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Sidegapping Spark Plugs

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Old 08-10-2004, 11:11 AM
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Default Sidegapping Spark Plugs

You guys ever see this?

http://performanceunlimited.com/docu...degapping.html

Obviously, you'd only do it with regular plugs or single platinum, but it'* a cool trick.
Old 08-10-2004, 11:26 AM
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I dunno.....the NGK V-Powers are more reliable and alot cheaper than the splitfires, and provide 2 spark paths just the same as the splitfire.

I'd like to see someone try this, but I doubt you'd feel any more power. Long-term it could be a problem for center electrode wear, and they suggest that in the article. Interesting find, nonetheless.
Old 08-10-2004, 11:35 AM
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I've done this to my supercharged Dodge Ram, as well as my snowmobiles, lawn mowers, weed whacker, and chainsaw. It does work. The only thing I *haven't* done this with yet is my Bonneville, and that'* only because the car has the stock double platinums and only 11,000 miles on it. But, when I swap the plugs, I'll do this to the new ones.

The only real-world difference I can offer is how my truck now handles a hill that I frequently drive. Before doing the sidegapping, my truck had to downshift at least twice on this hill, sometimes 3 times. After doing this simple mod, it only has to downshift once on the worst part of the hill. That'* a pretty significant difference. I have no idea what that would translate to for E.T.'* and such, but it would be fun if someone would find out.
Old 08-10-2004, 12:04 PM
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Interesting idea for sure. I'll be asking around about this.
Old 08-10-2004, 05:30 PM
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The Autolite 103 Race plugs are shipped this way and are supposed to give 1-3 more HP. I tried running them but they are too cold for me and were starting to foul out.
Old 08-10-2004, 05:32 PM
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I didn't read this, just looked at pictures...but all plugs need to be preoperly gapped before installation. ?? :?
Old 08-11-2004, 11:57 PM
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I dunno, most spark plug gap ideas seem like snake oil to me. One electrode, split electrodes, v shaped electrodes, two electrodes, four.... they would put in a hundred if there was room. The way I see it, there is a spark, the fuel ignites, end of story. I would guess that 90% of all spark plugs in use are still the standard single electrode style.

Get a diesel, they don't need any spark plugs.
Old 08-12-2004, 12:00 AM
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A quote from that web site:

" Closer clearances will yield the same if not more of the spark front, and at the same time resist the flame from being "blown out" when using Nitrous Oxide injection or supercharging."

I challenge anyone to "blow out" a flame with a gasoline-air mixture.
Old 08-12-2004, 02:28 AM
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I'm going to try this weekend with autolite 103'*, good find mecg
Races are won and lost by the spark plugs and the way they are gapped, a top fuel dragster engine makes less than a 1000 revolutions from start to finnish. The plugs are the key to victory
Old 08-12-2004, 03:07 AM
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Top fuel dragsters eat the plugs up around the 60' from what i've heard too.

But at that point the remnants act like glow plugs?


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