Spark
Plugs
How would
you like to be shut in a chamber with temperatures of up to 3000°C,
splashed with petrol and given a 30,000 volt electric shock 25
times a second, and be subjected to pressures 50 times greater
than normal atmosphere? No? - well that’s what your spark
plugs are subjected to! So if you want peak performance from your
engine, make sure you fit suitable plugs.
Three main points to consider are;
- All
modern engines are now fitted with resistor type plugs and you
are advised to stick with this type. The high energy bursts
from plugs can cause interference to ICE, EFi and engine management
systems if resistor plugs are not fitted.
- Plug
heat range - many plug manufacturers produce a competition range
which are usually harder or colder than the standard fitment.
For mild road tuning it is best to stick with the factory recommended
item but colder plugs will be necessary for seriously modified
engines.
- Electrode
gap - unless there is a known benefit for doing otherwise, we
advise setting the gaps as recommended. Some uprated ignition
systems can generate a spark across a wider gap which may improve
combustion. However, on high boost turbo engines a large plug
gap may result in the spark being blown out and for these engines
a reduction in the gap is usually specified e.g. Cosworth types.
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