Has anyone side-gapped any pushrods? I know that Mjordan did. How did you do it? Cut the rest off with a wire cutter?

 

Cutting tends to "pinch" the metal and I don't know if that's good or bad. Probably bad. Grinding or filing would seem better. Dremel-type tool would seem best. That way you don't have to bend the electrode and weaken the curve even more.

 

Hello Pastmaster,

I used a dremel tool with a small grinding stone. I did not have a cutoff wheel or I would have used it. The stone worked very well. I have seen no increase in MPG , but I have noticed an increase in pickup. I installed my new jacobs plug wires soon after the side-gapping. I think they work well together. I do have very fast response on the pedal as a result. I don't mean that I am racing and have a quick holeshot, rather I am using very little pressure to get to speed and when you do touch the gas the jump is immediate.

I am very pleased with the results so far. I am looking for MPG though. I will complete my jacobs ignition in January.

Mike J.


PS... I do not own a full size dremel. I have the mini-mite. It works great an is recharable. It costs about $39, and well worth the money.
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1997 F-250 HD (old style) Supercab 4x4 w/ 7.5l 460. Jacobs Electronics Ceramic 2000 plug wires, Side-gapped Autolite plugs,Synthetic Oil, K&N air filter, Tonneau cover and bedliner are my only upgrades so far.


[This message has been edited by mjordan44 (edited 12-08-1999).]

 

Side gapping pushrods ?????

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[This message has been edited by PKRWUD (edited 12-08-1999).]

[This message has been edited by PKRWUD (edited 12-08-1999).]

 

Good thinking Nomo. I never thought about doing it that way.

Chris? The previous generations hearts are pushrods!

 

He's just giving you crap about side-gapping the "pushrods" as opposed to the sparkplugs. We all know what you meant!

 

Oh, I don't think you would see anything different in the power aspect if you "side-gapped" a pushrod, it probably wouldn't last very long anyways

 

Hmmm They would be lighter and that would help performance- right?

 

I would say that they'll bend easier at higher rpms, and not push the rockers up far enough?

 

I just wanted to make sure I wasn't missing out on some new tech trick. Side gapping plugs is a very old racers trick. I highly recommend it. I trim the electrode with a bench grinder, but I wouldn't advise doing it that way. It takes a very steady hand and alot of practice. I have wasted many spark plugs learning. I think a dremel sounds good, but even with that, take it slow.
Take care,
~Chris

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Anyone recommend sparkplugs? I have Accel's now, and they are okay. I figured that I would just put Autolites or Motorcrafts back in, but maybe someone else has a better idea?

 

I'd stick with plain old Autolites while you "practice" side-gapping. If you like it and are comfortable making the cuts, then you can switch to a more expensive plug- if you want.

 

I've got Champion Truck Plugs in mine. I have tried out many different kinds of plugs, and these are by far the best. It really surprises me because I have never really been impressed with Champion before. A friend recommended them and I have used them ever since. I also would recommend practicing on a cheap set first.

Take care,
~Chris

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MustangNet

'95 Eddie Bauer F-150 SC & '64 Falcon/Ranchero
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Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
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Looks like I have a new Christmas break project. Thanks for your help guys. I'll give it a try.

Another Question?--How long does a Side-gapped spark plug last, over a convenional plug?

 

I really couldn't say. I change my spark plugs every year, whether they need it or not. The only plugs I've used that didn't make it a year were Splitfires.
Take care,
~Chris

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Are you A.S.E. Certified ? If so, ask me about
iATN...the best tool you'll ever have ! ! And it's
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