StarvingArtist

I've got to do plugs this weekend and I was thinking about going 1 step colder in view of future mods. If I don't have time for the mods this year, should I just go with stock. I found ILFR6A NGK (stock) on amazon for $10 each. Thoughts?

drothgeb

Colder plugs pass heat better. The tips stay colder and reduce the chance of pre ignition in highly modified cars. But because they stay colder in normal operating conditions the tips foul faster, and they need to be thoroughly put through their paces often to be heated enough to keep the tips clean. Low lifespan.

IMO I would only go colder if you were very highly moded and could tell based on tracking timing that you were getting some knock retard. I think a lot of folks go to colder plugs a little too soon around here.

One of the tuners I chatted with said he started seeing some timing loss from detonation upwards of 600whp on stock plugs before going colder.

StarvingArtist

Great info! Thanks! I'll go ahead and order the stock ones. Forget to ask about a plug wire tool. I've never even seen one.

Jake528

I haven’t done plugs yet but I’ve removed the wires to do gaskets a couple times. People mention a boot tool for them but I’ve had no problems just using an open- ended wrench, I believe 11/16 to leverage against the head and pop them off no problem.

Exotic-metal55

With added boost, colder plugs are good insurance and some notice a slight rougher idle. drivers rear plug is a little tough to get to and you may need a few extensions or swivel heads.

StarvingArtist

Ok thanks, I'll do that one first and the rest will seem easy

StarvingArtist

AAAHH the wrench trick. Forgot about that one. I think I did that with my wife's E.

SICAMG

Just a little FYI. A colder plug will help prevent detonation by pulling heat out. Yes. And it's great for the street where temps constantly change. But........you want to keep as much heat in the chamber as possible with out detonation issues. Thermal barrier on piston tops is a perfect example of this. Thermal energy ... controlled energy, is how you make power.

StarvingArtist

I've never heard of a thermal barrier on a piston before. What is that all about.

SICAMG

SICAMG

Reflects heat right back into chamber and not into the piston. I do this on all my pistons.

StarvingArtist

Wow, even looks cool. Some kind of ceramic coating?

Plugs are here. I forgot to ask about the gap?? I've got to work all weekend anyway to finish a job.

PieRat

I just use a 17mm spanner to get the boots off...always seemed to be super easy to me but maybe I am damaging them lol dont think so though..

StarvingArtist

Anybody know what the gap should be? Normally I just leave them alone, but this car gets the attention to detail.

PieRat

You shouldn't be gapping anything mate. Pretty sure its 0.032" but the plugs you got shouldn't require adjustment. I brought the NGK one step colders and just slapped them straight in. Hasn't ****ed out in 30,000 miles of absolute hell (must be at least 6 sets of rear tyres) must be good!

StarvingArtist

OK thanks.

SICAMG

Check the gap....you never know and it will be "perfect" piece of mind when done if you are detail oriented !!

oneslow55

if your not running huge amounts of boost and high timing you don't need colder plugs as the stock 2 per cylinder do very well.

PieRat

Yeah I am going back to stock plug I sick of my idle being cheap and nasty not amg smooth but probably not plugs fault.

drothgeb

Thats actually what will make them last haha Driving like a grandma will wreck colder plugs.

StarvingArtist

Put the plugs in today. HUGE difference! I guess I let that bit of maintenance go too long. No more misfire, More responsive, more power. The gap of the new plugs was .031, I left it that way. I set off the check engine light stomping on it last Tuesday, I hope it goes out with a couple key cycles.