Sparkplugs: Why not Silverstones and what all will work?
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From: Mobile, AL, USA
To those who think copper is a good conductor, well it is, only 2nd best to Silver, but copper plugs aren't what they are all cracked up to be:
Beru Silverstones have a pure "large" silver center electrode.
And to help quell the notion that "silver" plugs may melt, well:
BfB
Question:
Isn't copper a good conductor?
Answer:
Yes, but not the best. Silver is the best. Also, the electrodes of spark plugs with so called "copper electrodes" are not solid copper, they are copper core. This means, an electrode made out of a poor conducting material, usually nickel-alloy, with a copper core. This only benefits heat dissipation, not performance.
Isn't copper a good conductor?
Answer:
Yes, but not the best. Silver is the best. Also, the electrodes of spark plugs with so called "copper electrodes" are not solid copper, they are copper core. This means, an electrode made out of a poor conducting material, usually nickel-alloy, with a copper core. This only benefits heat dissipation, not performance.
And to help quell the notion that "silver" plugs may melt, well:
Question:
Doesn't a silver electrode melt?
Answer:
No. Just like conventional spark plugs, Silverstone spark plugs are available in different heat ranges. If the correct heatrange is chosen, thermal problems won't arise.
Doesn't a silver electrode melt?
Answer:
No. Just like conventional spark plugs, Silverstone spark plugs are available in different heat ranges. If the correct heatrange is chosen, thermal problems won't arise.
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Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Milford, Ohio USA
You Guys Are Killing Me!
The "spark plug debate" drags on. At least we have folks here quoting useless information from academic texts, as opposed to useless "information" gleaned from advertisements in low-rent Mustang magazines.
Rather than debating the metallurgical properties of the tip of the center electrode of a hypothetical spark plug, perhaps one should consider the performance of the plug assembly as a whole (tip, ground electrode, insulator, core, ground, coil/plug junction...). Or better yet, focus attention on legitimate, big-payback performance opportunities.
Just my opinion.
Rather than debating the metallurgical properties of the tip of the center electrode of a hypothetical spark plug, perhaps one should consider the performance of the plug assembly as a whole (tip, ground electrode, insulator, core, ground, coil/plug junction...). Or better yet, focus attention on legitimate, big-payback performance opportunities.
Just my opinion.
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Re: You Guys Are Killing Me!
Originally posted by Silver-Y2K-SVT
At least we have folks here quoting useless information from academic texts, as opposed to useless "information" gleaned from advertisements in low-rent Mustang magazines.
Rather than debating the metallurgical properties of the tip of the center electrode of a hypothetical spark plug, perhaps one should consider the performance of the plug assembly as a whole (tip, ground electrode, insulator, core, ground, coil/plug junction...).
At least we have folks here quoting useless information from academic texts, as opposed to useless "information" gleaned from advertisements in low-rent Mustang magazines.
Rather than debating the metallurgical properties of the tip of the center electrode of a hypothetical spark plug, perhaps one should consider the performance of the plug assembly as a whole (tip, ground electrode, insulator, core, ground, coil/plug junction...).
Okay, here is some more fuel to the fire!
When reading spark plug advertisements, one can get the impression that small diameter center electrodes, uniquely shaped electrodes or built-in resistors are the best. Think again. A RESISTOR is exactly what the word implies. When the spark crosses the point of resistance much of the spark energy is lost. A resistor is like an electronic obstacle and could be the cause for a weak spark. Due to manufacturing tolerances and lack of quality control, even non-resistor spark plugs often have a resistance of 10, 100 or even 1000 Ohms. Always check spark plugs for resistance before use.
Okay, EVERYONE measure your plugs and post back here. Enquiring minds want to know. You all will measure your plug wires on your older Stangs, and such, and brag about resistance so why not do your plug too? When hooked up, the resistance of your wires can only be as good as the plug when it comes down to it. Now, I know Lightnings don't have wires, but still, you know what I mean.
BfB
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From: Mobile, AL, USA
Re: the preceeding thread was sponsored in part by......
Originally posted by Speedin Bob
INTERNET RESEARCH
INTERNET RESEARCH
I promise, though, to post a dyno of before/after of these plugs so we can at least see if there is "any" benefit to using them. JL says he'll do the same on the track. I'll get to the track ASAP. I have yet to run mine
I'll also measure the resistance of them compared w/ the others.
BfB