Side gaped plugs
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Freshman User
Joined: Apr 2000
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Side gaped plugs
I was wondering how everybody was getting along with their side gaped plugs.How many miles are you getting on a set,how often do they need re gaped, any problems with the plugs after doing this.I have researched this topic on two other web sites and all is positive.Is the gap measured at the inner most edge of the electrode and the inner most edge of the electrode arm,in all of the photos the electrode arm is cut off right to the edge of the electrode is this correct.Im going to try this on my 93 f150 (300)if it works well everything I own will have side gaped plugs.
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Freshman User
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Side gaped plugs
The best I can tell you cut or grind the electrode arm down to the point that it is in line with the edge of the center electrode. Look at the end of a spark plug straight on you will see what I mean,it's a performance trick they found in the sixty's.I found this trick on this web site ( search )and I was wanting to know how they were working out,I would like to try this.They claim better performance and gas mileage?
Senior User
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Hutto 20 mi. above Austin USA
Side gaped plugs
Well I believe the same is for K&N air filters, and side gapped plugs. They only help out in the most ideal situations! Like how K&N says how much better theirs flow than a stock air filter. Remember this though, they probably took the WORST air filter out there and tested it against theirs to get these astonishing numbers. I did do the side gapped plug thing, and am on my second set. They do ok I guess?? I don't see any real improvement over stock, even though the theory of their operation seems right on. I'm going to get myself some professionally made side gapped plugs (NGK's) next time 'round.
Goodluck to ya...
Hope you get some better news from someone next inline! ;-)
Chris
1982 F100 Flareside
300 I-6 SROD 4speed
MSD6AL, 8.5mm S/C Wires
Blaster 2F Coil
Blue & Silver
Goodluck to ya...
Hope you get some better news from someone next inline! ;-)
Chris
1982 F100 Flareside
300 I-6 SROD 4speed
MSD6AL, 8.5mm S/C Wires
Blaster 2F Coil
Blue & Silver
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Joined: Mar 2000
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Side gaped plugs
Dude dont even complain about gas prices! I filled up a month ago for $1.55 for 87, and today I filled up for $1.65, the bas^ards are creeping the prices up again around here (southern california)
1995 F-150 XL Reg Cab/Bed
http://members.sounddomain.com/blind
5-star rated F-150 (big stereo)
1995 F-150 XL Reg Cab/Bed
http://members.sounddomain.com/blind
5-star rated F-150 (big stereo)
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Side gaped plugs
I know what you mean gas was a $ 1.40 to a $1.75 all last summer.In December it went down to a $1.23 it's gone back up to a $1.30 and climbing.
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Side gaped plugs
Gas prices? Gas prices? I'm from Regina, Saskatchewan, Canada, located about 3 hours N-NW of Minot, ND. We are currently paying
$3.75 for a gallon of gas. Now, factoring in that our gallon is a bit larger than yours and the difference in currency rates, it roughly works out to $2.00 a US gallon.
$3.75 for a gallon of gas. Now, factoring in that our gallon is a bit larger than yours and the difference in currency rates, it roughly works out to $2.00 a US gallon.
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Side gaped plugs
I live in the states and pay 1.90, but that's for the whopping 91 octane.
I side gapped my plugs on the last change. I didn't notice much difference in gas mileage - but power (I think) improved. Now after a few months (3500mi), my '79 is really eating gas. I've done all the usual checks - I think my plugs are shot now. Only got a few months out of 'em. I'm going back to what I was using this weekend. I'll post to let you know if mileage goes back up.
I side gapped my plugs on the last change. I didn't notice much difference in gas mileage - but power (I think) improved. Now after a few months (3500mi), my '79 is really eating gas. I've done all the usual checks - I think my plugs are shot now. Only got a few months out of 'em. I'm going back to what I was using this weekend. I'll post to let you know if mileage goes back up.
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Side gaped plugs
One thing I forgot to add. The sites I visited when I first heard about the practice cited mainly dragster conditions. After second thoughts, I have a hard time believing the dragsters are concerned about fuel economy.
Freshman User
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Side gaped plugs
Maybe a person should stick with purchasing plugs that already come as side-gapped? I can see that trying to shave them down can seriously deter their life-span.
Wonder what the difference is in $$ between standard plugs & side-gapped ones? Listen to the sound of me dialing....
Wonder what the difference is in $$ between standard plugs & side-gapped ones? Listen to the sound of me dialing....
Senior User
Joined: Sep 2000
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From: Flat Rock, Michigan
Side gaped plugs
I side-gapped some 99 cent autolights and i didn't see ANY improvement in performance or gas mileage...they actually sucked! In race cars with LOTS of HP there will be a noticeable improvement. But in a 140-HP straight 6 forget it!
I use Bosch Platniums with great results over any other plug...thats speaking with 20 years of experience with the same engine. Its my opinion and its not meant to offend anyone who uses something different that works for them.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^
website showing how to side-gap your plugs:
http://performanceunlimited.com/illustrations/sparkplugs.html
1981 F-150 2WD STYLESIDE P/U
4.9L 1 BBL CARB
C6 AUTO
2.73:1 LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE
STABILIZER BARS FRONT & REAR
6100 LB GVWR PACKAGE
ORIGINAL OWNER
202,800 PLUS MILES
100% STOCK & UNREBUILT
BUILT FORD TOUGH!!!
I use Bosch Platniums with great results over any other plug...thats speaking with 20 years of experience with the same engine. Its my opinion and its not meant to offend anyone who uses something different that works for them.
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ ^^^^^
website showing how to side-gap your plugs:
http://performanceunlimited.com/illustrations/sparkplugs.html
1981 F-150 2WD STYLESIDE P/U
4.9L 1 BBL CARB
C6 AUTO
2.73:1 LIMITED SLIP REAR AXLE
STABILIZER BARS FRONT & REAR
6100 LB GVWR PACKAGE
ORIGINAL OWNER
202,800 PLUS MILES
100% STOCK & UNREBUILT
BUILT FORD TOUGH!!!
