Hi all,
Can you please advise me on the best plugs and leads I can get for my car?

NGK plugs are good. Their leads used to be good also, but now people recommend getting genuine from Mitsubishi.

I used a set of Bosch Platinum Fusion [F1-6] plugs ($120 for 6 I think) and Bosch Super Sport leads, no problems.

Also: slight smear of copper grease on the spark plug threads and a slight smear of di-electric(bulb) grease inside the spark plug lead boot (you can use a bamboo skewer stick)

Thanks so far. I got told I had to use Titanium plugs for the back 3 as it gets very hot there, any truth in that?

Thanks so far. I got told I had to use Titanium plugs for the back 3 as it gets very hot there, any truth in that?

It gets hot in both cylinder heads, not just the rear :)

You use Titanium/Platinum/Iritium Plugs because they last up to 100,000km - and it's a job that takes a few hours (if you haven't done it before) as you have to take the intake manifold off and some other bits and pieces.

I suggest replacing the Distributor Rotor (~$20 Fuelmiser) and Distributor cap (~$80 Fuelmiser) while you're at it.

Thanks so far. I got told I had to use Titanium plugs for the back 3 as it gets very hot there, any truth in that?

No such thing as titanium spark plugs.
You may be thinking of platinum or iridium. Its not a matter of heat, its a matter of longevity. A good double platinum or iridium plug will do the job.
I have Champion Double Platinum for all six.

Thanks all so far your input is much appreciated.

http://www.rockauto.com/

This place is so much cheaper from the USA, look under Mitsubishi Diamante 3.5 ...... they are Aussie cars MMA exported to the USA so the parts are all the same and cheaper even with shipping.

NGK iridium for $8.00 each.

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/moreinfo.php?pk=69349&cc=1364059&jnid=473&jpid=30

Thanks for the heads up Prowler.

Oh yeah, if you're doing the spark plugs + leads you'll also want to do the rocker cover seals and spark plug tube seals, you'll want to try platinum series gaskets (~$60-80 for both gaskets/ front & rear), silicone gaskets last longer than rubber and as the rear is a total prick you'll only want to do it once.

the torque for the rocker covers is like 4nm so, hand snug and then a 90 degree turn with ratchet. Use some Silicone RTV in the rocker cover gasket area so it sticks and then use a thin smear of grease on the bottom of the gasket so when you put the rocker cover back on A) it settles into place and B) you can take it off and not ruin the gasket.

hope that helps.

Mate not flaming you here because your way may well have worked, but I did mine using rubber gaskets as per Mal's instructions and didn't have any dramas. Mal specifically recommends NOT to use silicon under any circumstances on the rocker gaskets because it can cause leaks.

The key for making sure they stay in the cover while you place it is to reshape the lip inside the cover so it holds the seal in place.

Mal's guide on this page here http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65188&page=2

Only thing I did differently was not takeoff the coolant lines. I just undid the throttle body and swung it out of the way (might have hung it from the bonnet with some wire from memory).

I'm with flyboy on this, no silicon or gasket goo required if the cover is re-shaped properly. I usually remove the TB from the plenum chamber (4 x bolts) and leave it attached to the rear bracket unless it's getting a clean out. This way you don't need to undo the coolant lines or the throttle cable from the TB. No big deal either way, removal is a 15 minute job once done a couple of times. Re the plugs, totally your choice how you go. Some go platinum/iridium all round, some go copper front, others go copper front and back and just check/change them more often. Removal of the plenum is a good chance to clean out the TB if it's a bit grotty, which is common, and a good time to check the PCV breathers are clear etc.

Mate not flaming you here because your way may well have worked, but I did mine using rubber gaskets as per Mal's instructions and didn't have any dramas. Mal specifically recommends NOT to use silicon under any circumstances on the rocker gaskets because it can cause leaks.

The key for making sure they stay in the cover while you place it is to reshape the lip inside the cover so it holds the seal in place.

Mal's guide on this page here http://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/showthread.php?t=65188&page=2

Only thing I did differently was not takeoff the coolant lines. I just undid the throttle body and swung it out of the way (might have hung it from the bonnet with some wire from memory).

Yeah okay, usually on engines you do a dab of silicone/rtv (some people use superglue) in the corners/round bits (think falcon rocker cover half moons) and that helps it stick in.

Forum says to follow Mal's advice. I'm only posting by what I went/go by - I'm not a magna expert by a long shot.

Regardless, should replace the gaskets while you're doing the spark plugs as rear rocker cover is a common leak.

I'm with flyboy on this, no silicon or gasket goo required if the cover is re-shaped properly. I usually remove the TB from the plenum chamber (4 x bolts) and leave it attached to the rear bracket unless it's getting a clean out. This way you don't need to undo the coolant lines or the throttle cable from the TB. No big deal either way, removal is a 15 minute job once done a couple of times. Re the plugs, totally your choice how you go. Some go platinum/iridium all round, some go copper front, others go copper front and back and just check/change them more often. Removal of the plenum is a good chance to clean out the TB if it's a bit grotty, which is common, and a good time to check the PCV breathers are clear etc.


I had my 3.5L Pajero engine rebuilt by a "mechanic" after I accidentally dropped a washer into the intake. Apart from the time he took, he smeared silicon over everything. I had to get a friend to come from 200 km away to strip the engine again and rebuild it. The engine had done only 3 km, and 3 of the spark plugs had oil around them. He had smeared grease over the plug tube seals and over the rocker cover gasket. DO NOT USE SILICON on the rocker cover or the spark plug tubes.

Wow Thanks all for the info. I feel a bit overwhelmed by it all, and I will have to print it out to absorb it all.