E3 VS NGK Spark Plugs: Which ones are Better?
A spark plug is an essential part of your engine. In fact, the internal combustion engine cannot function without a spark plug. However, there are different types of spark plugs on the market based on their size, material, their electrode design, and a lot more.
You’ll be surprised to know that there are almost a dozen variations of spark plugs merely based on their design.
In this guide, I’ll compare two top-rated spark plugs on the market: E3 and NGK. I’ve tested both products on my vehicles, and my reviews are based on my personal experiences with the spark plugs.
I’ll also cover some common questions about both products. Keep reading the E3 Spark Plugs vs. NGK comparison to know more.
If you’re looking for a spark plug with traditional features and improve electrode design, the E3 Spark Plugs are great.
They are clearly a breakthrough in the spark plug technology. I purchased the first E3.38 spark plug for my Kawasaki KLX250S 250cc, and I’m extremely happy with the results.
Components of the plug
The primary parts of a spark plug are the insulator and the shell. The shell comprises the ground electrode, and the insulator comprises the middle wire, terminal connection for the leads used for ignition, and the resistor material.
So, the benefits of the unique ground electrode are better fuel efficiency, more power to the engine (3% to 6% increase) and minimized carbon emissions and build-up of carbon black.
Design of the electrode
Even if you don’t understand the design and structure of spark plugs, you’ll immediately notice that there’s something unique about the design of the E3 Spark Plug electrode. I was able to spot it as soon as I unpacked the product.
The electrode is diamond shaped, unlike the traditional J-strap. However, you must be wondering what’s special about this exclusive design?
This, in turn, improves the longevity of the spark plug. Moreover, the consistency of the plug also improves manifold which leads to powerful spark cycles.
So, in simpler words, I was surprised to see that after using the plug for over 2000 miles, the E3 spark plug was still firing the same way as it was on day one. The open design also helps in faster burning of the fuel.
Open construction
The portion of the strap above the electrode is exposed in an E3 spark plug. The open architecture helps the flame front to inflate toward the core of the cylinder, where the fuel concentration is maximum.
The E3 spark plug design exposes the spark straightaway to the air-fuel mix. This leads to a bigger, quicker flame kernel growth and translates more fuel into energy in usable form.
Edge to edge design
The diamond shape of the E3 spark plug preserves pointed edges that fire toward each other to lower the voltage and fire the plug easily.
Durability
The triple-plated shells of the E3 spark plugs are resistant to corrosion and rust. The spark plug threads are also rolled to shield the aluminum threads from damage.
An increased concentration of alumina is used in the insulator to maximum heat dissipation and durability.
E3 Spark Plug Powersports Specifications
| Model no. | E3.38 |
| Weight | 1.6 oz |
| Material of central electrode core | Copper |
| Material of central electrode tip | Nickel |
| Drive size | 5/8 inch |
| Material of ground electrode tip | Nickel |
| Material of insulator | Ceramic |
| Type of insulator | Projected |
| Warranty | 5-year limited warranty |
| Package contents | E3 Spark Plug |
| Thread size | 14 mm |
| Resistor | Yes |
- Unique DiamondFIRE technology used to design the electrode
- Improves the power of the engine
- Enhances the fuel efficiency
- Reduces the emission of greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide
- Improves the engine life
- The spark plugs aren’t compatible with some specific vehicles
What customers have to say about E3 Spark Plugs:
I glanced through over 50 customer reviews and ratings before finally purchasing the E3 spark plugs for my Kawasaki.
The product has been rated 3.9 stars out of 5. Here’s what the customers have to say about the product:
- Most of the customers are really happy with how quickly their engine starts after installing the E3 Spark Plug.
- Many customers have mentioned that the overheating issue of their engines has resolved after installing the E3 Spark Plug.
- Customers are delighted by the reduced emissions and smoother rides.
The Brand and notable features:
E3 Spark Plugs are manufactured by Pyrotek E3, a company based out of Florida. They were designed to help customers enhance the power of their vehicles’ engines, better fuel efficiency, and reduce harmful emissions in the environment.
