The NGK 5690 is a clone of the Bosch copper nickel FR7HE02 it’s cheaper and runs great in a 2.5. It’s actually oem for 170hp 2.5. Change it at 40k. It’s the last plug VW put in 2.5s so it should be the best one. It’s one notch colder than the NGK laser platinums. The NGK 5690 will allow the motor to pull more timing and more power. For best results use 91 or above. It’s even in the owners manual.
My personal experience is that NGK brand for any type of spark plug is superior to others in all vehicles. I use the NGK iridium plugs in my Rabbit and my Honda cars. My older Miata had a wasted spark system and required a change interval of 30K miles, regardless of the plug, so I used the NGK copper plugs in it and there was no difference in performance at all.
I've been running the oem ngk's with the is38 and have never had an issue. They are gapped a little tighter per APR's recommendation but that's about it.
So new Bosch plugs and red-top coils seemed worth the $109. Old spark plugs were pretty crusty, which made me feel better about doing it.
Ended up getting NGK.
I did the plugs around the same mileage in my 2014 CX-5 (2.5 liter), last April at 65,000 miles. Used the comparable NGK Laser Iridium plugs. Mine had some carbon buildup but all in all, they probably could have went longer.
FWIW, if you don't have Bosch, BERU, Bremi, or NGK plugs/coils and have store brand stuff, I stop diagnostic work until you get OE grade stuff put in there. BMW's don't like the Zone/ebay for ignition parts in my experience.
They're both fine brands, I doubt you'll notice a difference. NGK is most likely OEM for your Civic, but it's not like Bosch is bad, they're OEM in my BMW.
If you use anything but OEM plugs in a stock white block, well just don't do that. Also Bosch Platinum, great for having to pull your head and find out what the center of the plug did to your engine
I've been running these plugs for over a year and a half and hate em, I guess when I got them I wanted new fresh plugs for a hot climate but should have taken them out immediately as there was noticeable power loss. I'm looking to go back to stock now as the car really ran much better. This is an unmodded 08 gti.
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