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The most general spark plug for the A-series engines is NGK BP5ES. However, depending on the year, market and usage, Nissan recommended the colder BP6E. For severe use, BP4ES, or BP7ES can be used, but be careful and don't use these unless you are an expert. If you are unsure which to use, use BP5ES or BP6ES. Of course you don't have to buy NGK brand, any equivalent plug will suffice. And for you junkyard scroungers, many 4, 6, V8 and V12 engines use the same plugs (see interchange section below).
Note that Platinum Plugs last longer, but really don't work any better compared to 'regular' new plugs. They cost more but last longer. ddgonzal's advise is "buy whatever's inexpensive, Inspect and re-gap every 12 months".
Contents |
Plugs
Maintainence
As part of a Tune-up, inspect and re-gap the plugs every 3,000 miles (5,000 km). Nissan recommends replacing the plugs every 12,000 miles but this seems unnecessary even with standard type plugs, if they are in good condition. Platinum plugs may last the lifetime of the engine.
Gap
For gap, Nissan specifies 0.031 to 0.035 inch.
- For a smoother idle, use 0.035 inch. The larger gap only was specified for the early B210 with the same plugs and same ignition system.
- For high RPM use, try 0.31 inch
USA 1972 Owners manual (see pages 35 for plug gap information):
Gap 0.031 to 0.035 in (0.8 to 0.9 mm)
B-model Usage
From North American repair manual. Please add to it... and note the country :-)
| Spark Plug Type | 1971 | NGK BP6E |
| 1972-1976 | NGK BP5ES | |
| 1977-1978 US models - except 5-speed trans | NGK BP5ES-11 (standard)
NGK BP4ES-11 (hot) | |
| 1977-1978 US models - 5-speed transmission | NGK BP5EQ-11 (standard)
NGK BP4EQ-11 (hot) | |
| 1977-1978 Canadian models | NGK BPR5ES (standard)
NGK BPR4ES (hot) | |
| Spark Plug Gap | 1200 | 0.028-0.032 in. (0.7-0.8 mm) |
| 1974-1976 B210 | 0.031-0.035 in. (0.8-0.9 mm) | |
| 1977 B210 - US models | 0.039-0.043 in. (1.0-1.1 mm) | |
| 1977 B210 - Canadian models | 0.031-0.035 in. (0.8-0.9 mm) | |
| 1978 B210 - non-California 5-speed | 0.043-0.051 in. (1.1-1.3 mm) | |
| 1978 B210 - other US models | 0.039-0.043 in. (1.0-1.1 mm) | |
| 1978 B210 - Canadian models | 0.031-0.035 in. (0.8-0.9 mm) |
Part Numbers
NOTE: You should double-check these numbers before buying.
- NGK 7734 (BPR5ES). See at PartsAmerica.com
- NGK 1233 (V-Power BPR5EY)
- NGK 7082 (GP-Series BPR5EGP)
- Autolite 64
- Autolite AP64 (Platinum)
- Autolite APP64 (Double Platinum)
- Autolite XP64 (Extreme Performance)
- Champion 322 (RN11YC4)
- Champion 3322 (Platinum Power)
- Champion 7332 (Double Platinum Power)
- Bosch 4018
- Bosch 4218 (Platinum WR8DP)
- Denso 3032, 0.044 gap -- for high-energy ignition
- AcDelco 4 (Rapidfire 25164642) 0.40 gap -- good for electronic ignition
BP5ES Interchange
NGK BPR5ES is now NGK 7734. Here is the interchange for US-model vehicles:
- Aston Martin: 79-89 V8, Lagonda, Virage, Zagato
- Audi: 1980 4000, 73-79 Fox
- BMW: Many models, 1968-1985
- Dodge Colt 1974-1975 (Mitsubishi Colt)
- Geo Tracker 89-95
- Jaguar: many model 1960-1987 (V12 and 6 models)
- Land Rover: some 1987-2002 models
- Lotus Elite 1976-1979, Esprit 1976-1982
