[Rick Parker]

Platinum plugs and all their variations were viewed as a marketing opportunity read ($$) by manufacturers and as a way of reducing the wear on the spark plug gap itself by the engineers. The smaller diameter of the center electrode is designed to reduce the area that deposits can collect on and a smaller area to absorb heat. They have been well received by auto manufacturers many of which say the will go 100,000 miles before needing replacement. There is no argument that they will last longer do to the reduced wear. However the application of the minute platinum discs that are laser welded to the electrodes has caused me personally some concern. I witnessed the disassembly of a Freshly built mid 80's Volvo turbo that had one of these small wafers (discs) dislodge from the ground electrode and deposit itself on an exaust valve seat, necessitating major repairs to an otherwise very well built engine. Upon contacting the plug manufacturer and discussing the problem with the performance machine shop that did the work it was learned that this is actually more common than you would think. If the "Heat Range" is not correct for the conditions experienced ANY spark plug will fail prematurely. As a group we have many individual modifications to our engines and must watch the heat range closely. If in doubt use a Colder plug. As far as a MSD box burning up Platinum plugs; many of the OEM ignition boxes have similar spark energy (remember 100,000 miles) available but it is only used if needed to ionize the plug gap, ie: only the potential (voltage) energy required will be called upon.

Just my observation & opinion. (everyone has one)

Rick