Spark Plug Challenge!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Nov 2019
Posts: 599
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From: Dover, Delaware
Spark Plug Challenge!!!
TIA for reading and listening C3'ers
Some of the Corvette Club breakfast guys tell me that there is a distinct performance difference between
using NGKUR1X plugs versus using AC-Delco R45TS plugs for my 78 SA stock L48????
What say you C3 Experts????
JJ78
Some of the Corvette Club breakfast guys tell me that there is a distinct performance difference between
using NGKUR1X plugs versus using AC-Delco R45TS plugs for my 78 SA stock L48????
What say you C3 Experts????
JJ78
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
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Cruise-In VIII Veteran
I say absolute bull ****. The spark plug ignites the mixture which is of course under a great deal of pressure. So it explodes violently.
That is just how it works. Nothing more.
Years ago when I owned my own dyno we did some experiments with different spark plugs and fancy plug wires that made outrageous claims of increased power.
None of them delivered a measurable difference in power or torque.
The spark plugs light the mixture, or they don't.
The end.
That is just how it works. Nothing more.
Years ago when I owned my own dyno we did some experiments with different spark plugs and fancy plug wires that made outrageous claims of increased power.
None of them delivered a measurable difference in power or torque.
The spark plugs light the mixture, or they don't.
The end.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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All I can say is that my idle has never been smoother since changing to NGK's...
Last edited by SEVNT6; Sep 20, 2024 at 07:05 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,068
Likes: 7,678
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
That said, I'm a big fan of NGK as well. And run them in my Vette. But as far as peak power and torque as measured on a dyno. Not much difference in plugs as long as they are working correctly.
That said, NGK's tend to work correctly almost always in a decent engine.
That said, NGK's tend to work correctly almost always in a decent engine.
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
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From: Im not allowed to tell you
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you should consider either a new breakfast group or have them bring proof because thats like arguing with someone about the shade of blue of the sky
Engine Masters did the same thing on Season 8 and they had zero difference
Engine Masters did the same thing on Season 8 and they had zero difference
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2022
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From: Wisconsin
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Engine masters.....shame it got cancelled, it was a great show!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2016
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From: CLEVELAND STUCK IN OHIO
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Yea JJ78,, you have no need to drink their ' kool-aid' ,,, the factual truth is easily found.
Don't be swayed by their breakfast stories.
.
( but I think you already knew the answer )
Don't be swayed by their breakfast stories.
.
( but I think you already knew the answer
)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2021
Posts: 2,549
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From: Minnesota
For the weight of the average C3 you need about a 10% difference in horsepower/torque to be able to tell a difference in the “butt dyno.”
A different spark plug wouldn’t give you that dramatic of a change, if any.
A different spark plug wouldn’t give you that dramatic of a change, if any.
1967 Pedal Car Champion
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From: US-PNW
If a plug fires consistently then there's not much else it can do to raise performance. It either carries the electrical signal or it doesn't.
I used AC Delco plugs up to about 4 years ago when I switched to NGK. The reason was that I was running into issues with the screw tips coming loose. It also doesn't hurt that NGK is a plug manufacturer while over the last few decades AC-D has become just a reseller relying on brand name recognition.
I used AC Delco plugs up to about 4 years ago when I switched to NGK. The reason was that I was running into issues with the screw tips coming loose. It also doesn't hurt that NGK is a plug manufacturer while over the last few decades AC-D has become just a reseller relying on brand name recognition.
