Spark Plug Question for 3sgte, why run colder? Options

[eggman40]

Ive been trying to figure out why people recomend running a colder plug on the 3sgte, is it because of increase cylinder pressure from the turbo? Ive been having some issues with my car running rich and a few other issues. Im gonna check the timing this weekend because for some reason my car doesnt feel like its pulling as hard as it did just 2 months back.

Do you guys know if these work well? NGK I was looking to get these.


also on a side note, i was reading Lagos' sticky on the DIY Knock detection. It said there that if your car senses knock, it will put itself into a form of "safe mode" if this occurs, will an engine light come on?


Thanks for any help guys, ive got to go part by part until its running the way it was.

[presure2]

they normally sugesst colder plugs as you turn up the boost..
at stock boost levels, the stock plugs should be perfect.

you will not get a check engine light if the ECU detects minor knock. it simply holds you in "low boost mode".

[eggman40]

they normally sugesst colder plugs as you turn up the boost..
at stock boost levels, the stock plugs should be perfect.

you will not get a check engine light if the ECU detects minor knock. it simply holds you in "low boost mode".

thank you! thats exactly what i need to know, im no longer at stock boost so i will upgrade.

I guess im not not hiting knock since my boost guage still reads 15psi. Is this a safe assuption?

[x_itchy_b_x]

it lowers cylinder temps by dissipating more heat to the head.
less chance of knock.

[lagos]

also on a side note, i was reading Lagos' sticky on the DIY Knock detection. It said there that if your car senses knock, it will put itself into a form of "safe mode" if this occurs, will an engine light come on?

the basic idea is this. say you do a little run and the ecu detects knock. the ecu will then put the car into safe mode, by retarding timing, lowering boost, etc... it will stay this way for a while depending on how bad the knock was. sometimes it will go back to normal after a few minutes and sometimes it still stay in safe mode untill you turn the car off and turn it back on again. it will not throw any cel. only way to know it happened is to do the TVSV led mod.

[eggman40]

it lowers cylinder temps by dissipating more heat to the head.
less chance of knock.

Perfect, thats what i was looking for as well. I didnt know what they did exactly

also on a side note, i was reading Lagos' sticky on the DIY Knock detection. It said there that if your car senses knock, it will put itself into a form of "safe mode" if this occurs, will an engine light come on?

the basic idea is this. say you do a little run and the ecu detects knock. the ecu will then put the car into safe mode, by retarding timing, lowering boost, etc... it will stay this way for a while depending on how bad the knock was. sometimes it will go back to normal after a few minutes and sometimes it still stay in safe mode untill you turn the car off and turn it back on again. it will not throw any cel. only way to know it happened is to do the TVSV led mod.

Great now it makes perfect sense. I plan on installing the LED's as soon as i have the time. I just glad the car doesnt stay in safe more indefinitely.

I appriciate the help guys. Thanks Once again for the lesson

[6gsillyca]

Sorry to threadjack but, for those who are running 3's, what kind of plugs do you use and what are they gapped to?

I should have plugs that are one step colder (copper?) and are gapped to .022. Just want to see what everyone else is running.

[x_itchy_b_x]

im currently running brand new factory denso's oem. But for higher boosts its better to go a step colder than stock. ngk coppers are nice, just replace them with every oil change. i recall .028 but dont hold me too it.

[beno]

Isnt that a bit much replacing the sparkplugs every oil change?
I thought they would last at least two years?

This post has been edited by beno: Nov 7, 2006 - 11:42 PM

[jgreening]

Isnt that a bit much replacing the sparkplugs every oil change?
I thought they would last at least two years?

If you use iridium at stock boost levels, they should last that long.

However, with modified 3sgte's, most people are using copper plugs, 1 step colder which generally have to be replaced every 3,000-6,000 miles.

[x_itchy_b_x]

coppers are very cheap and dont last long thats just how they are. you can buy ones like iridium or platinum they are more expensive but u can keep them in longer.

[jgreening]

coppers are very cheap and dont last long thats just how they are. you can buy ones like iridium or platinum they are more expensive but u can keep them in longer.

slow typer.

[x_itchy_b_x]

[4g-gt-four]

The best plug you can use is an ngk bkr7e. You can get away with a bkr6e, thats stock for an 89-93 3sgte. both are stocked at most auto parts stores, but the tricky part is getting them to find the part number. They typically search for parts by car not manufacturer part numbers. so they need to figure out which car uses it to find it for you. IF your not opposed to spending money, buy irridium plugs. they are amazing but not really necisarry unless you are running a substansial amount of boost. I have run 22psi on the bkr7e with ease(on 100 octae that is) also irridium's are very expensive. When the ecu backs off timing because of knock detection, it sucks pretty bad, you will definitely know when it happens. general rule of thumb to gap any spark plug is 35. colder plugs you should go less though. 30 is probably about perfect. I change spark plugs every 20k miles.

[lagos]

read the power primer. it does a good job at explaining why you should run colder plugs.
http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm

[4g-gt-four]

read the power primer. it does a good job at explaining why you should run colder plugs.
http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm

This is a good find. It explains everything you need to know about making power in a turbo car

[eggman40]

read the power primer. it does a good job at explaining why you should run colder plugs.
http://www.mrcontrols.com/primers/power.htm

Man, you never stop do you! Thanks again man, this is gonna be real usefull. Thanks

[x_itchy_b_x]

lol wow guys learn to google..