Engine: T5/R Recommended non-Volvo spark plugs and thermostat brands

[tony209]

Just doing and engine service and fluid change and was wondering if anyone on here had recommendations for above quality non-Volvo parts - provided they are cheaper than Volvo prices!

Thanks

[turboboy]

I believe the preference is for spark plugs to be VOLVO brand.

[Cookeh]

Originally Posted by turboboy

I believe the preference is for spark plugs to be VOLVO brand.

Only amongst the bearded folk who are delusional. Bosch currently provides the "Volvo" branded plugs, 8 years ago it was NGK, and from new till NGK it was Champion.

Bosch FR7DP is the current OEM plug, available for about £2 each. Or you can be daft and pay £10 each and get a pretty blue bag. Any equivalent spark plug will work perfectly, including:

NGK PFR6B, Bosch FR7DPP+, and Denso IK20TT

I have personal experience with FR7DPs, FR7DPP+, and NGK PFR6Bs, all ran perfectly. The Volvo set also ran perfectly (being Bosch FR7DPs...), but I had a broken plug in two separate packs.

As for leads, Bougicord are the ones you want. if you're running a modded turbo then Magnicore can also be considered, but there are a lot of examples of rough running caused by non-Bougicord leads.

Thermostat wise you need Wahler, about £20. This also happens to be the OE brand for Volvo. Others will work fine but have QC issues leading to shortened life (30k mi or so before gaskets fail and start to have open-thermostat symptoms).

[tony209]

Originally Posted by Cookeh

Only amongst the bearded folk who are delusional. Bosch currently provides the "Volvo" branded plugs, 8 years ago it was NGK, and from new till NGK it was Champion.

Bosch FR7DP is the current OEM plug, available for about £2 each. Or you can be daft and pay £10 each and get a pretty blue bag. Any equivalent spark plug will work perfectly, including:

NGK PFR6B, Bosch FR7DPP+, and Denso IK20TT

I have personal experience with FR7DPs, FR7DPP+, and NGK PFR6Bs, all ran perfectly. The Volvo set also ran perfectly (being Bosch FR7DPs...), but I had a broken plug in two separate packs.

As for leads, Bougicord are the ones you want. if you're running a modded turbo then Magnicore can also be considered, but there are a lot of examples of rough running caused by non-Bougicord leads.

Thermostat wise you need Wahler, about £20. This also happens to be the OE brand for Volvo. Others will work fine but have QC issues leading to shortened life (30k mi or so before gaskets fail and start to have open-thermostat symptoms).

Thanks, opted for DENSO plugs (interestingly, the only ones I could find specifying the B5234T9 engine) - @ £34 from eurocar parts at the moment (like DFS - they always have a sale on!). Half the price of Volvo plugs. Thermostat was only £23 from Volvo dealers so opted for that.

[DaveNP]

The lady in the local dealership parts department must like my face, last time I bought plugs a set of Volvo ones was cheaper than ECP's best with discount.

[tony209]

Originally Posted by DaveNP

The lady in the local dealership parts department must like my face, last time I bought plugs a set of Volvo ones was cheaper than ECP's best with discount.

Must have thought you were trade, last time I had Volvo plugs fitted at an indie service, plugs showed up as £27 on the bill.

[DaveNP]

Originally Posted by tony209

Must have thought you were trade, last time I had Volvo plugs fitted at an indie service, plugs showed up as £27 on the bill.

Are you saying I look a bit rough?
Perhaps that’s why they turn their noses up at me in the showroom.

[RollingThunder]

I usually buy genuine (from FRF Swansea) or NGK plugs, Bougicord HT leads and Bosch dizzy cap & rotor. Thermostat wise I stick with a reputable manufacturer, so genuine, Quinton Hazel, Febi Bilstein etc

HTH

[tony209]

Originally Posted by DaveNP

Are you saying I look a bit rough?
Perhaps that’s why they turn their noses up at me in the showroom.

I was trying to be tactful! Maybe nextime, I should turn up covered in oil & dirt!!