That would be the ground strap or ground electrode. :)
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Plugs are plugs. If they spark, that's all you need them to do. A "small" spark can create the ignition u need, just like a "big" spark.
Cause the more protrusions u have in the way of the air/fuel mixture, the less chance u have of getting a "good" ignition.
No, it can't.
A better spark will create more complete combustion and therefore more power and better fuel economy.
A shitty ignition system will not have the power to run a performance engine. Weak spark causes power loss, misfires, and higher emmissions, which is a lose-lose. You want a high voltage spark with a large flame front, which is why our engines use 8 individual coils and have a stock gap of .060".
There is so much information on spark plugs you could be reading for hours. Heat range, manufacturer, electrode gap, electrode materials, ect. Just because it makes a spark doesn't mean its efficient or ideal.
Thanks Wes, I wasn't sure I felt like typing all that,,,lol. There is so much to spark plugs it's almost boring to some people.
There have been books about plugs, and plug tech going back as far as "Smokey" which makes for some very interesting reading.
Reading some of it will make ya think twice before just throwing in any old set of plugs you can find on your next tuneup.
I've used tons of different plugs and the main difference will be in the heat ranges and how fast they foul up. I've used all the iridiums and the +4s etc and theyre all the SAME because they all do the same job.
A lot of people change worn and fouled plugs with new ones and whichever brand they choose they tell everyone 'OH WHAT A DIFFERENCE'. It's really a difference between a worn/fouled vs new they're just too stupid to realize.
Now im my personal opinion the plugs that stayed the 'cleanest' or at least were at the best heat range in my stroker motor were Nology Silvers. Odd I dont think theyre available anymore but when I was swapping and checking plugs often on the same tune they really stayed clean. They all worked just as well to the sotp meter:snowboard:
I guess I should have said they all perform the same function instead of 'they are the same'. On a stock motor the slight differences in heat range will not be noticeable.
Many times I have seen people say their cars stutter and dont idle as smooth with certain 'gimmick' plugs and when I pull the plugs and check them its because the gaps were wrong.
Sound like some of the members on here have a lot of knowledge on spark plugs. For a 2002 with a few bolt ons what plug would you reccomend?
Shouldn't notice a difference between any plugs as long as you got the proper heat range for you application.
And didn't buy into the gimmick plugs.
Simply put...plugs are a maintenance item.
If you replace your brakes with OE pads before they are worn, you shouldn't notice a change in the braking power.
Same goes for plugs. They are NOT a performance part.