High Gas Prices? Improve Your Fuel Efficiency.

[smockers83]

I asked about the Pulstar pulse plugs (not to be confused with spark plugs, but the same idea) in the Engine area as I was curious about them seeing their ad here on NICO once in awhile. Some interesting info came up there that I thought I would share over here given the few topics on gas prices.

DSport Magazine tested these plugs in an 04 G and saw a gain of 5.1 HP. From a spark plug? How so? I suggest you either check out their website or read this article http://www.pulstarplug.com/pdf...8.pdf.

Some will say $25 per spark plug, I will not buy it, way too expensive. For those looking for performance upgrades, $150 for 5 HP, that's a better bang for your buck improvement than an intake. Those not looking for performance improvement and say its too expensive, such as telcoman, these plugs will improve your fuel efficiency as well (more money for that mutual fund). Although the magazine didn't test fuel efficiency, they said they expect a gain, and Pulstar's own testing (E-PEP, if you Google that, you'll find it and can read about it) shows improvements as well. Using the data from Pulstar's testing of 8 vehicles, there was an average improvement of 6.34% (4.2% taking out the 2 outliers that are comparatively really high). At that rate and let's say 20 gallons is used every 1.5 weeks, that's a savings of 43.9 gallons/yr (29.1 gallons/yr) and at $4.10/gallon (randomly chosen, and that's definitely the very low side for premium), that's $180 ($120) saved. So these plugs pay off themselves in roughly one year, plus these plugs will last just as long as regular spark plugs (50,000 miles) for a net savings of $350 given the average driven miles/year is 15,000 or roughly 3 years.

I think I'll be trying these out...bang for buck performance improvement, fuel savings. Can't go wrong with that can you?

[telcoman]

I asked about the Pulstar pulse plugs (not to be confused with spark plugs, but the same idea) in the Engine area as I was curious about them seeing their ad here on NICO once in awhile. Some interesting info came up there that I thought I would share over here given the few topics on gas prices.

DSport Magazine tested these plugs in an 04 G and saw a gain of 5.1 HP. From a spark plug? How so? I suggest you either check out their website or read this article http://www.pulstarplug.com/pdf...8.pdf.

Some will say $25 per spark plug, I will not buy it, way too expensive. For those looking for performance upgrades, $150 for 5 HP, that's a better bang for your buck improvement than an intake. Those not looking for performance improvement and say its too expensive, such as telcoman, these plugs will improve your fuel efficiency as well (more money for that mutual fund). Although the magazine didn't test fuel efficiency, they said they expect a gain, and Pulstar's own testing (E-PEP, if you Google that, you'll find it and can read about it) shows improvements as well. Using the data from Pulstar's testing of 8 vehicles, there was an average improvement of 6.34% (4.2% taking out the 2 outliers that are comparatively really high). At that rate and let's say 20 gallons is used every 1.5 weeks, that's a savings of 43.9 gallons/yr (29.1 gallons/yr) and at $4.10/gallon (randomly chosen, and that's definitely the very low side for premium), that's $180 ($120) saved. So these plugs pay off themselves in roughly one year, plus these plugs will last just as long as regular spark plugs (50,000 miles) for a net savings of $350 given the average driven miles/year is 15,000 or roughly 3 years.

I think I'll be trying these out...bang for buck performance improvement, fuel savings. Can't go wrong with that can you?

smockers83

Sorry, I just don't believe it Over many years numerous do dads and gizmo's have been tested and claimed to produce more performance, increase gas mileage, etc. generally by magazines that accept the ads for those questionable products. Consumer Reports and other independant testing have generally found all of these devices are a waste of money.My G has plenty of power and MPG on road trips has exceeded 28 MPG a number of times. Buyer beware! If it sound too good to be true it probably is

BTW stock plugs for the G should last 100k miles. I'm close to 60k miles and mine are fine.

Telcoman

[SVTCOBRA]

Telcoman,Mine looked good at 55K except that they were all off a little in the gap.

1 oil seal in the valve cover is leaking, but will have that taken care of under warranty.

Oh, it does seem to run smoother now.

[Jacko3]

Smockers83 maybe right. But I am still on the fence on this one as my mechanic has told me not to use anything other than NGK spark plugs. he says, he has seen many G's with other brand spark plugs having issues. i don't know how true this is, and i have no reason to doubt my mechanic.

[smockers83]

The theory behind it works, but as I've learned in economics, theory never works in real life. Still thinking about it, looking around the web to see what others have to say. Lots of people claiming snake oil, yet they haven't tested them or know of any tests. Ones who have actually tried them claim some things, but still have yet to find data backing those claims.

[CYO44Baseball32]

I asked about the Pulstar pulse plugs (not to be confused with spark plugs, but the same idea) in the Engine area as I was curious about them seeing their ad here on NICO once in awhile. Some interesting info came up there that I thought I would share over here given the few topics on gas prices.

DSport Magazine tested these plugs in an 04 G and saw a gain of 5.1 HP. From a spark plug? How so? I suggest you either check out their website or read this article http://www.pulstarplug.com/pdf...8.pdf.

