Thread: Plugs for stock 3.1 SE ?

I just have a stock 01 Grand Prix with the 3.1 liter.
I've been researching this all morning, so I thought I'd verify with you guys.
I know most of you are into performance and mods and the like, but I just want to get the best gas mileage I can.
Don't know if the plugs have been changed, I don't think the PO did much to this car, but I know he did keep the oil changed.
I at least want to replace the plugs, wires, air filter, and gas filter.
It seems the concenses here is to stay away from platinum spark plugs, as they do not do well with the waste spark systems.
Now I'm retired, so I don't drive much maybe a couple thousand miles a year.
The car only has 104,XXX miles on it, and it runs great, mainly looking to improve my gas mileage.
I don't expect 30 mi to the gallon but the last time I calculated it I was only getting roughly 16 City and highway combined.
It seems that consensus here, and what I have read doing research elsewhere, that I might be better off cost wise, running wise, and performance-wise, with copper plugs.
And since I do not drive the car much I am not worried about only getting roughly 20,000 miles out of a set of plugs.
I don't mind spending the money for iridium, if there was any benefit, but again the consensus on here seems to be that I would be better off with the old style copper plugs.
What do you guys think?
Thank you.

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Here is part of one article I read.
Platinum and Iridium plugs perform at a lower level than copper spark plugs, because they are less conductive and they tend to overheat. However, the overall longevity of these two types of metal is better than copper plugs. In reality, copper has the best performance of all three and the worst longevity. Platinum has good longevity and the worst performance. Iridium has good longevity and a performance that is decent, which is why iridium plugs tend to be more expensive than any other type. Still, the difference between these plugs in terms of overall quality is minimal, as there is a trade off for each.

Most copper plugs need to be changed every 20,000 miles or so. Platinum and iridium plugs can often go for twice that before they require changing, but the overall performance will not be as good and you may have to deal with overheating of the plugs. This is potentially not worth the added cost of both platinum and iridium spark plugs, although the decision will depend upon your preference.



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Originally Posted by mguzzo

stock engine = stock plug
AC delco 41-162 gapped to .045

Sounds good, thanks [emoji120]

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Originally Posted by mguzzo

stock engine = stock plug
AC delco 41-162 gapped to .045

Funny though all the websites ie, advance Auto, AutoZone, Amazon, are saying the AC Delco 41-162 does not fit in my vehicle this is a 3.1 liter motor, but I don't know if it would make a difference.
A lot of the other application say something like 01 Pontiac or like no 97 through 06 or something 3.1 liter, 3.4 liter, and 3.1 liter?
I know Amazon is wrong A lot of times but AutoZone and advance Auto are usually pretty accurate I don't know also I do not see that 41-162 recommended for my vehicle at RockAuto? I don't know?
Thank you for any help.

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"A lot of the other application say something like 01 Pontiac or like no 97 through 06 or something 3.1 liter, 3.4 liter, and 3.1 liter?"

Edit, I meant 3.8 liter on the end above

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Originally Posted by GYSOT1

This is from Rock Auto.

2001 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX 3.1L V6 Spark Plug | RockAuto

Thank you!

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