What spark plug gap for a modified FE?
Thread Starter
|
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 403
Likes: 1
From: NW Mississippi
What spark plug gap for a modified FE?
Ok, say you've just hot rodded your big honkin 390. New cam, pistons, intake, carb... the works. Now you need to gap your spark plugs -but with all of the mods, what do you do? Set them to stock or is there a formula to account for performance enhancements? What I've read indicates using a cooler plug and tighter gap for higher compression but as to how cool and how tight is left up to the individual via best guess. I can't help but think that there's a better way... Thoughts?
spots
spots
Elder User
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 669
Likes: 1
The gap that you can run is really decided by the ignition system you have. As a general rule, you're .035 for a stock points/coil system. If you're got an electronic ignition then usually you've got a hotter coil and should gap the spark plugs wider. The are several crane conversions. If you've got the xri and you're running a stock coil then .035.
Good Luck
Tracy
Good Luck
Tracy
FTE Sponsor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 755
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by CN Spots
Ok, say you've just hot rodded your big honkin 390. New cam, pistons, intake, carb... the works. Now you need to gap your spark plugs -but with all of the mods, what do you do? Set them to stock or is there a formula to account for performance enhancements? What I've read indicates using a cooler plug and tighter gap for higher compression but as to how cool and how tight is left up to the individual via best guess. I can't help but think that there's a better way... Thoughts?
spots
spots
However, if you go to a performance igntion system which is strong enough, you can open up your gaps wider, which burns your fuel more completely-usually .050" to .055".
If you decide to get a new distributor, consider our custom curved Duraspark Distributor built with our new Full Length Oil Impregnated Bronze Bushing. The full length bushing improves timing stability and spark scatter. If stock appearance is not an issue, take a look at our one piece D.U.I. Distributor. Whether you choose the Duraspark or the D.U.I., we curve each on a distributor machine based on your engine combination. Please see them at:
http://www.performancedistributors.c...stributors.htm</O
Also, there is now an excellent installation article on the D.U.I. Distributor on the Ford-Trucks.com site at:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/article/idx/0/358/article/DUI_Ignition_Installation_In_A_Ford_351W_V8.html
Speaking of wider plug gaps, we have recently developed the 18 Volt Mini-V.I.P.-(Voltage Intensive Power) step-up regulator that can be ran with our D.U.I. Distributor. It allows you to run a .070" plug gap! Of course, with this kind of spark, you can run a richer fuel mixture, making more power.
http://www.performancedistributors.com/new.htm
__________________
FTE Sponsor
Performance Distributors
www.PerformanceDistributors.com
FTE Sponsor
Performance Distributors
www.PerformanceDistributors.com
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ClatonK
Performance & General Engine Building
6
Mar 8, 2007 07:48 PM
