Spark Plugs

[TripleM]

Re: Spark Plugs

Here's my review

Arrived at the shop, was greeted by the vendor...nice chap who seems to know what he's talking about and possesses very good attitude towards his customers.

He drew a couple charts to show how conventional plugs work vs the VR plugs.
A demo began (not on my car) but on a piece of equipment where he lined up 4 different iridium plugs comprising of NGK, ND, VR and OWS and the firing commenced. He asked me and SL2 which one has the most stable firing throughout.

Without any difficulty, even an untrained pair of eyes can immediately spot which is the one and we got it right. We were so impressed to see the stability of the spark firing of VR plugs compared to the other three. The hesitation curve to buy the plugs suddenly vanished and I simply couldn’t wait for his mechanic to finish off the installation.

While seeing is believing, it’s not great enough until I drove off the premises and hit the highway.
His last words to me “ Go and drive the car and you will feel the gain immediately. If you find any vibration or misfiring, drive back your car and we will exchange the plugs for you “
Great…

Upon filtering into the highway, I started pulling from 2nd gear. It was fantastic, very linear and eager to reach the red zone. I was driving with the a/c on and having one passenger but the real feel as if he weren’t there. The throttle is light and responsive, the rpm climbs a lot faster than before and effortless. Those were the things I was truly looking for.
Gear changes are smooth. Even dropping the 3rd gear to 2nd at higher rpm feels great.
Got caught a few times in heavy traffic, watching the rpm closely and the needle was idling calmly at 750rpm. Sweet….

Given the price it offers and the performance it delivers that met my expectations. I am giving this product a rating of 10/10. I think it was money well spent.

I have yet to monitor the fuel consumption but I know it’s probably not going to be much lower haha..

For those who are looking to do CAI, ECU chipping and the likes, try this product first and feel the gain or regain of loss whatever you call it.

For everyone's guide, the plugs are installed on the Zed. Heat range used is 6.
Yet to try the SPec2 (heat range 8 perhaps) for my M3 which is probably coming out at the end of the year..Can't wait.

 

[reardriven]

Re: Spark Plugs

Review by TripleM sounds very tempting.

---

Excerpt from Denso Iridium Website:

"Generally, you do not purchase spark plugs for performance enhancement. While DENSO Iridium Power spark plugs have contributed to numerous accomplishments through dyno-testing and actual use, their true benefit lies in their efficiency, durability, and improved firing power. Serious tuners modify their vehicles by increasing boost through turbo-chargers, super-chargers, and Nitrous. They are also known to add high-energy ignition systems, tinker with timing, adjust fuel mixture ratios, and increase horsepower through other means. Putting these kinds of demands on their engine increases the need for an efficient, durable spark plug that can handle these kind of harsh environments. That’s where DENSO Iridium Power can make a major difference. "

 

[Shaun]

Re: Spark Plugs

the rolling road dyno has been sold.

That is somewhat sad, but I guess it would free up resources for other projects.

now waiting for some special plugs that can measure cyl pressures directly.

You referring to non-intrusive sensor-on-sparkplug type stuff? Or the intrusive stuff that requires drilling like..

If it the former how till measurement take place with the Volker plug and not the sensor plug?


Cheers

 

[Whisky_Tango]

Re: Spark Plugs

Here's my review

Arrived at the shop, was greeted by the vendor...nice chap who seems to know what he's talking about and possesses very good attitude towards his customers.

He drew a couple charts to show how conventional plugs work vs the VR plugs.
A demo began (not on my car) but on a piece of equipment where he lined up 4 different iridium plugs comprising of NGK, ND, VR and OWS and the firing commenced. He asked me and SL2 which one has the most stable firing throughout.

Without any difficulty, even an untrained pair of eyes can immediately spot which is the one and we got it right. We were so impressed to see the stability of the spark firing of VR plugs compared to the other three. The hesitation curve to buy the plugs suddenly vanished and I simply couldn’t wait for his mechanic to finish off the installation.

