E 3 spark plugs
03-17-2012, 12:05 PM
#2
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Jax FL
Posts: 442
There have been numerous debates on spark plugs here (and elsewhere)... and the general consensus is that the gimicky ones are just that... gimicks. Unless you are F/I, your best bet is the recommended dual platinum plug.
03-17-2012, 02:15 PM
#3
3rd Gear Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Nebraska
Posts: 814
100% agreed. Dont waste the money on gimmicks!
03-17-2012, 04:53 PM
#4
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,481
I have been running NGK TR6 in mine since I installed the nitrous, but I am inclined to put a set in my wife's Miata to see how they do. The theory is good, but I guess the question is if the difference makes ANY practical difference.
I saw a segment on GEARS a couple of weeks ago that showed the flame propagation with standard plugs and then with E3. The test showed a noticeable improvement. I'm just not sure if there would be any actual change in fuel economy and performance.
I saw a segment on GEARS a couple of weeks ago that showed the flame propagation with standard plugs and then with E3. The test showed a noticeable improvement. I'm just not sure if there would be any actual change in fuel economy and performance.
03-18-2012, 03:41 PM
#8
4th Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: NC
Posts: 1,481
I kind of agree with Cliffy's statement, but if the opening on the spark plug was unimportant, why would guys go to the trouble of indexing the plugs?
In theory, exposing the spark to the mixture better would help the flame propagation. Many theories are good, but the actual performance difference is negligible.
In theory, exposing the spark to the mixture better would help the flame propagation. Many theories are good, but the actual performance difference is negligible.
03-18-2012, 03:51 PM
#9
2nd Gear Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Jax FL
Posts: 442
I think that is what most of it is... the difference between theory and reality. There has been a lot of 'science' behind the piston shape, the combustion chamber shape, the location and angle and depth of the spark plug in the combustion chamber, etc...
03-18-2012, 03:58 PM
#10
TECH SAVANT
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Saint Augustine, FL
Posts: 10,938
Indexing the plugs has more to do with obtaining consistent and cylinder to cylinder, and desired, flame propagation on very high compression engines, or engines running very high boost--than actual HP gains. It is done more to protect high output engines as to gain any sort of additional power.
Over the years I have seen all sorts of gimmicky plug designs come and go--E-3 seems to have held on better than most.
Sort of off-topic, however here's a good spark plug technical paper from Weapon X. I helped author it and provided some of the graphics; it's pushing their iridium plugs of course, however the presented facts are relevant to any precious metal plug.
Over the years I have seen all sorts of gimmicky plug designs come and go--E-3 seems to have held on better than most.
Sort of off-topic, however here's a good spark plug technical paper from Weapon X. I helped author it and provided some of the graphics; it's pushing their iridium plugs of course, however the presented facts are relevant to any precious metal plug.