Getting ready to do the dreaded spark plug change and not looking forward to it. Reading all the posts on brands and the right tools to have on hand I thought of something no one has talked about. Hard core racers like to have the open part of the plug [not shielded by the ground electrode] pointing towards the valves, I believe this is called indexing the plugs. If I were to do this which way would I point them and with the tough install could it be done. Guess you would have to put the plug in the socket and put some marks on the extensions to know where to stop. Anyone have any ideas pro or con? Always trying to get the most bang for the buck.

 

KGM,

Hey, you're speaking my language! Yes, you want the flame kernel open to the center of combustion for most hp. Don't know how much HP it'll make on the L and I certainly give you credit for making a 2.5 hour job a really long one trying to custom fit each cylinder. However, I think it will take more than 8 plugs to get it just right. Maybe I'll try it too.

------------------
Jim
Black '00
#1,757 built 3/30/00
Clear corners
J.L. Street program
J.L. Stage II ram-air
MagnaFlow Exhaust

 

KGM,
I really don't know anything about this,but funny thing is a good friend of mine who works on motors came in to see me today and he has a 3 cylinder polaris snowmobile and he indexed all his plugs and first trip across the lake at 110 he fried his pistons! Be careful,i just installed splitfires in my L so far i like them!
------------
HIGH ROLLER

 

Roller...Can't see where indexing caused the problem. Could have been the plugs but not which way he pointed them. Would like to know if they were the same ones he used in the past or was he trying out something new. Going to keep this post at the top for a couple of days and see if I can get some experts opinions.

 

KGM,

I've thought about it but with the seats being tapered and so far down in there I chose to live with what I have.

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Later,
Chuck
Black 00
Chuck's Lightning Page

 

there are indexing "washers" available. a kit has assortment of thicknesses (is that a real word?) try automotion or performance, maybe summit racing etc. that way you don't have to buy a bunch a plugs only to return the "unused ones" later

ps. great board, I will be an L hunter soon. for now learning.

 

Hello all..

Jacobs makes a set of plug indexing washers.. I know all the crazy NHRA top fuel motors have their plugs indexed so theoreticly there is something to be had.. If you are doing the plugs anyway and feel like having fun.. do it..

I did it on my Turbo Buick.. Did it help any ? I don't know.. but it made me feel cool for doing it.. : )

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Got Boost ?
1999 SVT Lightning

 

If i wasn't using a chip and a bunch of other goodies, that has me very near the edge of pre-detonation, i might consider indexing. by turning all the open sparks closest to the combustable mixture, those who did not ping before,,might, without any type of spark control. if your a stocker, the computer would probably take care of it and give you a few more hp. guys with hot chips might consider reverse-indexing (hide those sparks from the evil pingmeister)

 

Hey guys,

I know they make indexing washers for washer type plugs. Are they available for tapered seat plugs as well?

------------------
Jim
Black '00
#1,757 built 3/30/00
Clear corners
J.L. Street program
J.L. Stage II ram-air
MagnaFlow Exhaust

 

If you want MAYBE 5 hp then go for it.But for the street and even mild racing is not worth the effort.You would probably be buying 16 plugs to get the index rite.If you just ground on the neg electrode so that you see HALF of the positive one you would gain about the same thing.Thats what I have done on some engines that I have dyno'ed and the gain was about 5 hp.[engine dyno]