LT1 Based Engine Tech 1993-1997 LT1/LT4 Engine Related

On a heads/cam application will a 1 step colder plug hurt?

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Old 10-28-2003, 08:04 PM
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On a heads/cam application will a 1 step colder plug hurt?

I might be using nitrous in the future and am sticking in some TR6's.. .035 1 step colder plugs...

right now theres no juice on her. Just seeing if its costing me any power.
I did have autolite's 1 step colder plugs gapped at .038 and couldnt tell any difference.. also no juice.

If anything would it only cost me 2 hp or something?
Would a stronger coil help eliminate this.. i'll need a new one soon anyways.
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Old 10-28-2003, 09:00 PM
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The short answer: no changes in performance will be seen by going colder.

The long answer: too long to answer tonight...I am tired. But it has to do with the fact that colder plugs allow heat to dissipate from the plug quicker than hotter ones. Nothing more or less. However that in itself causes other issues not "directly" related to performance.

Ben
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Old 10-29-2003, 02:49 PM
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As I understand it, you want to run the coldest plug possible without allowing the plugs to foul out. A colder plug helps prevent pre-ignition (eliminate the hot spot). An aftermarket ignition box helps create a hotter spark when the plug does fire...this will be helpful when you go to nitrous. A hotter plug provides "self-cleaning" to prevent fouling. Most guys running a modest shot of nitrous run one heat range colder. Big "shots" run 2 heat ranges colder.
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Old 10-30-2003, 12:36 AM
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I'd definitely run a cooler plug like a TR6... and yea, you can pick up a few hp if you know what you're doing with it . Emphasis on "few" though
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Old 10-30-2003, 03:38 AM
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Just to reinforce what others have said, I am running an NGK plug with an "11" heat range, six steps colder than stock. My ignition isn't exotic (MSD 6 box, Accel coil) and I do not have a problem with fouling. You should have no trouble with a "6".

Rich Krause
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Old 10-30-2003, 08:07 AM
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Originally posted by rskrause
Just to reinforce what others have said, I am running an NGK plug with an "11" heat range, six steps colder than stock. My ignition isn't exotic (MSD 6 box, Accel coil) and I do not have a problem with fouling. You should have no trouble with a "6".

Rich Krause
Rich I have read from you elswhere you are using very cold plugs. Can you explain why you are not getting fouling? I know you have an engine that is producing serious power, but is it the way you run the car or is it the fact that everyone overemphasizes the "fouling" part?

Ben
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Old 10-30-2003, 12:46 PM
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I run Autolite 103's for nitrous use. I ran my best NA pass so far using them, so I don't think it effects NA performance that much.
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Old 10-30-2003, 12:54 PM
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Derrick... Nice set up..
if u dont mind me asking
How many miles are on your stock short block?
What shot are u running? wet/dry? single stage or dual?
How high do u rev and when does the window switch cut the nitrous?

Just looking to see how far i can take her before shes done..

If everything works out with the cam/heads I'll throw a 75-100shot on her in 6 months or so.
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