- Mazda: 1979-1985 GLC (Familia 3), 79-87 626, 79-84 & 86-87 B2000 pickup, 87-93 B2200 pickup
- Mercedes-Benz: many models 1973-1991
- MG: 62-66 Midget, 75-79 Midget
- Nissan
- B110 1971-1973
- B210 1975-1976
- F10 1976
- 2000 Roadster 1968-1970
- 200SX (S110) 1982-1983
- 720 pickup 1981-1986
- D21 (Hardbody) pickup 1986-1989
- Pathfinder 1987-1988
- Van 1987-1988
- Porsche: 78-79 911, 78-82 928 V8, 83-84 944
- Renault: 83-87 Alliance, 84-86 Encore, 80-83 LeCar
- Rover 3500 V8 1980
- Suzuki Samurai 86-95, Sidekick 89-95
- Toyota 4Runner 85-88, pickup 85-88
- Triumph: some 63-81 models
- Volkswagen: Most watercooled 1974-1980
- Volvo 760 1984-1990
- Yugo: most 1986-1991 models
BP6 Notes
NGK RESISTOR SPARK PLUGS BPR6EK-A w/ Dual Ground Electrodes
- 14 mm Thread
- 19 mm (3/4") Reach
TOYOTA Factory Original: TERCEL (1AC) - 1980 thru 1986
Will Also Fit Many JAPANESE Models Requiring a NGK BP6ES or BPR6ES for HIGHER PERFORMANCE!!
[ S = Standard & K-A = Dual Ground Electrodes - Special Design ]
Models Such As;
- HONDA - MAZDA - NISSAN - TOYOTA - SUBARU
- HONDA = CIVIC (73>79)
- MAZDA = GLC / MIZER / PICKUP 1.6L, 1.8L / 1200 / 616 / 818 / 626 / 808 (71>87)
- DATSUN / NISSAN = PICKUP 1.8L, 2.0L / 200SX / 240Z / 260Z / 610 / 710 ( 70>89)
- SUBARU = BRAT / FF-1 / 1300 / 1400 / 1600 (71>80)
- TOYOTA = CELICA / CORONA / CORONA MK-2 (65>74)
Both 4 & 6 Cylinder Engines
Please check your owners manual for proper applications! Most Japanese owners books will tell you the proper NGK spark plug to use. The NGK spark plugs will also fit many English and European models, but the top plug-wire connector does NOT unscrew on these plugs like some ignition wire sets require.
Spark Plug Wires
Spark plug wires (leads) from many 4-cylinder engines will fit, although the wires might be a little long. It is easiest to buy a set specifically for the B110's A12 engine.
- Resistor type wires are recommended to prevent radio static.
- Large diameter wires (8mm, 9mm, etc) will have no effect unless you are running a non-stock high-energy ignition system.
Part Numbers
- AcDelco 9044N (88861957) $13
- Autolite 86406 $15
- Borg Warner CH421SP $12
- Borg Warner CH421 $16
- Bosch 09065 $15
- Beck/Arnley 1754217 $14
- NGK 9393 (NGK NE67) $13
- Niehoff 12409NPS 7mm Black Silicone $13
- Niehoff 12409N 7mm ULTRA Black Silicone $14
- Powermax 700194 $10
- Xact 4620 $12
Interchange
Spark plug wires (leads) from many 4-cylinder engines will fit, although the wires might be a little long. It is easiest to buy a set specifically for the B110's A12 engine.
For example, each set for B110 fits several other engines. It probably depends on exact how the manufacturer cut the wire lengths.
Beck/Arnley 1754217 Spark Plug wire set fits:
- B110 1971-1973
- 410 1965
- 411 1967
- 1600 Roadster 1966-1970
- 2000 Roadster 1968-1970
- 520 Pickup 1966-1968 (L16 or J13 engine)
- 521 Pickup 1969 (L16 engine)
Borg Warner CH421 fits:
- B110 1971-1973
- 520 Pickup 1968 (L16 engine)
- 521 Pickup 1969 (L16 engine)
- Fiat 124 1968-1969
- Triump Spitfire 1963-1969, 1972-1974
Nissan Competition
Source: 1984 Nissan Competition Catalog
- 99996-H2020 COMPETITION PLUG WIRE SET
- For racing purposes only
- [These are probably solid-core wires, which interfere with radio communications]