spark plugs
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New User
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spark plugs
ive read some stuff about side gapping plugs. what exactly is that, has anyone ever done it to a 300, have they noticed any advantages/disadvantages to doning it, and would it be beneficial to try it.
also, ive read about people opening up the gap of a regular plug to get more spark, how much is too much, and would a hotter coil be required for me to do that and are there gains to setting a wider gap to the plugs.
have at it guys.
also, ive read about people opening up the gap of a regular plug to get more spark, how much is too much, and would a hotter coil be required for me to do that and are there gains to setting a wider gap to the plugs.
have at it guys.
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Joined: Feb 2008
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gapping is when you adjust the size of the gap between the electrode and point on a spark plug. most plugs you buy in an auto parts store are pre gapped so you shouldn't have to gap them. some plugs however need gapped before installing them. for this you would need a tool known as a feeler gauge, (i think). it looks almost like a silver dollar, and has markings around it with an edge that escalades for a larger gap. 
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Joined: May 2002
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From: Broken Arrow, OK
Side gapping is not effective on a stock engine. It is for those people who are need that last HP to win and have a flamethrower ignition system to help them get there.
The tool for plug gaps is called a plug gapper and it is typically made of pot metal as shown above. A feeler gauge is a precision device made of high quality steel and is usually hard chromed to keep it from changing thickness with use.
The tool for plug gaps is called a plug gapper and it is typically made of pot metal as shown above. A feeler gauge is a precision device made of high quality steel and is usually hard chromed to keep it from changing thickness with use.
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dont get my quetion wrong, i know what gapping is and how to do it, ive done alot more complex things than changing plugs, my question was on opening the gap larger than stock. ive heard that the larger spark will help get more power, which is always awsome. so please dont think i am completely automotive illiterate ( sorry if my spelling is way off )
Postmaster
Joined: May 2002
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From: Broken Arrow, OK
Opening the gap will not make any noticable difference on a stock engine. The ignition system either gets the job done or it doesn't; there isn't much in between. If you do the usual mods you can probably get a little bit out of a hotter ignition system. Until then you won't get your money's worth out of it.
Post Fiend
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Lost
Increasing the gap, without improving the ignition system, is detrimental to engine performance. Just look at what a set of plugs look like after having been used a while, and compare the gap to what it was set at. The gap is almost always opened wider after 10-15K miles. New plugs make a big difference in how an engine performs, even after as few as 5K miles, because of the gap errosion that occurs from use.
There's only so much distance that can be jumped by the available voltage. Increasing the distance, reduces the efficiency of the overall system.
There's only so much distance that can be jumped by the available voltage. Increasing the distance, reduces the efficiency of the overall system.
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