Hotter Spark=Better Performance?
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Postmaster
Joined: Jun 1999
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From: Lee's Summit MO
Hotter Spark=Better Performance?
A friend tried telling me that a wider gap on a factory ignition setup will give you better mileage and better responce? I plan to do a tuneup on my 89 this coming weekend, and the gap for the 302 is .54. Would .60 help it? Or would a closer gap be better?
Evan A.K.A. PastMaster
1993 F-150 302/E40d XLT
1989 F-150 302/Aod 4x4 XLT Lariat
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From: Copley, OH
Hotter Spark=Better Performance?
Sounds like he's got part of the story. With C/D ignitions like the Crane or MSD, the wider gap gives a bigger spark (or sparks since they give multiple hits at lower revs) and tend to give more complete combustion and more power. They also produce something like 5 times the spark energy of the stock ignition which enables them to jump the larger gap. I seriously doubt that there is any gain from opening the gap with a stock ignition and would actually expect to see a loss. If a wider gap produced more complete combustion and therefore fewer unburned hydrocarbons along with more power and better mileage, the factory would probably be recommending it.
Postmaster
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Hotter Spark=Better Performance?
Evan ,
Previous post is correct ...unless you have an aftermarket ignition system , stick with the factory gap . Ford usually offers a range ... IE .042 to .046 . Ive always opened mine to the max with good results . You have to remember as the plug ages , the gap opens a little due to normal wear ...if you go beyond what is recommended then you run the chance of misfiring . Although stock electronic ignition systems are superior to older systems , spark plug technology , barring platinum plugs , hasnt really changed a lot . Ive always had the best luck in Older Ford Engines using either Motorcraft of Autolite spark plugs . Hope this helps you out .
Paul
Previous post is correct ...unless you have an aftermarket ignition system , stick with the factory gap . Ford usually offers a range ... IE .042 to .046 . Ive always opened mine to the max with good results . You have to remember as the plug ages , the gap opens a little due to normal wear ...if you go beyond what is recommended then you run the chance of misfiring . Although stock electronic ignition systems are superior to older systems , spark plug technology , barring platinum plugs , hasnt really changed a lot . Ive always had the best luck in Older Ford Engines using either Motorcraft of Autolite spark plugs . Hope this helps you out .
Paul
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Postmaster
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From: Lee's Summit MO
Hotter Spark=Better Performance?
Guys, that is exactly what I always thought. I do have a MSD ignition on my 93, and the guy who installed it, used the plugs that were already in it, maybe a year old, and I know he widened the gap on them. Thank again
Evan A.K.A. PastMaster
1993 F-150 302/E40d XLT
1989 F-150 302/Aod 4x4 XLT Lariat
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Hotter Spark=Better Performance?
Is it possible or worthwhile to widen the gap on the Bosch Platinum+4 plugs? The box says they're pre-gapped at the factory, but since I also have an MSD, I was wondering if it would make any difference.
Thanks!
Chuck
Thanks!
Chuck
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Hotter Spark=Better Performance?
Pastmaster,
.054 gap for an 89 302!? I just did a tune-up on my brother-in-laws 89 302 and the underhood sticker said .042-.046, same as my old 86 302, and i think my 92 351 also. Just wondering.
Anyway, I also recommend sticking to the factory recomended gap unless you have the MSD etc. which you do. I wonder what MSD would recomend?
Jon
BTW, thanks for helping me defend the pushrod engines superior pulling power over the triton engines on that other site!
.054 gap for an 89 302!? I just did a tune-up on my brother-in-laws 89 302 and the underhood sticker said .042-.046, same as my old 86 302, and i think my 92 351 also. Just wondering.
Anyway, I also recommend sticking to the factory recomended gap unless you have the MSD etc. which you do. I wonder what MSD would recomend?
Jon
BTW, thanks for helping me defend the pushrod engines superior pulling power over the triton engines on that other site!
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