Here are some excellent features that make the E3 Spark Plugs one of the top-rated spark plugs on the market:
- The DiamondFIRE technology produces a stronger spark and produced greater localized pressure.
- Depending upon the engine class, the E3 Spark Plug improves the engine power by 6% to 12%.
- Again, depending upon the engine class, the E3 Spark Plug enhances the fuel efficiency by 4% to 13%.
- Reduces emission of carbon monoxide and other harmful hydrocarbons by 58% and 42% respectively.
- Improves the longevity of the engine and starts it quickly.
Let’s talk about the NGK 7379 Iridium Spark Plug now. I have been using the spark plug in my 2005 Chevrolet Silverado, and I’m pretty satisfied with the overall performance.
So, if you’re someone who’s performance oriented, the NGK 7379 Spark Plug can be a great buy.
Superior Iridium alloy
The high-quality Iridium alloy used in the spark plug is responsible for superior ignitability, anti-fouling, and enhanced throttle performance.
The high-melting point of Iridium is highly suitable for present-day engines and boosts their performance.
Design
The NGK 7379 Spark Plug comes with a fin, laser-welded tip made of Iridium that maintains a steady spark and enhances the durability of the spark plug.
The ground electrode is tapered and reduces the electrical quenching effect. Overall, I would say that the design of the NGK Spark Plug is high-end and robust.
Corrugated ribs and a longer insulator nose
The corrugated ribs on the insulator prevent flashover, and the elongated insulator nose averts fouling.
The spark plug also comes with a triple gasket lock to eliminate the leakage of combustion gas.
What you can expect from the NGK 7379 Spark Plug
Three significant benefits that you can expect from the NGK 7379 Spark Plug are: improved fuel efficiency, greater durability, and increased acceleration.
With this spark plug, you won’t have to worry about your engine misfiring. Moreover, once fitted with the NGK Spark Plug your engine will provide stable and optimum performance which makes the spark plug one of the bestselling spark plugs on the market.
All in all, the NGK Iridium Spark Plug is the perfect replacement for platinum spark plugs. It is a low maintenance product and improves the engine’s performance substantially.
NGK Iridium Spark Plug Specifications
| Model no. | 7397 |
| Weight | 2.4 oz |
| Material of central electrode core | Copper |
| Material of central electrode tip | Iridium |
| Drive size | 5/8 inch |
| Material of ground electrode tip | Nickel |
| Material of insulator | Ceramic |
| Type of insulator | Projected |
| Warranty | 60-years manufacturer warranty |
| Package contents | 4 NGK Spark Plugs |
| Thread size | 14 mm |
| Resistor | Yes |
- Improves acceleration
- Starts the engine quickly
- Provides better fuel economy
- Lowers harmful environmental emissions
- Is reliable and durable
- Provides a stable, consistent, and long-lasting performance
- The three-level metal plating makes it resistant to corrosion and seizing
- Can function under high temperature conditions without breaking down
- Costlier than the other spark plugs on the market
- The appearance become darker with prolonged usage
What customers have to say about the NGK 7379 Spark Plug:
The NGK 7379 Spark Plug is currently rated 4.1 stars out of 5. The product has over 120 customer reviews on the basis of which I’ve concluded that:
- The most important things that the majority of the customers have noticed are improved throttle acceleration and smoothness of the engine.
- Customers have also mentioned that if your vehicle engine is Japanese, NGK is a good option.
- Many customers feel that the NGK Spark Plug is costlier than the other spark plugs on the market. However, they find the product worth the greater price.
The Brand and notable features:
NGK is a top-rated OEM supplier and manufacturer of A/F sensors, oxygen sensors, and spark plugs for imported and domestic vehicles.
The brand has over 50 years of experience in improving the performance of engines and innovation.
And, the NGK Spark Plug is one of the greatest achievements of the brand to fit modern vehicles and enhance their performance.