While seeing is believing, it’s not great enough until I drove off the premises and hit the highway.
His last words to me “ Go and drive the car and you will feel the gain immediately. If you find any vibration or misfiring, drive back your car and we will exchange the plugs for you “
Great…

Upon filtering into the highway, I started pulling from 2nd gear. It was fantastic, very linear and eager to reach the red zone. I was driving with the a/c on and having one passenger but the real feel as if he weren’t there. The throttle is light and responsive, the rpm climbs a lot faster than before and effortless. Those were the things I was truly looking for.
Gear changes are smooth. Even dropping the 3rd gear to 2nd at higher rpm feels great.
Got caught a few times in heavy traffic, watching the rpm closely and the needle was idling calmly at 750rpm. Sweet….

Given the price it offers and the performance it delivers that met my expectations. I am giving this product a rating of 10/10. I think it was money well spent.

I have yet to monitor the fuel consumption but I know it’s probably not going to be much lower haha..

For those who are looking to do CAI, ECU chipping and the likes, try this product first and feel the gain or regain of loss whatever you call it.

For everyone's guide, the plugs are installed on the Zed. Heat range used is 6.
Yet to try the SPec2 (heat range 8 perhaps) for my M3 which is probably coming out at the end of the year..Can't wait.

Well said, exactly the same that went thru and felt for me. Juz tat mine had misfire. No worries lah, Rodney is bringing in the race plugs for my car.

 

[Crufty Dusty]

Re: Spark Plugs

If it the former how till measurement take place with the Volker plug and not the sensor plug?

If I'm not wrong the plug has to be modified to fit the fiber optic pressure transducer.

 

[Shaun]

Re: Spark Plugs

Maybe off-center sensor-housing adapters for the any plug like Kistler makes

 

[Shaun]

Re: Spark Plugs

Butt-dyno on the other hand is usually more of placebo effect than any real gains.

I believe you have it exactly right

 

[yendor]

Re: Spark Plugs

Just finished polishing car.

While polishing the car i was thinking about what i said and "doh"!!!

I cock up.

The sensor plug is the non instrusive type that is built into their plugs. so very funny huh?

I think we will have to resort to the dynapack hub dyno. I know it's not very accurate but at least there is some form of measurement.

Rodney

That is somewhat sad, but I guess it would free up resources for other projects.



You referring to non-intrusive sensor-on-sparkplug type stuff? Or the intrusive stuff that requires drilling like..

If it the former how till measurement take place with the Volker plug and not the sensor plug?


Cheers

 

[yendor]

Re: Spark Plugs

Well said, exactly the same that went thru and felt for me. Juz tat mine had misfire. No worries lah, Rodney is bringing in the race plugs for my car.

Eric, i plead for your patience as the cooler plugs will only arrive in about 2-3 weeks time. We have tried Volker on continental cars and the results are very promising. Japanese cars are a little more tricky. So far Mazda 3 and lancers face the most problem firing the plugs. It has got to do with the heat range and resistance of the plugs. Finding the right match for you is the task.

Cheers

 

[yendor]

Re: Spark Plugs

Thanks for the FR, Jack. The person that greeted you was Cheng Poh the owner of the shop. Me look worse...like kenna sai..

The M54 series of engines run the 6 heat range plugs. Unless you have thingys that look like giant alternators or snails in the hot pipes. Then cooler plugs need to be used depending on the level of forced feeding.

Cheers

Rodney

Here's my review

Arrived at the shop, was greeted by the vendor...nice chap who seems to know what he's talking about and possesses very good attitude towards his customers.

 

[yendor]

Re: Spark Plugs

Guys the spec II ZR plugs that Jack is refering to are hard core race plugs that have the spark exposed to the piston surface rather than the cylinder walls. For those plugs, both tips are made of iridium alloys and are supposed to produce even more power because the resultant burn pattern enables the charge to burn faster.

