Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes*
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 179
Likes: 0
From: Waycross Georgia
Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes*
I hear that if you cut the spark plug electrode or the little metal thing that hangs over the electrode that you will gain some power, little and not noticeable but u do gain some...Is this true, if so where can i find otu how far to cut them back, btw what are our spark plugs supposed to be gapped at. 1985- Thanks
C4Dreams
C4Dreams
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 262
Likes: 0
From: Palos Hills IL
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (C4Dreams)
Cut it back to what would be the outside edge of the center electrode. Suppose to be worth about 10 hp. Gap depends on what ignition setup your using.
Kwik88
Kwik88
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
Likes: 0
From: Costa Mesa CA
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (C4Dreams)
I heard that you cut the ground electrode back to the middle of the positive electrode. But I don't think it will make a difference in which method you use. This is an old trick that has been around for years and I have heard it from too many knowledgeable people that it does work. I'm going to try it with the next plug change. Nobody has ever said that it hurts anything so why not go for it.
BIG JIM
BIG JIM
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 871
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From: Costa Mesa CA
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (REW89)
This forum is a little archaic it that regard. I don't know if you can post pics here other than your sig or from another website. But if you don't understand the two explanations above, maybe it's best if you not do this. But a box of regular #5 plugs is less than $10. Experiment.
BIG JIM
[Modified by BIG JIM 54, 12:11 PM 9/25/2002]
BIG JIM
[Modified by BIG JIM 54, 12:11 PM 9/25/2002]
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (REW89)
These are good descriptions of how to do it, anyway there is a drawing on my site.
And, yes, I gained nearly 1mph in trap speed with cut-back electrodes.
And, yes, I gained nearly 1mph in trap speed with cut-back electrodes.
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Verdad Gallardo
Team Owner
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 90,675
Likes: 304
From: SE NY
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (REW89)
My references didn't specify type of engine; though the amount of HP gained will no doubt depend on the engine. And, as mentioned, with a stock ignition system the gap should be set to the stock rating.
The idea is to get better flame front propegation through the charge for a more complete burn. This results in more power, better economy and cleaner emissions.
The potential downside would be more frequent regapping since only an edge of the center electrode is being eroded. As always, hp has a cost, maintenance in this case.
The idea is to get better flame front propegation through the charge for a more complete burn. This results in more power, better economy and cleaner emissions.
The potential downside would be more frequent regapping since only an edge of the center electrode is being eroded. As always, hp has a cost, maintenance in this case.
Instructor
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
From: Ajax Ontario
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (65Z01)
Yes it will work on your Le Sabre. :yesnod: I first did it on my 68 slant 6 valiant. You are basically making your own splitfire plugs(abeit more reliable and longer lasting)at a fraction of the cost. Another benefit of doing this is that if you car burns oil you will never bridge another plug. I did the plugs in my 84 vette 2 months ago and it loves it!!!:cool:
Wedge :cheers:
Wedge :cheers:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 9,713
Likes: 3
From: Sachse Texas
Cruise-In I Veteran
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (BIG JIM 54)
This forum is a little archaic it that regard. I don't know if you can post pics here other than your sig or from another website.
If you do a search for cut back plugs you should find some pictures that have been posted in the past.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,040
Likes: 2
From: BowlingGreen KY
Re: Cutting Spark Plugs *Electrodes* (Vette92)
It works pretty good, just use some NGK's or Ac Delco plugs, no bosch. Make sure you gap them to .45 to .48. I wouldn't go over this or you will lose power. :cheers:
