I've searched as much as I could about this topic and have some concerns, questions. I'm putting on my Code-3 Pulley and LET tune this coming weekend and is it imperative that I change the plugs to a colder one? I know some SRT-4 folks that just regap their plugs to compensate for the extra power and why can't we?

Are there folks on here not changing their plugs at all with their upgrades and what are the drawbacks? I want to be sure that the car is running optimal without any glitches. Also what spark plug options do we have besides the 1-colder BKR7EIX-11? Also if the stock gap is 40, what should it be changed to?

So please post up what you have done if anything when it comes to the spark plugs.

I'd like to hear from the folks that haven't changed their plugs at all with their upgrades. Thanks!

 

I kept the stock plugs and gapped them at 34. I have checked them several times and all looks good.

 

So that is where they should be gapped. I wasn't sure what would be the correct gap.

 

I changed to Iridium, but kept stock heat and gap.

181, tune, spacers, SB, K&N

 

I just kept the stock gap and for lack of better words this thing runs like a "Bat out a Hell" without ant plug heat problems.
Enjoy the Ride...
Mike

 

With some advice from several tuners, I'lll be gapping the plugs to 34 due to the heat down here in Florida to avoid any possible detonating issues.

 

Just a friendly question. How does the smaller gap help with the heat issue? Colder and hotter plugs are determined by the part of the plug that reaches into the combustion chamber. Hot range plugs have thinner and longer porcelain profiles and are used for stop and go conditions that may be fouling the plugs. Cold range plug profiles are thicker and shorter to help dissapate the heat in the plug out to the cylinder head to avoid high heat erosion.

Plugs have improved over the years by extending the heat range by using a thinner (hotter) profile to avoid fouling and by using a copper core on the center and side electrodes to mimick the properties of a cold plug by disapating the heat out of the plug and back into the cylinder head. Under the extreem conditions of racing you may have to go to a colder plug design.

I'm just curious as to why you think the gap should be reduced. Do you have any data on this issue that you can share? Thanks

 

I think what he means is the higher outside temperature will increse IAT's and therefor possible pre detonation if the plugs were gapped higher. From what i understand plugs with higher gap will generally make more power but are more pone to pre detonation when the boost is raised. This is just what i remember from my turbo honda days. Lower the gap and it has a lesser chance of detonation.

Id really like to learn more about the basics of how spark plug gap affects a boosted engine and why. Ive tried everything on my car from 25-39. Im currently at 35, but am not convinced this is necessarily optimal.

 

Exactly.

 

where are the spark plugs???........ok, I just kidding...I haven't changed anything because I haven't had a chance to go to the track...we'll see after the 30th where I stand on times...then maybe I'll look at the plugs...I have always had good luck in the plug area as long as wires, electronics are just as good...

 

I posted a new thread about the stock plug gaps being way off.