Colder Than Stock Spark Plugs?
#1
Colder Than Stock Spark Plugs?
After doing some research with the search function, I have concluded that the NGK 5464 is my best bet to replace my stock spark plugs. Common knowledge dictates that boosted engines like cold spark plugs, however I cannot find any other brands that have cooler than stock ratings. Any ideas before I pull the trigger on the NGK's? Thanks
#2
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#3
#5
Stick with NGK plugs.... anything else causes issues down the line...anyway, you said it yourself - the NGK's you currently are using are running with no problems...
#6
A colder plug *might* be beneficial depending on the way the car is run.
But, that determination needs to be made by "reading" the plugs.
So, it is part of the "common knowledge", but the knowledge is to be applied where required to address a known, identifiable problem.
Every deviation from specification is a compromise with costs and benefits. Indeed, the specification itself is a compromise.
But, that determination needs to be made by "reading" the plugs.
So, it is part of the "common knowledge", but the knowledge is to be applied where required to address a known, identifiable problem.
Every deviation from specification is a compromise with costs and benefits. Indeed, the specification itself is a compromise.
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#8
Without getting into a huge debate, I know boosted engines like cold spark plus. I used to own a supecharged buick (L67) and everyone used one or two step colder autolite plugs. That could be comparing apples to oranges, but if it helps the car why not?
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Mclovin22 (09-20-2023)
#9
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There's no technical reason to believe that running a colder plug than optimum will do anything other than possibly cause the plug itself to foul. Plug heat ranges are in no way connected to 'making power' but exist simply to be hot enough not to foul but not hot enough to melt themselves into oblivion or become a source of pre-ignition. The heat range of the stock plug apparently achieves that.
#10
Found this question and answer from the FAQs from Denso's website thought I would share it with you guys....
Why are there different heat ranges? Which one should I use?
A. Part of your spark plug’s responsibilities, in addition to firing a spark, is to remove heat from the combustion chamber. This is accomplished by channeling the heat through the insulator material and metal housing. From there, the heat is transferred to the cylinder head where the engine cooling system can go to work. A spark plug’s heat range is its ability to dissipate heat. The “colder” the plug, the more heat it can channel out of the combustion chamber. In a performance application, colder heat ranges may be necessary to handle the extreme temperatures brought on by higher compression ratios, forced induction, and high RPM’s. While “Colder” plugs may seem to be the way to go, please remember that the spark plug must achieve its “self-cleaning” temperature where it can burn off fuel and carbon deposits. Otherwise, the plug could “foul out” where it is prone to misfiring and poor acceleration. A plug that is too “hot” can overheat, also causing power loss, detonation, pre-ignition, and possible engine damage. A good, general rule of thumb is to start with the factory recommended heat range. For every 75 to 100 hp you add to your engine, you may go to the next colder step. DENSO heat ranges move up as they get colder; 16 would be our hottest Iridium Power plug, 34 would be our coldest (ranges; 16,20,22,24,27,31,34)
Last edited by jag79; 06-02-2012 at 07:21 PM.
#11
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Excellent info, this bit is what counts. The HP increase precipitates the need for a colder plug, not the other way around.
#12
The “colder” the plug, the more heat it can channel out of the combustion chamber. In a performance application, colder heat ranges may be necessary to handle the extreme temperatures brought on by higher compression ratios, forced induction, and high RPM’s. While “Colder” plugs may seem to be the way to go, please remember that the spark plug must achieve its “self-cleaning” temperature where it can burn off fuel and carbon deposits.
#13
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The OP makes no mention of having added the quoted 70-100HP required to be able to successfully run never mind 'need' a one step colder plug- nor does Denso intimate in any manner that a colder plug is of other benefit.
'Channeling heat out of a combustion chamber' other than to avoid pre-ignition or mechanical failure is not of benefit to performance.
'Channeling heat out of a combustion chamber' other than to avoid pre-ignition or mechanical failure is not of benefit to performance.
#14
Some people prefer a colder heat range, and see benefits in boundary conditions. Even on a completely stock engine.
The trick is to know and understand the tradeoffs.
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Here's an interesting paper to read, with some excellent illustrations on the differences between hot vs. cold plugs
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/docs/te...plications.pdf
note in particular the need to keep the plug tip within the correct temperature range during operation and how this is achieved by varying the length of the insulator. The outer shell is virtually the same irrespective of heat range.
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/docs/te...plications.pdf
note in particular the need to keep the plug tip within the correct temperature range during operation and how this is achieved by varying the length of the insulator. The outer shell is virtually the same irrespective of heat range.
#17
Here's an interesting paper to read, with some excellent illustrations on the differences between hot vs. cold plugs
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/docs/te...plications.pdf
note in particular the need to keep the plug tip within the correct temperature range during operation and how this is achieved by varying the length of the insulator. The outer shell is virtually the same irrespective of heat range.
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/docs/te...plications.pdf
note in particular the need to keep the plug tip within the correct temperature range during operation and how this is achieved by varying the length of the insulator. The outer shell is virtually the same irrespective of heat range.
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Mclovin22 (09-20-2023)
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