Spark plug gap

**blueguy** · 08-05-2011

Originally Posted by SlowNA06

People gap lower so they don't have to keep replacing the plugs if there was going to be a problem at a larger gap.

I prefer, lazy.

**SJAndrew** · 08-05-2011

Originally Posted by SlowNA06

The REAL answer is to gap the plugs at 0.060, run the car up to ~5,800 rpm and see if it's a problem. If it is, try 0.055. If that's not a problem, try 0.057, etc. People gap lower so they don't have to keep replacing the plugs if there was going to be a problem at a larger gap. Generally, larger gaps would get better gas mileage, but if the gap is too large, it will break-up at higher rpm.

Excellent info - thanks.

I started @ 0.055" with my new plugs.

I used to run Champion Cu cores gapped @ 0.060". I would get misfires or knock @ higher RPM (with this "setup"). I blamed Champion - perhaps it was the gap. The cheapo Pt Bosches (not gapped design) performed flawlessly with the same setup.

**SlowNA06** · 08-05-2011

Originally Posted by SJAndrew

I blamed Champion

Aside from the athletic wear, I don't have a single good thing to say about them. All their products are absolute trash. Their plugs are well-known to cause major issues.

Originally Posted by SJAndrew

The cheapo Pt Bosches (not gapped design) performed flawlessly with the same setup.

On the other hand, Bosch plugs are also known to cause performance issues. AC Delco, NGK and Autolite are the most-used by forum-goers.

**drewzilla03** · 08-05-2011

i am installing a new air intake, 180 t-stat, headers, plugs and wires on mon (pully drop and pcm next month). i'm thinking al104's?...same gapping? will it need to change with pully drop? also with those mods is 3.4, 3.5, or 3.6 pully appropriate?

**blueguy** · 08-06-2011

Originally Posted by drewzilla03

i am installing a new air intake, 180 t-stat, headers, plugs and wires on mon (pully drop and pcm next month). i'm thinking al104's?...same gapping? will it need to change with pully drop? also with those mods is 3.4, 3.5, or 3.6 pully appropriate?

Depends on your car...

'97-'03 would take a 3.4" with AL104's gapped at .050"-.060", accordingly.

'04+ would need a 3.6"...Probably keep some AL605's in there honestly...you want the hottest spark you can get away with...not the coldest.

**matt5112** · 08-06-2011

be brave, try side gap.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/side_gap.php

**drewzilla03** · 08-06-2011

al605's will work...can i not drop to 3.5 with FWI, headers, and a tune?

**footballplaya3k** · 08-07-2011

Originally Posted by matt5112

be brave, try side gap.

http://www.grandprixforums.net/side_gap.php

Thank you for that Matt, I'm gonna try it.

**matt5112** · 08-07-2011

Mine seem to be doing fine.

Minus the slight cool burn due to the wrong temp spark plug.

**matt5112** · 08-08-2011

mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm

**SlowNA06** · 08-08-2011

lol. camera focused on the floor. technology is great.

**matt5112** · 08-08-2011

Free cellphones aren't expected to have functioning cameras.

**footballplaya3k** · 08-08-2011

Originally Posted by matt5112

Free cellphones aren't expected to have functioning cameras.

Lol. How long are these supposed to last (copper)? it says it shortens the life but I didn't see by how much.

**TheOtherNick** · 08-08-2011

Coppers tend to preform well for 10k so I would figure 6k or so for side gapped plugs.

**matt5112** · 08-08-2011

i put maybe six thousand miles per year on it.

**footballplaya3k** · 08-08-2011

What did you start your gap at Matt?

**TheOtherNick** · 08-08-2011

I would start at .045 or .040"

**matt5112** · 08-09-2011

.045" and left it.

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