Some will say $25 per spark plug, I will not buy it, way too expensive. For those looking for performance upgrades, $150 for 5 HP, that's a better bang for your buck improvement than an intake. Those not looking for performance improvement and say its too expensive, such as telcoman, these plugs will improve your fuel efficiency as well (more money for that mutual fund). Although the magazine didn't test fuel efficiency, they said they expect a gain, and Pulstar's own testing (E-PEP, if you Google that, you'll find it and can read about it) shows improvements as well. Using the data from Pulstar's testing of 8 vehicles, there was an average improvement of 6.34% (4.2% taking out the 2 outliers that are comparatively really high). At that rate and let's say 20 gallons is used every 1.5 weeks, that's a savings of 43.9 gallons/yr (29.1 gallons/yr) and at $4.10/gallon (randomly chosen, and that's definitely the very low side for premium), that's $180 ($120) saved. So these plugs pay off themselves in roughly one year, plus these plugs will last just as long as regular spark plugs (50,000 miles) for a net savings of $350 given the average driven miles/year is 15,000 or roughly 3 years.

I think I'll be trying these out...bang for buck performance improvement, fuel savings. Can't go wrong with that can you?

Repost, I already posted about these a couple of weeks ago.

[smockers83]

Repost, I already posted about these a couple of weeks ago.

Sure, but there was no discussion involved. It was just hey here they are, it was a G37 specific thread and ended with a . I'm here to discuss, displaying data that I've calculated, with a different goal in mind.

[TeflonG35]

Yes. I want other peoples opinions as well. I am due for new spark plugs but I haven't decided which way to go. Besides telcos opinion of never trying anything new and only worrying about your 401k and never having fun with your car.

[zozoka1212]

Jacko is right somewhat. There was couple of member here who replaced there sparkplug with another name and they ended up having problems. Although it could be just a stupid cheap one and/or installation problem too. Didn't mean to scare anybody.

What brand Kenrik uses? He just changed it a month or 2 ago? He was a happy camper after the installation.

Zozo

[telcoman]

Yes. I want other peoples opinions as well. I am due for new spark plugs but I haven't decided which way to go. Besides telcos opinion of never trying anything new and only worrying about your 401k and never having fun with your car.

TeflonG35

I too want other opinions, and I respect yours but what I have learned in over 40 years of driving many different vehicles I am just passing along to some of the younger members here some of whom appear to be quite naive. I read many posts of those that perform modifications and then have problems with their G. Some members bought their G's to engage in competition and that is fine. They can spend unlimited amounts of time and money to give themselves bragging rights while having fun. This fun however comes at a cost.Many others including myself bought theirs because they felt it gave them the biggest bang for the buck with more than adequate power, performance, and comfort. Some of the older members here have previously owned other vehicles such as Lexus, Mercedes Benz, etc and are more interested in value rather than wasting money on questionable devices. I suspect your outlook will change as you get older and perhaps wiser.Continue to have fun with your G.

Telcoman

[rn79870]

There is one option available that will improve your mileage something in the area of 10%. No one wants to consider it though...Slow down and drive 60-65 mph. Actually, I don't know if it's possible to do that without getting shot at.

[TeflonG35]

TeflonG35

I too want other opinions, and I respect yours but what I have learned in over 40 years of driving many different vehicles I am just passing along to some of the younger members here some of whom appear to be quite naive. I read many posts of those that perform modifications and then have problems with their G. Some members bought their G's to engage in competition and that is fine. They can spend unlimited amounts of time and money to give themselves bragging rights while having fun. This fun however comes at a cost.Many others including myself bought theirs because they felt it gave them the biggest bang for the buck with more than adequate power, performance, and comfort. Some of the older members here have previously owned other vehicles such as Lexus, Mercedes Benz, etc and are more interested in value rather than wasting money on questionable devices. I suspect your outlook will change as you get older and perhaps wiser.Continue to have fun with your G.

Telcoman

My bad I was a little mad at my girlfriend this morning and I tend to get in a negative mindset. I respect your opinions i just don't agree with all of them. I shouldn't have called you out.

[TeflonG35]

There is one option available that will improve your mileage something in the area of 10%. No one wants to consider it though...Slow down and drive 60-65 mph. Actually, I don't know if it's possible to do that without getting shot at.

I don't get on the highway very often. So i usually stay around 45-55. I just need to work on hard accelerations......It's just so hard... The car just wants to go.

[chiem]

FWIW, the one thing I've done that has improved my mileage by about 10% in my previous cars has been to switch from conventional to synthetic oil. My previous cars being:

- 95 Camry 2.2 I4 -- EPA 22/28. Got up to 30-31 mpg on long road trips.

- 01 IS300 3.0 I6 -- EPA 18/23. Got up to 25-26 mpg on long road trips.

I've only got 2700 miles on my 08 G35 so far, but I'll be switching to synthetic around 10k as well. The extra cost of synethetic has been around $20-30 per oil change, and I change every 5k miles--but even at those prices and intervals, synthetic has more than paid for itself since my relatively high mileage Camry and $2/gallon gas days. With our lower mileage Gs and $4+/gallon gas, it's even more worthwhile.

