to be at .030" yet I've been told by various mechanics that the fine-wire iridiums don't need to be gapped at all.

At any rate I sure hope o'reillys owns up to their error and helps Zach out. I've given him everything he needs including warrantying out the wrong plugs for the correct ones, and all related receipts to help aid him in this.

haproot wrote:

Moved to Engine section.
Thanks for the info. I've also read that the -11 designated parts for the turbo motors is wrong as well.. however i need to verify that. I've been looking for a new set of plugs for an 08, but i can't seem to find a straight answer on exactly what the part numbers are for iridium, platinum, and copper plugs. Hell, I can't even find copper plugs at all for my car, and all the major aftermarket suppliers only seem to carry a step colder. Which I have no need for just yet.

Heard about Zach's car today. That's a bummer. I wonder what Oreilly's is gonna do about it.

As for your '08, according to the NGK book it says that either:

LFR6AIX-11 (Iridium IX Series)
or
SILFR6A (OE Plug, Iridium center electrode w/ Platinum ground electrode)

Now that being said, that is for a EJ255, if it is a EJ253 then it would be a different plug and heat range.

Yeah they are supposed to be pregapped between .028 - .031 for the turbo 2.5. I believe that goes for the 2.0 turbo as well. That's what I'm reading on iwsti is the -11's are gapped too big. Here's a link, it pertains to a step colder, 7 range ngk rather than a 6. Third hand knowledge but one of the guys claims to have called NGK and asked. Post 7.

http://www.iwsti.com/forums/2-5-liter-litre-factory-motor/153940-ngk-spark-plug-part-no-1-step-colder-08-sti.html

That makes sense because basically how the numbers in NGK plugs determines the heat range:

Lower = Hotter & Higher = Colder

As for the -11 if you can't find the ones without, all you really have to do it re-gap them yourselves. Takes some tedious time and effort (Iridium is a harder metal than you think lol) but Brandon and I sat in oreillys (while I was on the clock) and re-gapped all 4 of his to .030 before he left the store. To this day he hasn't had any issues that I know of.

Nice yeah it seems they are the same just need to check the gap, which I would do anyways. Good info!

This is what actually turned me onto checking the part # on the plugs that I received from O'Reilly's:

http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=518633

Oooodles of good info.