Side gapping and plug indexing
Printed From: CorrectCraftFan.com
Category: Repairs and Maintenance
Forum Name: Engine Repair
Forum Discription: Engine problems and solutions
URL: http://www.CorrectCraftFan.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=5824
Printed Date: November-27-2024 at 4:32pm
Topic: Side gapping and plug indexing
Posted By: TRBenj
Subject: Side gapping and plug indexing
Date Posted: February-25-2007 at 2:53pm
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I was curious if anyone here has much experience with side-gapping or indexing spark plugs. These techniques have been around for years, and seem to have legitimate claims of making a few hp by improving combustion efficiency. For those who are unfamiliar, here are a few articles explaining each:
http://performanceunlimited.com/documents/plugsidegapping.html - Side Gapping http://www.fordmuscle.com/archives/2000/07/indexplugs/index.shtml - Plug Indexing The consensus with the Mustang guys over on Corral.net seems to be that indexing "can't hurt and might help." Side-gapping also has its proponents, and the only side effect seems to be shortened plug life. Some say that trimming the ground strap back to the center of the electrode is nearly as effective as trimming to the edge, with better plug life. I figure these are a few ways to gain a few extra hp for free. Anyone have any first hand experience? |
Replies:
Posted By: Munday
Date Posted: February-25-2007 at 8:28pm
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I tried plug indexing on a kawasaki drag bike.
This would seem like a good test to me,found no effect on et or mph.Later on I had to index just to keep exhaust valve from interfering,that was a have to deal. Just my experience and your right it can't hurt Munday |
Posted By: Tim D
Date Posted: February-25-2007 at 8:46pm
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I've done both. With indexing, those spacer washers allow the plugs to get loose after several hours. I think it ran better, might have been my imagination for all the effort. My brother in law was into go cart racing and on a small engine like those they could gain 1 horsepower from indexing. ------------- Tim D |
Posted By: Waterdog
Date Posted: February-26-2007 at 7:18am
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Munday
I had a 1327 kaw drag bike ran pro gas (9.20) prostar and et @ Atmome Al. That thing would hook 1.1 60 foot. FUN !!! I indexed the plugs cus I could ? ------------- - waterdog - http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=3896&sort=&pagenum=2&yrstart=1978&yrend=1978" rel="nofollow - 78 Ski Tique |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: February-26-2007 at 7:47am
Im thinking it would probably be better to just keep trying different plugs to avoid using washers. I a$$ume you side-gapped the plugs on your boat at the same time you indexed them? ------------- |
Tim D wrote:Posted By: 79nautique
Date Posted: February-26-2007 at 9:28am
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just get xp series or plattnum (sp) plugs and don't worry about the side gapping, because it's all ready done for the most part.
just be carefull you'll go through the plugs much quicker and will have to replace mid season. ------------- http://www.correctcraftfan.com/diaries/details.asp?ID=756&sort=&pagenum=1&yrstart=1979&yrend=1979 - 79 nautique |
Posted By: 05 210
Date Posted: February-26-2007 at 7:00pm
I would think in a race application where every detail counts,it's worth it.I can't imagine you would notice a huge(or even noticeable)difference in your application Tim.I would take 79's advise and buy a real good set of plugs and wind em in.But then again,the winter is alot longer up here than it is where he's from,at least it would help pa$$ the time
Mike ------------- http:/diaries/details.asp?ID=2219" rel="nofollow - Air Nautique 210 Team 640 hours, not 1 regret |
Posted By: Tim D
Date Posted: February-26-2007 at 8:19pm
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What does "my imagination" mean up there? ------------- Tim D |
Posted By: TRBenj
Date Posted: February-27-2007 at 7:58am
Thats what Im thinking. The only downside is time- and we have plenty of that before the ice breaks. Im not too worried about the shortened plug life- theyre cheap and I change em every season anyways. ------------- |
Posted By: wannabeSS
Date Posted: February-27-2007 at 9:30pm
 ------------- 96 Camaro SS #1157 84 Ski Nautique, fat sacks, fly high pole 06 LF Fish 125 06 LF PS3 137 |