Spark Plug Torque

TheIVJackal

Freedom through Jesus
I saw THIS on the Focus Fanatics Forums and thought it would be a great idea if someone had a Head laying around, to get the stock NGK plugs and any others, and see in which direction the electrode is pointing and at what Torque. Its been proven that if the open side of the spark plug is facing the Intake valves, you have better fuel economy and about 1hp more. Anyone willing to do this? It would be very much appreciated! -Aaron
 

Slo_Teggy

Slow Driver
I hate when people do that. You get nothing from it. Even if there is a difference, it's not going to be noticed. Adding 3psi more air in your tires will give you better fuel economy and a faster ride then if you set to spark plugs a certain way.

Install new plugs, hand tighten them, then take the wrench and tighten them a quarter turn with it. They are as good as they are going to get.
 

bradster101

New Member
I hate when people do that. You get nothing from it. Even if there is a difference, it's not going to be noticed. Adding 3psi more air in your tires will give you better fuel economy and a faster ride then if you set to spark plugs a certain way.

Install new plugs, hand tighten them, then take the wrench and tighten them a quarter turn with it. They are as good as they are going to get.
x2

Couldnt agree more
 

Slo_Teggy

Slow Driver
Think of fast electricity travels. Think of the spark as a bolt of lightning (as it's a small version of it). That bolt travels pretty fast. Do you think a little piece of metal getting in the way will really make that much of a difference?
 


TheIVJackal

Freedom through Jesus
It actually does. There are some cars, dont remember which ones, that require indexing. Do some research on google, "Indexing spark plugs"
 

mirrorimg

Well-Known Member
Think of fast electricity travels. Think of the spark as a bolt of lightning (as it's a small version of it). That bolt travels pretty fast. Do you think a little piece of metal getting in the way will really make that much of a difference?
As Jackal mentioned, it does. The combustion chamber has a quench area, and there is a dome on the pistons. The spark will be better suited if it is facing the incoming air/fuel so it gets a better burn. May not make a huge difference (you're not installing a turbo or anything), but it should help the fuel burn efficiency of the motor.

You can index the plugs with some thin shims and a sharpie. Not sure where to get the shims though.

Mark the top of the insulation near the metal tip on the side that the electrode is pointing. Install it. Note how far you have to go, and put a shim in. Keep doing this until you sweet spot it pointing towards the intake valves.
 

Prozon

Kris
Or you could not bicker about it and just get some of these:


;)
 


Slo_Teggy

Slow Driver
Ok, well "indexing the spark plugs" on an Integra doesn't need to be done. These cars don't even have 200hp. Oh well, if you want to take note where the spark is pointing, go for it. I'm just not going to do that so I guess that's what makes me so different.
 

Prozon

Kris
I agree with Slo_Teggy. It seems stupid and your not going to get a noticeable difference from "indexing" them.
 

BeatBox

Real Good!
Ok, well "indexing the spark plugs" on an Integra doesn't need to be done. These cars don't even have 200hp. Oh well, if you want to take note where the spark is pointing, go for it. I'm just not going to do that so I guess that's what makes me so different.
hahaha im different too i guess :roll:
 

TheIVJackal

Freedom through Jesus
I dont care if I "notice" a difference. If I get a more efficient burn, then everything benefits, even if it is only a little bit. And those sparkplugs with the 4 grounds, actually make certain cars run worse so more isnt always better.
 

mirrorimg

Well-Known Member
I dont care if I "notice" a difference. If I get a more efficient burn, then everything benefits, even if it is only a little bit. And those sparkplugs with the 4 grounds, actually make certain cars run worse so more isnt always better.
This is the whole point you guys arent understanding.

You are using more of the fuel that gets sprayed into the motor, so you get up to speed quicker because you arent wasting as much.

If you get 1mile more for every gallon you use, it will add up. Lets say you average 27 mpg, and fill up 10 gallons every week.

27*10= 270 miles per fill.
270*52 = 540+13,500= 14,040 miles per year

28*10 = 280 miles per fill
280*52 = 560+14000=14560 miles per year

So you are able to drive an added 520 miles in that given year, which equates to roughly 2 fills. So if youre filling up @$3.00 per gallon, you just pocketed $60.00 by doing next to nothing.

It doesnt look like much, but with all of the penny-pinchers trying to save a buck, (look at all of the "how cheap can I turbo my car") every little bit helps.
 

Prozon

Kris
I can gaurentee you that you will not gain 1mpg by doing this.
You might have a slight percentage more efficient burn, but it will not be 1mpg more efficient.
 
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