SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 583
Likes: 0
From: Asheville NC
SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!!
I read somewhere recently that you could trim back the plug and get the same performance that the +4's deliver, and that this is all that BOSCH did to their plugs. Is this true?
IF SO, how do you perform the mod to the plug? How much to trim? I heard it was an old trick so I would imagine alot of guys know!
Any pros or cons I need to know about?
:cheers:
IF SO, how do you perform the mod to the plug? How much to trim? I heard it was an old trick so I would imagine alot of guys know!
Any pros or cons I need to know about?
:cheers:
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (KNCRSR5R)
I just cut the ground electrode off so that it just reaches the near edge of the center electrode. Then I take a fine file to smooth any sharp edges or burs.
I've seen this hint in TPIS "Insider Hints" and in Dave Emanuel's book on SBCs.
On the plus side the cleaner burn brought me 10HP more (consistently 1mph faster through the traps), better fuel economy and lower emissions (note that I have other ignition mods too).
On the minus side the plugs may not last as long as if unmodified.
[Modified by 65Z01, 5:03 PM 9/12/2001]
I've seen this hint in TPIS "Insider Hints" and in Dave Emanuel's book on SBCs.
On the plus side the cleaner burn brought me 10HP more (consistently 1mph faster through the traps), better fuel economy and lower emissions (note that I have other ignition mods too).
On the minus side the plugs may not last as long as if unmodified.
[Modified by 65Z01, 5:03 PM 9/12/2001]
Pro
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 560
Likes: 0
From: Fair Oaks CA
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (KNCRSR5R)
Before trying this trick on my Vette, I tested it on my 1990 Toyota Corolla. Seems to work fine, with about 10% better MPG: from 28 to 31. No noticeable increase in HP, but Corolla's aren't powerhouses to begin with so it would be hard to tell. Am planning on doing this mod to the Vette now that I've tested it.
-WL
-WL
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 765
Likes: 11
Cruise-In I Veteran
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (White Lightning)
I heard about this awhile ago and still am not convinced that it actually INCREASES power. All the mod does is that it gives the current a different path to ground, not a better one, or a closer one, just a different one. Am I wrong? If the spark is not increased in intensity, size or duration, how does it increase combustion efficiency? It would be great if something this simple would increase hp. Could someone clearify this for me? Thanks.
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (lowflyer)
"...There's no question that unshrouding the ground electrode increases horsepower..." Dave Emanuel on P.124 in the Electrode Shapes section of his book on SBC performance. The key word here is "unshrouding".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 7,254
Likes: 0
From: Custer SD
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (lowflyer)
It exposes the spark to the incoming air/fuel mixture. The electrode normally shrouds the spark somewhat and the modification gives it alot more exposure, resulting in more efficient combustion.
[Modified by Romeo Barrera, 8:39 PM 9/12/2001]
[Modified by Romeo Barrera, 8:39 PM 9/12/2001]
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 3,891
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (lowflyer)
Both unshrouding the electrode as well as indexing the plugs is a good thing. You are not going to feel the power increase. We did it on a 550 HP small block and picked up like 4 HP on an engine dyno. You would have to have a pretty bad case of hemoroids for the butt-o-meter to pick that up. ;)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 2,872
Likes: 3
From: Wilmington NC
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (KNCRSR5R)
does someone think they could post a before after closeup picture fo the plugs so us do it yourselfers don't start snipping the entire electrodes off our plugs in search for an extra pony or two? :smash: :smash: :smash: 
thanks guys, i will do anyhting i can for that extra advantage!!
chris
thanks guys, i will do anyhting i can for that extra advantage!!chris
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 1999
Posts: 3,641
Likes: 2
From: Southern California
Re: SPARK PLUG TRICK!!!!!!!!! (lcvette)
lcvette,
http://performanceunlimited.com/illu...parkplugs.html
How do you index a plug for the best performance?
http://performanceunlimited.com/illu...parkplugs.html
How do you index a plug for the best performance?