Now for the bad news

The plugs only come in heat range 8, 9 10 which is equivalent to Nippon Denso 24, 27 and 30. If you car does not require such cool plugs then running then will result in fouling and their premature demise. Suitable engines are high reving or Forced Induction monsters (wink wink Eric, you get first set ). these plugs are selling at around $200 per set of 4 cos they are hand made.

For everyday run abouts, you will have to make do with the ZX range. ( same as the ones on sale at the bazzar column)

Rodney

 

[rodders]

Re: Spark Plugs

Here's my review

Arrived at the shop, was greeted by the vendor...nice chap who seems to know what he's talking about and possesses very good attitude towards his customers.

He drew a couple charts to show how conventional plugs work vs the VR plugs.
A demo began (not on my car) but on a piece of equipment where he lined up 4 different iridium plugs comprising of NGK, ND, VR and OWS and the firing commenced. He asked me and SL2 which one has the most stable firing throughout.

Without any difficulty, even an untrained pair of eyes can immediately spot which is the one and we got it right. We were so impressed to see the stability of the spark firing of VR plugs compared to the other three. The hesitation curve to buy the plugs suddenly vanished and I simply couldn’t wait for his mechanic to finish off the installation.

While seeing is believing, it’s not great enough until I drove off the premises and hit the highway.
His last words to me “ Go and drive the car and you will feel the gain immediately. If you find any vibration or misfiring, drive back your car and we will exchange the plugs for you “
Great…

Upon filtering into the highway, I started pulling from 2nd gear. It was fantastic, very linear and eager to reach the red zone. I was driving with the a/c on and having one passenger but the real feel as if he weren’t there. The throttle is light and responsive, the rpm climbs a lot faster than before and effortless. Those were the things I was truly looking for.
Gear changes are smooth. Even dropping the 3rd gear to 2nd at higher rpm feels great.
Got caught a few times in heavy traffic, watching the rpm closely and the needle was idling calmly at 750rpm. Sweet….

Given the price it offers and the performance it delivers that met my expectations. I am giving this product a rating of 10/10. I think it was money well spent.

I have yet to monitor the fuel consumption but I know it’s probably not going to be much lower haha..

For those who are looking to do CAI, ECU chipping and the likes, try this product first and feel the gain or regain of loss whatever you call it.

For everyone's guide, the plugs are installed on the Zed. Heat range used is 6.
Yet to try the SPec2 (heat range 8 perhaps) for my M3 which is probably coming out at the end of the year..Can't wait.

Baskit!! Now you made me lao-nua. Did Steven get them as well? What's his FR? If his FR is as good as yours, I'll chiong there oso.

 

[SL2]

Re: Spark Plugs

Baskit!! Now you made me lao-nua. Did Steven get them as well? What's his FR? If his FR is as good as yours, I'll chiong there oso.

I'm going down tomorrow to get mine changed. So what do you think? Kekeke..

But I must emphasize it's not tried and tested on a valvetronic yet. Let me test it out and then post my FR here..

Yendor, do you think the heat range will also be 6 for a valvetronic?

 

[rodders]

Re: Spark Plugs

I'm going down tomorrow to get mine changed. So what do you think? Kekeke..

But I must emphasize it's not tried and tested on a valvetronic yet. Let me test it out and then post my FR here..

Ok. I'll wait for your FR. I'll let you go where no man has gone before...........wahahahahahahaha

 

[Whisky_Tango]

Re: Spark Plugs

Eric, i plead for your patience as the cooler plugs will only arrive in about 2-3 weeks time. We have tried Volker on continental cars and the results are very promising. Japanese cars are a little more tricky. So far Mazda 3 and lancers face the most problem firing the plugs. It has got to do with the heat range and resistance of the plugs. Finding the right match for you is the task.

Cheers

No worries bro though now my car very sluggish on stock plugs. Faster!!!!!! heehehe

Let me noe when it comes in, no hurry.

 

[yendor]

Re: Spark Plugs

I'm going down tomorrow to get mine changed. So what do you think? Kekeke..

But I must emphasize it's not tried and tested on a valvetronic yet. Let me test it out and then post my FR here..

