Notice: We request that you don't just set up a new account at this time if you are a previous user.
If you used to be one of our moderators, please feel free to reach out to Chris via the facebook Outerlimits4x4 group and he will get you set back up with access should he need you.
Recovery:If you cannot access your old email address and don't remember your password, please click here to log a change of email address so you can do a password reset.

High performace plugs and leads - Are they worth it?

General Tech Talk

Moderators: toaddog, TWISTY, V8Patrol, Moderators

Post Reply
Posts: 2944
Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2003 5:47 pm
Location: Manjimup, Western Australia

High performace plugs and leads - Are they worth it?

Post by ausyota »

Do "high performance" spark plugs and leads give any results?
Apart from lightening your wallet :)

Just curious as to what people thoughts are.

I used to run slitfire plugs on my old mildly worked dunnydore V6. They seemed OK but not sure if they had any power gains or anything.

What types of specialty plugs do you guys recomend?
Paul.
R.I.P Brock Fontanini 28-3-06 - 16-2-08
www.teamcarnage.net
Posts: 2752
Joined: Wed Apr 09, 2003 10:46 pm
Location: Carrum Downs Vic

Post by CRUSHU »

after running quite a few plugs on the dyno, best bang for buck spark plugs are NGK's. you just have to change them more frequently than the specified service intervals. the new NGK iridiums make more power as well, and although expensive, don't get changed for quite a while.

plug leads are quite important, and thicker insulation is definately a bonus, but cheap leads often come in thick insulation, so the appear high performance, eg top gun. i run IC&E leads, custom made by a guy in Moorabbin. he sends AUST wide.

you don't have to spend heaps on plugs and leads, you just have to change them more often, to keep them fresh.
www.CVEPerformance.com

Crushu F150 Buildup: http://www.outerlimits4x4.com/ftopic21987.php&highlight=crushu
Posts: 396
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:34 pm
Location: South Side Brisbane

Post by Draven »

I used Iridiums and some decent LPG leads on my TB42, i did make a difference...not a HUGE difference, but IMHO i think its worth it.
User avatar
rOd
Posts: 804
Joined: Tue Sep 30, 2003 7:35 am
Location: In the shadows

Post by rOd »

Draven wrote:I used Iridiums and some decent LPG leads on my TB42, i did make a difference...not a HUGE difference, but IMHO i think its worth it.


LPG leads??? Cant say Ive heard of them. Can you elaborate more?
Dont expect mere proof to sway my opinion.
Posts: 396
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:34 pm
Location: South Side Brisbane

Post by Draven »

LPG leads are usually just a fatter lead (9mm) with a HEAP less resistance than normal leads
Posts: 701
Joined: Tue Feb 03, 2004 3:04 pm
Location: Melbourne

Post by 80UTE »

Good plugs and good leads witch usually need to be custom made. This is when you get the good wire IE Magnacore and quality boots on each end to ensure a water tight seal which is the most important with a 4B. With custom leads they are made to the required lenght so you can position the leads exactly were you want .

Wally
Last edited by 80UTE on Mon Feb 21, 2005 10:39 am, edited 1 time in total.
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 8:00 am

Post by nismo_simo »

Bigger leads and beter plugs will make a diffence, especially on turbo versions as is you don't have a strong spark, the extra boost will blow the spark out and cause misfiring.
Why drink and drive, Drift and slide!
Posts: 367
Joined: Fri Jan 21, 2005 10:45 am
Location: Tasmania

Post by Tas_Dean »

Bosch Plug leads are one of the best (and relatively cheap) "off the shelf" leads, and NGK Plugs likewise. Bosch leads have quality fittings and caps that make positive contact with the plugs and dissy cap. If you put a small spray of lanotec or similar under the rubber boot, they are quite watertight.

Top gun leads, common among the ricer boys, at twice the price of Bosch leads are crap. The contacts don't fit properly, the boots are crap etc etc. If the ricers got rid of their "high performance leads" in favour of something decent, they wouldn't spend so much time wondering why their engines are missing!

Believe it or not, SuperDodgy actually sell bosch leads! (although they are usually cheaper at Burson! (repco don't sell bosch!)

Cheers, Dean
Just a web wheeler now!
Posts: 527
Joined: Sat Oct 02, 2004 3:55 pm
Location: Brisbane

Post by adam.s »

I guess it probably changes on different engines, but it's been dyno proven that just normal old copper plugs (NGK's) give you best performance, but they need replacing more often.

Iridium's will last for 100,000kms or whatever before replacing, but at the cost of a few horses.

Not a great deal of difference IMO.
Posts: 396
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:34 pm
Location: South Side Brisbane

Post by Draven »

Thats bazzar....I got more power and economy when I put Iridiums in.
Posts: 21
Joined: Tue Nov 02, 2004 8:00 am

Post by nismo_simo »

Iridium's are over rated I believe, NGK's tend to last longer as well. A magazine I once read in the performance car industry did tests on different brands and the NGK came out on top. I haven't used NGK yet, but next service I will change them to that.
Why drink and drive, Drift and slide!
Posts: 396
Joined: Wed Dec 17, 2003 3:34 pm
Location: South Side Brisbane

Post by Draven »

if I dont have to change the plugs for 100,000 kays, or even 50,000 i reakon they are worth it.
Posts: 527
Joined: Sat Oct 02, 2004 3:55 pm
Location: Brisbane

Post by adam.s »

Iridium's are ~$20 RRP each, but if you know someone at repco, you can get them for about $12 each.

Copper's are like $2 ?

That's 6-10 sets of plug changes.

Copper can be regapped, iridium's shouldn't be regapped because they are coated in platinium, and it chips the platnium away.

I dunno, depends what sorta car it is, for Toyota/shopping trolleys I'd go the iridiums :D :finger: :finger:

It's definety less hassle, but it really makes sweet fark all difference at the end of the day. Just keep em gapped nicely/clean and the engine will run smooth.
Posts: 2931
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2004 2:43 pm
Location: Brisbane

Post by grazza »

Low-resistance leads can cause interferance on your CB & radio.
I always used NGK's on the 260Z racer.
For the money you are better off looking at a MSD, Jacobs, or Crane ignition booster.
Posts: 2931
Joined: Mon Jun 21, 2004 2:43 pm
Location: Brisbane

Post by grazza »

...I also know a few guys who are very happy with the Jaycar High-Energy Ingnition kit ($50)...
Apparently made a significant difference to a 60-series petrol and GQ petrol...
Posts: 2944
Joined: Tue Feb 11, 2003 5:47 pm
Location: Manjimup, Western Australia

Post by ausyota »

The reason I ask is because I am fitting 30 inch muds to my missus 1.3 zook and will be looking to get every ounce of extra power I can to make up for them.
I have bought a set of extractors which is a start.

It fairly zips around town at the moment but that is with 205-65 car tyres :oops: .
Paul.
R.I.P Brock Fontanini 28-3-06 - 16-2-08
www.teamcarnage.net
Posts: 687
Joined: Sun Apr 04, 2004 9:54 am
Location: Sydney

Post by up2nogood »

Get some Magnecore leads made up. They are 12mm and I can't even get my timing light to read off them they are that good.
Post Reply

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 52 guests