Spark Plug Dyno Test Results

[sparkplugs.com]

Sparkplugs.com has received a lot of questions in regards to the performance gains and reliability of newer spark plug technology. They decided the best way to decide if some of the newer technology is just a gimmick, or if they have some true performance benefits would be to have them dyno`d. Therefore we took seven different types of spark plugs (Champion stock nickel, NGK nickel, NGK single platinum, NGK double platinum, NGK IX iridium, Denso iridium, and Pulstar pulse plugs), sent them to an independent dyno shop, and thought we would share the information with you.

The test vehicle was a stock 2005 Dodge Neon SRT-4, provided by Manny Gomez, a member of SRTForums.com (screen name: hawkable). The test was performed on a Mustang Dyno. We completed three runs for each plug in a cold, warm and hot state. We then averaged these runs to find the final average horsepower and torque numbers. The link below leads to the page containing all the dyno sheets. All results are based on the vehicle factory-specified gap setting of .050", except for the Pulstar plug, which had a maximum manufacturer recommended gap of .045"

After testing, the Pulstar plug had a horsepower advantage, having both the highest peak horsepower (205.95hp) and the highest average horsepower (204.04hp). The NGK Iridium IX showed the second highest average horsepower (203.78hp), and highest average torque (230.27 lb-ft), however, the NGK Iridium IX also displayed the most reliable and consistent horsepower figures. The Denso iridium showed the highest peak torque (235.96 lb-ft), third highest average horsepower (203.67hp), and second highest peak horsepower (205.51hp) and average torque (229.74 lb-ft).

All testing performed by Design Craft Fabrication for Sparkplugs.com

To see the complete set of dyno charts at Sparkplugs.com, click here.

[x240xdrifter]

thats pretty cool information

now if I am correct, is it true the 2 tip, and 4 tip spark plugs do not offer much over single tip? I heard the spark they produce is not more powerful, but just centers better? could just be me, and i should know this but whatever hahaha

[sparkplugs.com]

You are correct. Multi-ground spark plugs were created mainly for rotary engines, and other special types. Because of the design, standard single ground electrode spark plugs were wearing away too quickly. So manufacturers created multi-ground spark plugs to share the work load. Some manufacturers have created a tricky marketing campaign, making it sound like more electrodes=more/better spark. In reality, electricity follows the path of least resistance, and will only spark off of one tip at a time. Multi-ground plugs will not increase performance or have an increased logivity in standard engines that do not call for them, and they may actually run worse than traditional plugs.

[x240xdrifter]

thats good to know, I know alot of people who are drawn to that tricky marketing cause they know no better, and figure if they are spending the money anyways, might as well do it. so I need to "inform the masses" haha

[0wn3r]

All results are based on the vehicle factory-specified gap setting of .050", except for the Pulstar plug, which had a maximum manufacturer recommended gap of .045"After testing, the Pulstar plug had a horsepower advantage

After reading that, it makes me wonder if the difference in gapping had provided the Pulstar any unfair advantage.

I had also heard the multi-tip's help if one of the plug tips becomes more fouled than another...or if by some far-out crazy reason the tip actually breaks.

Thanks for sharing!

[x240xdrifter]

.......or if by some far-out crazy reason the tip actually breaks.

well if thats the case, you got far more issues then spark plug tips hahaha

[sparkplugs.com]

All results are based on the vehicle factory-specified gap setting of .050", except for the Pulstar plug, which had a maximum manufacturer recommended gap of .045"

If the gap difference had been in the opposite direction, we would have made the same conclusion. Technically, opening a gap beyond the stock recommendation to the maximum point possible without having it blow out will increase performance as it presents a larger spark to the air/fuel mixture and maximizes burn efficiency. The gap should only be brought down if the compression is raised due to modifications in order to insure ignitability in the denser air/fuel mixture. If there is an insufficient abount of gap, it could cause pre-ignition and engine damage. So theoretically, if the vehicle manufacturer has given the proper gap setting at .050", the other plugs should have had an advantage over the pulstar.

But then again, who knows, right?

[Q45tech]

Since each engine uses a different combustion chamber design unfortunately the Neon test only applies to that Neon engine.

OEM spends lots of engineering time selecting the CORRECT plug for their designs.

[Hype]

The gap should only be brought down if the compression is raised due to modifications in order to insure ignitability in the denser air/fuel mixture. If there is an insufficient abount of gap, it could cause pre-ignition and engine damage.

My KA24DE is currently stock, so as such I'm running the stock spec NGK plugs. I would like to know if there is any way that modified engine users can find a more appropriate gap setting, other than trial and error. This is much in the same vein that builders know if they increase compression, they need a colder heat range, etc.

[sparkplugs.com]

Unfortunatly, trial and error is pretty much it. Both heat range and the plug gap will play a gap with increased compression. The heat range needs to go one step colder for every 75-100hp added. But in between those steps, when its not quite enough to change the heat range, that's when you'll need to play with the gap. And it really is trial and error, so it helps if the engine design allows easy access to the plug cylinders.