[telcoman]

My bad I was a little mad at my girlfriend this morning and I tend to get in a negative mindset. I respect your opinions i just don't agree with all of them. I shouldn't have called you out.

LOL

You think you have problems now with gf?

Just wait till you get married

[TeflonG35]

LOL

You think you have problems now with gf?

Just wait till you get married

That is kindof the problem. My girl wants to get married. I want to be young and enjoy my 20's.

[telcoman]

That is kindof the problem. My girl wants to get married. I want to be young and enjoy my 20's.

[C-Kwik]

The concept behind the mpulstar appears valid. They work similarly to the Nology spark plug wires of old which use a capacitor to briefly store the energy from the ignition coil and releases it all quickly in a short strong spark rather than a weaker, longer one. The 2 questions that have to be answered is:

1. For a specific application, will it provide a better spark? That is, will a shorter, stronger spark provide better combustion than the OE plugs? And if so, when? Is it only during high loads or does it provide better combustion during cruising loads as well (which could potentially result in HP gains at WOT, but with MPG losses during cruising).

2. How durable are the materials used? More specifically, what is the typical wear life in the plugs? There are some observations made that these plugs do not last long. It might be helpful to track wear with different applications and driving style. My personal initial impression is that they will wear fast. Without the precious metal electrodes that are found in the OE plugs, I'd expect a much smaller maintenance interval for the plugs. Especially on a car that uses coil packs like the G35/G37 as these types of ignition systems spark once in each direction per combustion cycle (which is why we have dual platinum plugs).

[Jacko3]

The concept behind the mpulstar appears valid. They work similarly to the Nology spark plug wires of old which use a capacitor to briefly store the energy from the ignition coil and releases it all quickly in a short strong spark rather than a weaker, longer one. The 2 questions that have to be answered is:

1. For a specific application, will it provide a better spark? That is, will a shorter, stronger spark provide better combustion than the OE plugs? And if so, when? Is it only during high loads or does it provide better combustion during cruising loads as well (which could potentially result in HP gains at WOT, but with MPG losses during cruising).

2. How durable are the materials used? More specifically, what is the typical wear life in the plugs?

C-kwik, nice questions. These questions are partly at the heart of my mechanics concerns. Hence, his advice to me to stick with the OEM plugs.

[telcoman]

That is kindof the problem. My girl wants to get married. I want to be young and enjoy my 20's.

Good Financial advice, better to rent?

Drive it like it was rented never was clearer to me!

The math on the Paul McCartney-Heather Mills divorce is::

After 5 years of marriage, he paid her $49 million.Assuming he banged her every night during their 5 year relationship (and being married men, we all know THAT doesn't happen), it ends up costing him $26,849 per lay, not counting attorney's fees and court costs.

On the other hand, Elliot Spitzer's call girl Kristen charges $4,000 an hour. Crazy,right?

But..had Paul McCartney employed Kristen for 5 years, he would've paid $7.3 million for an hour of sex every night for 5 years (a savings of $41+million).

Value-added benefits are: a 22 year old hot babe, no begging, no coaxing, never a headache, wide open menu, ability to put BOTH legs around you, no bitching and complaining or 'to do' lists. Best of all, she leaves when you're done, and comes back the next day, ready for another round. All at 1/7th the cost, with no legal fees.* *

Is it just me, or is it better to rent?

DO THE MATH, FOLKS. FIGURES DON'T LIE! Let's face it, the only reason that Elliot Spitzer got caught was because he used David Paterson as his lookout. I REST MY CASE.

[Jacko3]

Telcoman:

Unbeleivable! Nonetheless, a healthy and wise financial plan. I agree completely with your plan. We as human beings can choose catastrophic and expensive failure or controlled and relatively inexpensive failure. I think the 22 year old scenario is about right!

[BippuBoss]

this is a very intriguing post... I am highly interested and would like to know more. wife saw the ad in a magazine and told me about it. curious. waiting to see what others have found out.

[Jacko3]

Telcoman:

Bill Murray the actor is about to split with his wife of 11 years. They had a prenuptial where they both waived the right to alimony or support, and would puportedly pay the wife, $7million after 60 days the dvivorce decree is finalized. This would amount to somewhere between $53,000 a month or $1,767 a day for getting busy with the wife. There is something good to be said about prenuptials in the 21st century.

[smockers83]

Thanks for the "investment" advice, however, I don't want my thread turning into the few recent threads.

[oraleway10]

what about these things..has anyone heard about these tabs?

http://www.dynotab.com/

[Sentientbydesign]

I've been trying to get my hands on some for testing, but haven't gotten any yet. Different brand BTW.

[oraleway10]

my mechanic has a couple...i think it was like $7?

i'll probably get one and see what the fuss is about...

[Sentientbydesign]

Please let us know. I want to drop a few tablets into my In-law's cars (older toyotas) to see if there is any benefit before I stick it in my G.

[smockers83]

The tabs/pills don't work. None of them do.

[Sentientbydesign]

The tabs/pills don't work. None of them do.

You've tried them?