[Riot Racing]

I have read and searched about many different brands on different motor applications. I don't want to discuss which brand/model is better than the other.

I'd like to talk about:
What makes spark plus (a) better than spark plug (b)?

When discussing longevity, why would different "types" of plugs matter, they all corrode and loose their spark strength?<--- platinum discussion?

What advantage's and disadvantages do different gap settings result?

How often should they be changes? discussing the different types: two prong, four pron, platinum, e.t.c?

thanks,
Bigman

[Infomaniac]

Not sure if this addresses all the questions or not but seems like a good opportunity to point out some misconceptions about plugs. Might help make a decision about which to buy. Or start some interesting discussion.

The primary function of the plug is to provide a gap for the spark to jump across.

The wider the gap, the more energy has to be built up to jump it. So the "spark" is hotter. It is harder on the ignition system as the gap is wider. So the gap needs to match the ignition system. For example: A typical magneto ignition only uses about a .018 gap. Even though a mag can provide a really hot spark at a decent RPM, it cannot at cranking speeds. So the gap has to be narrow so the engine will start.

Spark plug heat ranges are The operating temperature of the plug. Has nothing to do with the spark. The plug needs to operate hot enough to repel combustion deposits but cold enough to not cause pre-ignition.

Some electrode materials repel combustion deposits better than others. Like Platinum iridium etc.

A black plug like a motorcraft is difficult to read if you enjoy tuning your engine by reading the plugs. And this subject opens up a ton of misconceptions on plug reading. The color of the porcelain is the very last thing to look at is not what to look for when tuning the engine.

[56Maynard]

In the main mode, i just throw anything at it that fits within the heat range of course.

Bracket car gets what Dick Maskins at Dart wants in it. A real cold Champion.

Blown injected alcohol hemi gets NGK plated with cadmium and the plating is for reading the tune up and nothing else.

[vfast1]

to many people put so much on plugs when if you have low ohm resit wires will bring more power to the plug I use autolites and ac

[Riot Racing]

My take on it all:
People think that the car will preform better if there is a higher quality plug in there engine. The ONLY performance gain there would be: if you ran a platinum or iridium plug that may spark slightly hotter than an average plug. Also the platinum andiridium plugs were initially made to last longer which i would slightly agree with.

I'd prefer not to talking about the tuning and read out side from the plugs because so little people do this. Try and talk general so a general crowd understands not a specific crowd

[DHMag]

in my limited but eye opening experience with spark plugs, i have noted that changing the gap will not affect performance enough to feel in your butt dyno but it will show on your mileage.

[SecGenLvr]

Originally Posted by Riot Racing

I have read and searched about many different brands on different motor applications. I don't want to discuss which brand/model is better than the other.

I'd like to talk about:
What makes spark plus (a) better than spark plug (b)?

When discussing longevity, why would different "types" of plugs matter, they all corrode and loose their spark strength?<--- platinum discussion?

What advantage's and disadvantages do different gap settings result?

How often should they be changes? discussing the different types: two prong, four pron, platinum, e.t.c?

thanks,
Bigman

As far ase strength goes, they are all pretty much the same. Platinum as far as being better has pros and cons, it is less conductant than regular plugs however platinum does not carrode it just gets coated with stuff. So to speak of longevity platinum is the way to go if you have a sand blaster to clean the plugs. Gap only effects the conductivity as well, the closer the gap, the easier it is to conduct your spark to your block, too close of a gap can burn the electrode though.
Many plugs have different options like multiple pronged plugs can come with two or four grounds. This allows you to not have to gap the plug, also it allows one ground to work when another may not.
Another problem with most platinum plugs is that the electrode is very small and has an insulator surrounding it all the way to the point of the positive side. This allows for a more affordable plug, but you need to clean it more often.
As long as they car is well maintained in a carburated vehicle they chould last 60,000 miles, in fuel injection they should last almost double.

[pepi]

I find that the projector plugs work best for me , spec autolite 25 . The few things I have learned about different plug mrfgs is the heat ranges. Some have more increments of the ranges . I think I red that MSD boxes do not like the exotic coatings on the plugs and multi or split electrodes. MSD likes the old school type of plugs , for lack of a term. I did use the split fire type of plug on a harley and it did indeed improve the kick *** factor.... surprised me actually. How often to change the plugs ... that is your call the new multi spark boxes will run some nasty stuff, with that noted I change mine very often. The cam I run is hydraulic I will do the valves and plugs at 5K. I find it makes my engine hit hard and crisp , nothing like the sound of a good tune and it can be heard by the right ears from idle to red line

[NovaSS350]

With the split electrode plugs there is a problem. One of those electrodes will be closer by mabey a thousanths of an inch but electricity will always take the shortest route causing it to act like a regular spark plug. Good marketing but ineffective in real life.

[sbchevfreak]

Originally Posted by vfast1

I use autolites and ac

Lately, Autolite makes AC Delco plugs, and NGK has a finger in that pie as well. IMHO, for a stock engine, run the OE plug. Delco/GM, Motorcraft/Ford, NGK/imports, ect. On higher performance engines, run what the builder recommends. If you're the builder, it's your call, and is a bit of trial and error. What runs well on "buddies" engine may not work well on yours, due to build differences, fuel, tune, ect.

[vfast1]

Originally Posted by NovaSS350

With the split electrode plugs there is a problem. One of those electrodes will be closer by mabey a thousanths of an inch but electricity will always take the shortest route causing it to act like a regular spark plug. Good marketing but ineffective in real life.

there is no noticable difference. the spark will jump over to the other electrode as well...if the plug was indexed it might help. msd and other electronic boxes I think are a must on any car ..this makes for a more even flame and wider gaps in plug for a more complete combustion meaning more power...face it how many real hot rodder leave plugs alone for 100K? plat last because with the irdium on it makes it a hard and durable plug but doesn't has a large area for a better flame...they heat up fast which is a real plus....a good set of plug wires will do more than any plug you can by. really 80 bux for 8 plugs