Today I replaced the stock spark plugs for Autolite APP 5263 Double Platinum (these plugs where recommended by Mike from SoCal's). It was very easy install especially if you have already installed the CGS intake. For those of you have not installed the CGS take a look at SoCal's How-To Page for the removal of the stock air box. Disconnect the quick-connect wire. After that, there is one 10mm bolt per plug boot (red arrow on pic). Once that is removed, using a standard spark plug socket, 6 inch extension, and ratchet remove stock plugs. Install in reverse order.

 

Was this done for possible performance gain?? If so, let us know what you think over the next few weeks.

 

There is defintely less off-idle hesitation with the Autolite's. My stock AC Delco plugs were in great shape (they are rated for 100,000 miles), and gapped properly, so no fault there. Still, adding the Autolite's netted a healthier feel off idle. I'm very pleased with their performance in 2.4L HHR's.

Hope it helps,

 

I would do the NGK my self the autolights are a motorcraft plug. So I will pass on them. The AC Delco would work also if you could figure out how they change in the heat range by changing the # up or down. You put a double platinum plug in that's why you feel the change it's burning more gas.


Just my 2 cent's

 

Mike, Thanks for this Info, You just gave me the Information that I was looking for, I see a few people are changing thier Plugs, I was wondering if the plug are good for 100.000 miles.

Thanks

Z

 

First it was the Bosch Platinum+4 plugs that were just the thing, now it's Autolites! Boy! Now I'm really getting confused !!

 

I think it depends on the engine.

 

2.2L > Bosch
2.4L > Autolites

 

I will be going with Denso Iridiums when I change my plugs. The plug number is ITV16. I had them in my Av and they really helped with off-idle hesitation as well as smoothing out the idle.

 

Interesting! I was thinking of trying the Bosch Platinum+4 plugs in my '96 Nissan Altima (My Wife drives the HHR!) and a neighbor, who's a retired Ford mechanic, said to go with the Denso plugs instead for better performance and longer life. Actually I'm hesitant to mess with it at all since it runs like a top as it is. All I've ever done to it is put a K&N air filter in it 8 years ago and add "Tufoil" at every oil change. And I put an IMCO Turbo muffler on it a couple of Months ago.
Hope the HHR runs as good when it's 10 years old!!