Special and modified spark plugs?
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
Special and modified spark plugs?
Does anyone know the level of performance gains of special multi-electrode or modified electrode sparkplugs? Specifically at what RPMs a certain type helps and if it affects gas mileage.
I have personally seen the types used in racing such as nascar. The types used are either four electrode or modified (shortened) electrode. I suppose one type will help with lower end performance and the other helps with top end performance?
I was just wondering if anyone has experience with this and what differences were noted.
I have personally seen the types used in racing such as nascar. The types used are either four electrode or modified (shortened) electrode. I suppose one type will help with lower end performance and the other helps with top end performance?
I was just wondering if anyone has experience with this and what differences were noted.
Postmaster
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 4,417
Likes: 3
From: Durham, NC
ZERO PERFORMANCE GAINS!! In most cases, these types of plugs are not the correct heat range for Fords, so you will do more harm than good. Stay with the recommended Motorcraft P/N spark plugs....
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
More than likely very little advantage compared to a brand new regular plug. But I am thinking as time wore on, the multi-electrode plug may have an advantage. What you are trying to do, is expose as much spark as you can to the fuel mixture, so it burns as complete as possible. It's a fact that sparks jump more readily from a sharp edge, compared to a rounded edge. The more sharp edges you have, the more chances the spark has to jump.
As far as the Nascar tricks, they are like-wise trying to expose more of the spark to the mixture. But when they modify the plugs by cutting back the electrode, they are severely shortening the life of the plug. This is ok since they probably change plugs every race, but they would not last very long on a street driven car.
As far as the Nascar tricks, they are like-wise trying to expose more of the spark to the mixture. But when they modify the plugs by cutting back the electrode, they are severely shortening the life of the plug. This is ok since they probably change plugs every race, but they would not last very long on a street driven car.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
Bob, I understand the heat range concern, but I am interested in what a proper heat range plug which has been modified will do. The sparkplugs I saw are used in Fords, chevies and dodges, but in engines that are in racing form. Since you say the heat range for a Ford is not available what heat range is? Why would they use something in a race engine that does nothing for performance?
If someone performed this sparkplug modification and it actually saved just a gallon of gas a week the savings in a year would be decent.
Franklin, I don't see how the life of the plugs (not platinum) are shortened by this modification. Could you explain what happens?
I had forgot to mention the sparkplugs that do not have the ground electrode. They are absolutely absent and only the center electrode looks sort of normal. What in the world are these called? What possible gains could they give to any engine?
If someone performed this sparkplug modification and it actually saved just a gallon of gas a week the savings in a year would be decent.
Franklin, I don't see how the life of the plugs (not platinum) are shortened by this modification. Could you explain what happens?
I had forgot to mention the sparkplugs that do not have the ground electrode. They are absolutely absent and only the center electrode looks sort of normal. What in the world are these called? What possible gains could they give to any engine?
Moderator
Joined: Jan 2001
Posts: 56,984
Likes: 2,738
From: Virginia
You need a certain amount of voltage to jump the gap of the sparkplug. The wider the gap, the more voltage you need. Cutting back the electrode puts the sparkplug on the ragged edge as far as being able to jump the gap with the stock ignition. It may work for a small time period, till the electrode wears away enough, and the sparkplug starts miss-firing. If you change the sparkplugs often, this of course will not happen. And the race car guys also usually use a multi-fire cd ignition and fancy wires that will help raise the voltage present at the plug to counter act the problems associated with wide gaps and modified electrodes.
The stock plugs are a compromise of longevity and performance. You know if it was possible for Ford or anyone else to get a free 1 mile per gallon increase by making a small modification, they would be all over it. But everything is a compromise, and your savings in fuel would be lost in having to buy plugs all the time.
The stock plugs are a compromise of longevity and performance. You know if it was possible for Ford or anyone else to get a free 1 mile per gallon increase by making a small modification, they would be all over it. But everything is a compromise, and your savings in fuel would be lost in having to buy plugs all the time.
Thread Starter
|
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 987
Likes: 2
From: East Bend, Carolina, U.S
I have to admit that I did perform the electrode modification years ago. The electrode did not wear down in the three years of use they were in service. There weren't any misfiring problems with the stock ignition. Although I didn't keep track of gas mileage or run any tests that proved more horsepower, I did notice the engine was easier to start.
I do realize that the stock ignition should be adapted to make full use of some of the sparkplugs like these.
What I am looking for is any help from a person who like me has actually done the same thing and has some hands on experience with spark plugs like these.
I do appreciate the replies.
I do realize that the stock ignition should be adapted to make full use of some of the sparkplugs like these.
What I am looking for is any help from a person who like me has actually done the same thing and has some hands on experience with spark plugs like these.
I do appreciate the replies.
