Just wanted to resurrect a good thread. I had pulled out my stock plugs to clean and regap (.040 to .035), prepping for the dragstrip GTG we had last year (Steele, AL). I had a CAI and C3 at the time and it seemed to run better. I am now wanting to put new plugs in after the tune so will go with the NGK step colder plugs. With nearly 45,000 miles I suppose she could use some better spark about now. The new wires will have to wait for the funds, but will be added when available.

Thanks for this thread.

 

Some more good info on plugs and heat ranges:

https://www.crossfireforum.org/forum...tml#post475399

To summarize: as a rule of thumb you should go with one step colder plugs for every 75-100hp you've added via mods. Also it is better to err on the side of a colder plug than a hotter one. Too hot of a plug can cause detonation and major engine damage. Too cold a plug will just foul quicker.

 

Sorry, got out my shovel this morning and felt like doing a bit of digging.


I am inevitably changing my plugs this weekend or next...or at the minimum re-gapping them. However, I was reading through this, and had a question to anyone.


Has anyone figured out what the proper clocking degree is for maximum performance efficiency on the NGK plugs? Secondarily, is it better to clock all plugs the same way even if it may not be the 100% for sure right angle or is it better to just torque to spec on all the plugs if you don't know exactly what the clocking angle should be?

Mmmkay, thanks.

-Matt

 

I'm having a hard time buying this clocking the plugs business. Are the guys that started this having a good laugh right now? It's way more important to have plugs at proper torque and depth. Even if true, it would seem insignificant; speed of light and all that what knot.

 

Dina,

Hotrodders have been indexing plugs for years....you can pick up a few horsepower if done correctly, No BS.
We are talking <10Hp in all likelyhood. If you are trying to maximize what you have and you have the patience (lots of patience) to do it, go for it.

I would suggest that if you are going to do it, plan ahead and take the valve covers off for some paint or powdercoating as getting to the plugs is a lot easier this way.


Cheers,
KrzyFast

 

So you're saying you did this? It sounds like nobody here has done this or really knows how to do this; (direction to point each and every plug). Or if they have, are not sharing. I searched here and went to the NGK racing section where they talk about choosing and installing racing plugs; and there's no mention of this. This is just a guess, but perhaps the clocking was more important with the yesteryear style plugs w/ the big fat electrodes. Today some racers use a flat style no electrode(semi-surface discharge)according to NGK's site. Obviously, it wouldn't need to be clocked. And if Brian Brave just "torques to spec.", that's good enough for me. So I'm still calling BS on this clocking the plugs in our rides. But I'd certainly love to see someone prove a gain. Bob (and Dina agrees with me on this).

 

I've done it on several of my cars. All you have to do is mark the plugs with magic marker so you know where they're facing. After a little trial and error you can get most real close to where you want them. I thought it was bunk for years but after taking the heads off several cars with the plugs still in and seeing the difference in color based on which way they were facing, I became a believer. Or you could buy some plugs that don't have a traditional electrode.

Les

 

Les, I guess I wasn't very clear in my last post. I meant it sounds like nobody has ever done it for our application; (our 12 plugs) in our engines. I'd love to know if someone has, and what kind of gains could be had. Seems complicated to me to figure out how to clock 12 iridium laser high tech plugs in our engines. I'm sure Woody would know; or some of the other Motorheads on this great Forum. And Phasing???... I've phased many a speaker wire, but not sparkplug wires. Damn.

 

Do you want to know how to clock the plugs? (electrode orientation)

Or phase the plug wires? (like speaker wire)

 

Thanks for asking Brian. Yes, I would like to know about this. But in one of your posts, you mention that you just torque to spec.; does that mean you feel it's not worth the trouble?

 

I'm not looking to squeeze every last bit of HP out of my engine for race day or to shave .053 off my 1/4 mile times.... It would take a bit of time and testing on a dyno to find the "sweet spot".

It's possible the optimum electrode orientation for our engine has already been tested and discovered by some race/performance - team/shop.

As for plug wire phasing, that information is provided in the repair manual.

 

Thanks Brian, I see that clocking the plugs is not for me. But when I change my plugs I'll be sure to check the manual about "phasing"; that's a new one for me. This must have to do with having two plugs per.