Yendor, do you think the heat range will also be 6 for a valvetronic?

SL2, definitely work on the valvetronic. I fitted a set this morning on a fellow bro's 318 and he drove round the estate came back grinning.

I used 6 heat range too but re-gapped to 0.9mm instead of 1.1mm. The thing to remember is to keep you stock plugs in case coil kaput (valvetronic common ailment) then you can put the plugs back incase PML get touchy and say "your plugs spoil my coil"

Cheers

 

[yendor]

Re: Spark Plugs

Shaun

Taking a leaf from the hot cold plugs thread, I think that the intense spark maybe one of the reasons for producing better power. On one of my previous rides, I installed a Bosch sports coil (distributor type of setup) and there was a notable difference in the car's performance.

Is there some mathematical relationship between spark intensity and rate of burn? I know in explosives theory, you never detonate a large chunk of TNT with a small blasting cap. You must always build up the detonating wave prior.

So in this case i suppose that with lower ionisation voltages, the coil is able to generate a more intense spark that leads to faster combustion. The only way to verify this is to plot the ignition signal with the cyl peak pressure time. In the case of non-invasive pressure measurements, this is impossible. Any ideas?

Do you have access to an engine with cylinder pressure measurements? If so I think i can design a way to verify this concept and perhaps arrive with some relationship between coil output voltage, ionisation voltage, peak cyl pressures and time to peak.

ideas anyone?

Rodney

 

[Welbo]

Re: Spark Plugs

For sharing,
This morning, I drove my car again to re-confirm my "sensitive butt feel" and..........YES , the smooth and stronger pull is still there.... Idling is stable at 800rpm. I am using heat range 7 for my MINI.


Cheers!

 

[Whisky_Tango]

Re: Spark Plugs

Shaun

Taking a leaf from the hot cold plugs thread, I think that the intense spark maybe one of the reasons for producing better power. On one of my previous rides, I installed a Bosch sports coil (distributor type of setup) and there was a notable difference in the car's performance.

Is there some mathematical relationship between spark intensity and rate of burn? I know in explosives theory, you never detonate a large chunk of TNT with a small blasting cap. You must always build up the detonating wave prior.

So in this case i suppose that with lower ionisation voltages, the coil is able to generate a more intense spark that leads to faster combustion. The only way to verify this is to plot the ignition signal with the cyl peak pressure time. In the case of non-invasive pressure measurements, this is impossible. Any ideas?

Do you have access to an engine with cylinder pressure measurements? If so I think i can design a way to verify this concept and perhaps arrive with some relationship between coil output voltage, ionisation voltage, peak cyl pressures and time to peak.

ideas anyone?

Rodney

Agree because the center electrode is usually the one designed to eject the electrons because it is the hottest. It is the negatively charged electrode that is the source of electrons in an electrical device called cathode. It is much easier to pull electrons from a hot surface. It is also easier to pull electrons from a pointed electrode. The smaller electrode also absorbs less heat from the spark and initial flame energy.

The ionic current measurement method can be used to determine the correct spark plug for the engine. Ionic current measurement is a procedure developed by Bosch, which uses the spark plug as a sensor. The gap between the center electrode and ground electrode is used to measure the ionization of the gases. As the cylinder temperature increases, the spark plug may become thermally overloaded (too hot) and will cause the air-fuel mixture to ignite before the standard ignition point (pre-ignition) or after the standard ignition point (post-ignition) resulting in ionic current flow, which can be monitored with an oscilloscope.

The other method to measure cyl pressure by mathematical calculations can be seen in chapter 5 of the attached link. Hope the book helps in other areas. ---> www.bmw-sg.com/files/spark-plugionization.pdf

I will take months to understand.




Cheers!

 

[TripleM]

Re: Spark Plugs

Rod

Baskit!! Now you made me lao-nua. Did Steven get them as well? What's his FR? If his FR is as good as yours, I'll chiong there oso

I make good sales person, don't I ? kekekeke...