Here are some impressive features of the NGK 7379 Spark Plug that make it suitable for a wide range of vehicles on the market:
- Crafted for fuel-injected and turbocharged engines.
- Greater stability and durability.
- Trivalent metal shielding to make the spark plug resistant to corrosion and seizing.
- Laser-welded electrode built with precision.
- Negligible combustion gas leakage.
Conclusion: E3 Spark Plugs vs. NGK, which one do you prefer?
Now that you’ve gone through my personal experience with both the spark plugs, which one do you think would be an ideal pick for your vehicle?
In case you did not notice, I’m yet to announce my first preference out of the two: E3 Spark Plug and NGK Iridium Spark Plug.
Even though NGK Iridium Spark Plug is low-maintenance, the E3 Spark Plug provides more power and fuel efficiency.
Moreover, when I compared the condition of the both the spark plugs after 15 days, the E3 Spark Plug looked almost new, while the color of the NGK Spark Plug became a little darker.
So, if you’re looking for greater power and performance, I recommend you go with E3.
Denso VS NGK Spark Plug Comparison
Frequently asked questions and buying guide
Contents:
Let’s look at them one by one.
Do you gap E3 Spark Plugs?
No, you don’t need to gap E3 Spark Plugs. They come with a special multi-leg ground electrode that is pre-gapped while manufacturing.
Do E3 Spark Plugs add horsepower?
Yes, by simply adding an E3 Spark Plug, you can improve the horsepower of your engine. This, in turn, enhances engine performance and fuel economy.
Are NGK Spark Plugs pre-gapped?
Yes, NGK Spark Plugs are pre-gapped. You don’t need to gap them.
How does spark plug gap affect performance?
Spark plug gaps can hamper the performance of the engine. If the gap is not adjusted properly, the engine can function badly or seize altogether. A narrow gap gives out a weak spark, and a wide gap may prevent a spark from getting fired.
What are the symptoms of bad spark plugs?
The symptoms of bad spark plugs are:
- Slow acceleration
- Low fuel economy
- Misfiring engine
- Trouble starting your vehicle
- Malfunctioning engine
Can a misfire ruin an engine?
Yes, a misfire can damage the internal components of your engine. A misfiring cylinder can lead to loss of engine power.
How long will spark plugs last?
Standard copper spark plugs last from 10000 to 20000 miles, while platinum or iridium spark plugs last for up to 60000 miles.
I hope you found my E3 Spark Plugs vs. NGK Spark Plugs comparison helpful. If you need anymore information, please feel free to post your questions in the comments section below.
Also, if there are any other products that you would like me to review, let me know, and I’ll test the products for you so that you can make an informed purchase.
We are continually fouling the OEM BPR2ES plugs in Kawasaki Mules with about 500 hours. A Kawasaki dealer unsuccessfully attempted to solve the issue at great expense. Will E3 plugs be more resistant to fuel fouling?
no these are a gimmick to sell a product, they do nothing and will foul faster in a small engine.
this is a gimmick. electricity follow the path of least resistance, it will only ire to 1 point at a time, also the electrodes shroud the center post where the spark comes from, this does not allow proper exposure to the fuel charge.
Sir, I have a 1998 Dodge Dakota with the 2.5L engine with a five speed tranny. It has 149,995 on the clock. How do you think I will notice the difference, in mpg and performance. She might be old but I’m 51 and don’t want to get rid of her. They have a smooth ride compared to other small trucks. Thanks for your knowledge on this question. Sincerely, John Shapley.
I replaced auto light platinum’s with E3 in my Harley-Davidson and I did notice a little bit of difference about like a jetting change not a whole lot but something
i put the e3.42 plugs in my 1978 chevy k10 4wd and its got a 5.7 350 in it and i think these are some of the best plugs on the market. I saw the difference when i changed the plugs and wires to the eg plugs and msd street fire wires and i think it started a whole lot easier and ran smooth at idle instead of me having to keep patting the gas to keep it from stalling out.