08-14-2012, 12:07 AM
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#1 (permalink)
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EcoModding Lurker
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The best spark plug
I have a a 2002 Ford Focus ZX3 w/ 185k on it. What do you guys think is the best spark plug for it. Has anybody tried those max comp spark plugs?
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08-14-2012, 01:39 PM
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#2 (permalink)
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...beats walking...
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...if you have FUEL ECONOMY in mind, a set of OEM iridium plugs gapped slightly wider than spec is preferred; but, if you're after POWER, a fresh set of "colder" copper-core plugs, gapped somewhat narrower than spec, is better.
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10-20-2012, 09:09 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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I've had good luck with some Autolite double plats...will be trying E3s eventually.
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10-21-2012, 02:46 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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It's all about Diesel
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I like Bosch spark plugs more than any other.
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10-21-2012, 01:13 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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...beats walking...
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FWIW, E3's only seem to be "effective" in the older, carburetted engines, and "not so" much better in the newer, injected engines.
Last edited by gone-ot; 10-21-2012 at 08:38 PM..
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10-21-2012, 04:02 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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I prefer ngk platinums.
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11-11-2012, 01:47 AM
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#7 (permalink)
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Your car looks ridiculous
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I've heard of racers gapping spark plugs narrower to eek out a few horsepower. But why would a wider spark plug gap increase fuel economy?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Old Tele man
...if you have FUEL ECONOMY in mind, a set of OEM iridium plugs gapped slightly wider than spec is preferred; but, if you're after POWER, a fresh set of "colder" copper-core plugs, gapped somewhat narrower than spec, is better.
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11-11-2012, 10:29 AM
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#8 (permalink)
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And wider gap would MAYBE decrease spark strength...but with a longer spark, you're likely to ignite the mixture more reliably...
I think power and economy go hand in hand...If you can make more power, your engine is running more efficiently, and more efficiently, we'll....
I run copper plugs in my SVT with a slightly bigger gap. Ford coils are good and strong and can handle the extra gap.
Copper is a better conductor than all those rare metals...but wears faster.
Iridium is designed for long plug life, and are not the best electrical conductor.
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11-11-2012, 01:39 PM
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#9 (permalink)
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Master EcoModder
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A wider gap igniting the mixture more reliably? That seems odd, a wider gap reduces arc intensity, and since the electric field is weaker as the plug gets old perhaps or something, the spark would not be as reliable.
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11-11-2012, 01:39 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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...beats walking...
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wungun nailed the answers.
A wider gap increases the arc LENGTH (and thus AREA) within the A/F mixture between the electrodes, which provides better 'chance' of ignition of lean A/F mixtures which are often NOT easy to ignite--it's called increased "probability of ignition"--the difference in probability between a single-bullet and a shotgun-blast "hitting" the bullseye center of a target.
A narrower gap decreases the arc LENGTH in favor of a slightly HOTTER and LONGER arc duration, but assumes the A/F is always rich-enough to ignite easily.
Last edited by gone-ot; 11-11-2012 at 01:53 PM..
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