How often do you swap (NGK) spark plug wires & plugs?

[J Fresh]

I have a automatic 97' Spyder GST, bought it with 47k mi 3 years ago in 2014. It came with blue NGK wires. I have no idea when they were put on and it now has 67k mi. I put NGKBPRE7ES plus about 12k ago... There are times when the throttle is steady (+/- 30%) where my car seems to not accelerate smoothly and the RPM's fluctuate 2/300 RPM's up/down and then starts to accelerate smoothly after 2/3 seconds (usually 3rd gear since its auto). I have NO issues when at WOT or when driving at more than crusin' speed, throttle 40+%. The car starts fine and idles smoothly... Is it time to swap plug wires or plugs??? Thanks in advance for any input/advice!

 

[bastarddsm]

Plug wires should last multiple years. I think I got 3-4 out of my last set. It's very setup dependent though, high under hood temps kill em quicker, as does a car that leaks oil. Also a car that makes more power needs better wires than a stock ish car.

Typically, I would wipe them down with a lacquer thinner rag once a year to clean them and inspect them for nicks or gouges. Oil, nicks, gouges ect are places for the spark to leak.

As for plugs, as cheap and easy, I'd replace them at ~10kmi. Pull em out and look at them. The electrode and insulator should be free of excessive deposits, the electrode should be flat ended with a sharp edge as well, if it's rounded it's worn out. The ground straps are a little rounded but if it's looking worn they are junk.

Plugs can be junk while looking good, so if your in doubt through it out.

 

[J Fresh]

Thanks for the quick reply. I got the car 100% stock. The first owners put about 20k on it from 98'-2002. The 2nd owners put the other 27k on it over the next 12 years . They're probably pretty old but I have not seen many miles. The car was always kept in a garage. Ill try wiping them down and inspect them and change/check the plugs soon. thanks again!

 

[spyderdrifter]

Also make sure the ceramic portions aren't cracked, and the threads aren't stripped.

 

[Vegas Smith]

It's clear to me that if you aren't having any problems at WOT then you should just drive around at WOT all the time

 

[1990TSIAWDTALON]

^^ Like Vegas does.