For about a month now, I've noticed my truck wasn't quite as peppy as it use to be, and I couldn't figure it out. I tuned and cleaned and adjusted, all with no improvement. Then, while sitting at a light the other day, I figured it out: I usually keep one tank full, and the other at 1/4 full. Well, since the cost of gasoline has dropped to $1 a gallon and lower, I now keep both tanks full, all the time. It's almost a pleasure to get gas now that it's so cheap! Anyway, the extra 16 gallons of gas adds enough weight to make a noticable difference in acceleration, and is why it doesn't feel quite as peppy.

Just thought I'd share.

Take care,
-Chris

 

I thought it was just me! I noticed this some time back. I used to just top them both off and get the pain over with. Now I usually do like you stated, fill the front when the back hits 1/4 or so. With 37 gallons it does make a difference.

Still haven't checked my computer code, too much crap going on. I want an EEC tuner something bad!

I also think I'm going to make an indexing tool to make life even easier. Do you index and side gap or just side gap? Wonder if both would help even more? Anyway, I'm going to get a piece of aluminum, tap it, mark the thread orientation for each cylinder and then clear coat it. Plugs aren't hard to get to on my truck, but it would still make indexing much more fun.

 

In my truck, I just side gap. In the Sprint car, I index as well. Moroso sells a nice little billet aluminum indexer, but if you've got a drill and a tap, go ahead and make one yourself. Remember, though, you will need to pick up some indexing washers at your local speed shop.

I don't know if this helps or not, but I threw it together with you in mind:



Take care,
-Chris

 

PKRWUD,

Killer info diagram. I've got the locations, etc down, I've just been too lazy/busy to pull the computer. Can't find the code sticker on my truck.

I've seen some of the other indexing tools. They seem small though. I figured if I made a larger one it would leave more room to make precise marks for thread alignment. I index now, but lost the rest of my washers somewhere. I've been getting by with the ones on the truck and doing a couple with the "try another plug" method! As cheap as they are I should have ordered some more, but I know when I do the others will show up!

BTW what do you do the cutting/trimming with when you side gap? I've considered it, but it seems like more PITA than indexing. A grinder and steady hand might do it quick...


I think I also figured out the reason for the slots we are using for intake sources..... I saw some pics of a first gen Lightning with a blower using the PowerStroke intercooler. The intercooler supply and return lines go right through those rectangular slots.

 

First of all, I should clarify what I mean by side gap. Technically, that means to remove all of the ground electrode, except for about 3 or 4 mm. What I do is start out with Champion Truck Plugs (DO NOT try this, or any other mods, with platinum plugs). I then "caress" the ground electrode until it's gap is .040". Then, I place an emery file between the ground electrode and the porcelain electrode, and with a very fine bladed hobby hacksaw, I cut the ground electrode to the point where it no longer covers the regular electrode, when observed from the end. Then, square the edges with the emery file and gap it at .044", apply a little anti seize, and install it. Then I do it 5 more times!! (joy. fun.).

Take care,
-Chris

 

Almost forgot... As I'm sure you now know, the only way to get your ECM code is to remove it, after removing the e-brake hardware.

Take care,
-Chris

 

Ahhh..... so the trick is that even if you have plenty of race experience, it's still a PITA!

I was hoping you had some tricks up the sleeve to make it a more painless process. I must admit I feel better now! I tried different methods with some old plugs, and it seems that there is simply no fast or easy way to do it. Maybe a laser with some type of precision alignment sight......

BTW, just curiosity. Does the I6 have a smaller gap stock than the V8 engines? With the hot coil, good wires, etc. I would think bigger than .044. Is that larger than the stock gap, or is there some other reason you stick to that gap?

 

That pretty much just defined "racing experience".

The stock gap is .042" to .046". If I was leaving the ground electrode unaltered, I would enlarge the gap to about .050", but with it side gapped the way I do them, 90% of the center electrode is exposed, and it doesn't require a large gap in order to expand beyond the ground electrode. Besides, large gaps encourage detonation, and I like cheap gas.

Take care,
-Chris