spark plugs

TXcoupe · petrol head Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 1675

hey wat sparks does everyone use?
ngk, bosch, champions or split fires?
i use champiopn golds and wanna now if anyone has had better hp or pick up using different plugs?

Gemboy78 · rice boy Joined: 13 Feb 2002 Posts: 12

Hey Evlgem,
NGK i believe are better. I use them on my G200. Have tested all others. NGK have a bit more of spark and longer life span. Split fires are a bit better but not much difference. They are 2 dear. aint worth. i recommend NGK's

Loz · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 943

Had a fair bit to do with testing of plugs, and this i what I know.
Dont any bosch plugs under $15 for a set (avoid all bosch unless they're the super 4's)
Avoid cheap champion plugs. Under about $20.
Denso plugs are very good and reliable.
Ngk are the best of the cheapy plugs and generally reliable.
Spitfire are very good but not really worth the extra expense unless in high HP applications.
NGK Iridium tips are very good and worth the money.
Bosch super 4's are very good aswell but mainly for race type app's.

Best Performance=Bosch super 4's
Most reliable with very good performance=NGK iridium
Best value for money=Denso

So basically you get what you pay for, however the most expensive aren't always the best.

Benjamin · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 525

I have used (with great success) NGK BP6S and BP6ES on a mild G161 and will continue to do so. I am planning an electronic dizzy setup very soon to compliment the cam and head mods this week.
I will probbaly try some NGK Iridiums as well as a higher powered coil. Anyone know what I can do regarding a higher output coil, can I fit a Commodore or larger and expect more spark?

Tooleeda · tinkerer Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 93

Just dont believe anyone telling you you'll get neck snapping power gains from a set of plugs. The best plugs Ive found (swear by NGK) are the ones that make the engine idle and rev out really smooth.

You can fit a GT40R coil to a standard ignition. If you are running points in your dizzy, you must stick to using a 9volt (ballast resistor) coil, unless you dont mind changing points every week.

There are DIY electronic kits available for about 60 bucks that allow you to drive a HE Coil and retain the points. It is possible to run more voltage through a 9 volt coil (ie by bypassing the resistor) without actually damaging the coil and the engine response will improve noticibly.

Sparrow · tinkerer Joined: 08 Oct 2001 Posts: 171

yeah...

Bosch super 4's did fuck all ... save your money.

Racegem · backyard mechanic Joined: 30 Jan 2002 Posts: 987

This arguement could go on till the cows come home. Everyone has their own personal choice depending on experience, recommendations, "wot me mates got in iz 300hp mini......."
I carry a range of plugs at work and about 90% of the time I get asked for NGK's. V-grooved NGK are a little better again for not much extra (we do them at the same price). (there's also a reason that HRT use the brand they do).
I also keep a range of Champion Golds for one trade customer that insists on them. In theory, the Iridiums are supposed to be the bees knees. I attended the launch in Melb. and they showed us things like "flame spread" and "quenching" and the testing they did to other precious metals for longevity and conductivity. So... how long is a piece of string??

Ben, In answer to your query, when you install the electronic dissy, you will get some benefits from also changing the coil to an electronic ignition coil. The standard coil for the Gem runs about 30,000 volts at the high tension side, electronic coils run about 60,000. When you do, change your plugs to BPR6E-13 or BPR6EIX-13 (i think that's the no. for Iridiums) with the larger gap, and the resistor plug will reduce you ignition noise through the radio. Worth doing.

Hope this helps

Yonnee.

martin · backyard mechanic Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 900

you wouldn't happen to know what sort/size plug my dohc gemini engines takes would you? its a G180W injected. of course none of the reading material on plugs lists this engine. They will been replaceing in the next month or two i think.

Tooleeda · tinkerer Joined: 04 Oct 2001 Posts: 93

Non resistor plugs (ie no R in the part number) can wreak havoc with your ecm sometimes too.

Loz · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 943

Well unless yours is a race engine or high HP then you cant really make a gain fom them. They run very cleanly burn the fuel well at high RPM and sustain a good strong, consistant spark at the same time.
Not really suited to everyday cars. They need to run hot.

TXcoupe · petrol head Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 1675

hmm i thought as a car got more Hp the colder the plug?

Racegem · backyard mechanic Joined: 30 Jan 2002 Posts: 987

Usually...

Badger · tinkerer Joined: 13 Feb 2002 Posts: 155

yes but a "colder" plug refers to how much heat the plug loses. not the operating temperature. more power=more heat generated, which you have to get rid of. colder plug gets rid of more heat, so for same temp with more power you need a colder plug

Loz · backyard mechanic Joined: 05 Oct 2001 Posts: 943

Yep thats right. Just mixed the teo up coz I was talking about hot plugs at work and I guess I jus had it in my mind.