NGK SPARKPLUG CODES =================== Here is the table of values for NGK spark plug names. The breakdown is like this: [B] [CPR] [6] [E] [S] - [11] Six fields. Some, e.g. the second field, are optional. Some fields may have multiple letters. Field one: Thread diameter. A = 18mm B = 14mm C = 10mm D = 12mm Field two: Construction. C = hex size 5/8" K = hex size 5/8 with projected tip (ISO) M = compact type P = projected insulator type R = resistor SD = surface discharge for rotary engines U = semi-surface discharge Z = inductive suppressor Field three: Heat Range. 2 = hot, up to 10 = cold. There's no 1, I guess. Field four: Thread reach. E = 19mm F = tapered seat H = 12.7mm (1.5") L = 11.2mm (7/16") If this field is blank, an 18mm diameter plug has 12mm reach, and a 14mm plug has a 9.5mm (3/8") reach. Field Five: Firing end construction. A, B = special design (no details given) C = special ground electrode G = racing use GV = racing use V type H = half thread K = 2 ground electrodes for certain Toyotas L = half heat range LM = compact lawn mower type M = 2 ground electrodes for Mazda rotary engine N = special ground electrode P = platinum tip (premium) Q = 4 ground electrodes R = delta ground electrode for BMW S = standard 2.6mm centre electrode T = 3 ground electrodes V = fine-wire centre electrode, gold palladium VX = platinum tip (high performance) W = tungsten electrode X = booster gap Y = v-groove centre electrode Field Six: (after the dash) Wide gap. 8 = .032" 9 = .036" 10 = .040" 11 = .044" there is no 12 13 = .050" 14 = .055" 15 = .060" 20 = .080" Other notes: There's more, such as for metal shell plugs, "V-Power" plugs for North American made cars, and other stuff. I'm not typing it in. Some Motorcycle-related comments... Some bikes use the DR8ES-L plug. Theres's no indication what the 'L' means; it does not appear in the symbol chart for field six. Seeing as I specialize in Honda V4 info... ST1100 (hey, it's a V4) : CR8EH-9 VF1100 : DPR8EA-9 VF1000 : DPR8EA-9 VF750, VF700 : DPR8EA-9 VFR750, VFR700 : DPR9EA-9 VF500 : DPR8EA-9 VFR750R (1990) : CR9EH-9 VFR750F (1990) : CR9EH-9 VFR750F (1991-92) : CR8EH-9 Extended-life platinum tip plugs replacing the CR9EH-9 are available as CR9EHVX-9. Resistor plugs are used for two reasons -- 1. They cut down electrostatic interference. 2. They provide a sharper "edge" to the voltage spike, making for a stronger, shorter spark. On high RPM motors, this is important. The projected insulator simply describes the shape of the plug head. A projected insulator sticks out a little further into the combustion chamber. -------------- I've proof-read this for typos and I believe it to be accurate to what appears in the 1992-93 NGK catalog from which it is taken. You can reach NGK at 800-855-8151 (?), 714-855-8278