Generation III External Engine LS1 | LS6 | Bolt-Ons | Intakes | Exhaust | Ignition | Accessories
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Does the spark plug gap need to change as you build more power?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Apr 26, 2005 | 11:17 PM
  #1  
Dragaholic's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club NA
iTrader: (180)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Default Does the spark plug gap need to change as you build more power?

I'm currently putting down 398 rwhp cam only through an automatic, unlocked loose converter, 12 bolt w/4.10 and on slicks which takes away a lot of power, so I have roughly 518 fwhp. I was wanting to know as the motor makes more power, does the gap change any? I'm running TR-55s, but plan on changing them soon.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2005 | 01:00 AM
  #2  
strokedls1's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 0
From: Venice, Ca
Default

For every 50 hp the gag should be closed up .004. I would assume you would gap to .045-.048 with your combo on a tr6 plug.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2005 | 12:39 PM
  #3  
Dragaholic's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club NA
iTrader: (180)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Default

I plan on running the TR-55s again, will it still be the same? Also, does that 50 hp apply to power over stock? If so, I've added roughly 200 fwhp from stock which would put me at .039 gap.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2005 | 04:28 PM
  #4  
strokedls1's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 0
From: Venice, Ca
Default

I was talking rwhp. Do a tr55 at .045 gap. The plug type does not matter.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2005 | 06:58 PM
  #5  
Dragaholic's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club NA
iTrader: (180)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Default

Well if you close up the gap .004 for every 50 hp you add to stock, then I would need to close it up a total of .016 which would put me at .039 from the stock gap of a TR-55 (.055).
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2005 | 07:45 PM
  #6  
strokedls1's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 0
From: Venice, Ca
Default

I ran a tr6 at .038 on my 422ci with a 100 nx shot with 600 rwhp. Your rear wheel hp is a little over 100 from stock. Probably close to 150 with the high stall and big gear. I still think at most I would do a .045 on a tr55. If you want to go lower a tr6 come stock gapped at .035 and could be upped to an .042-.043. A stock car puts down at least 300 rwhp and your a little over a 100 rwhp now which is where I am getting my calculation from.
Reply
Old Apr 27, 2005 | 09:26 PM
  #7  
Dragaholic's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club NA
iTrader: (180)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Default

The hp ratings that GM advertises is motor hp (fwhp). My car was advertised as 320 hp I believe. I'm putting down 398 as of right now and with roughly 22% drivetrain loss, I figured 518 fwhp. So thats about 200 hp above stock. Thats where I got my calculation. I never dynoed my car stock.
Reply
Old Apr 29, 2005 | 01:26 PM
  #8  
Rays C5's Avatar
11 Second Club
 
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 226
Likes: 0
From: Va. beach,Va
Default

Originally Posted by strokedls1
For every 50 hp the gag should be closed up .004. I would assume you would gap to .045-.048 with your combo on a tr6 plug.
I know this applies to nos cars but I've never heard of this for n.a. cars. Can you elaborate as to why???
Reply
LS1 Tech Stories

The Best V8 Stories One Small Block at Time

story-0

Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-1

Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-5

Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-7

Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

 
story-8

Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Apr 30, 2005 | 12:14 PM
  #9  
Dragaholic's Avatar
Thread Starter
9 Second Club NA
iTrader: (180)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 1
From: Houston, TX
Default

I would like to confirm as well if this information is correct because I am going to change them very soon and I want to make sure I have the correct gap before installing them. Thanks.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2005 | 07:25 PM
  #10  
felton316's Avatar
TECH Addict
 
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,593
Likes: 0
From: TEXAS
Default

Originally Posted by Dragaholic
The hp ratings that GM advertises is motor hp (fwhp). My car was advertised as 320 hp I believe. I'm putting down 398 as of right now and with roughly 22% drivetrain loss, I figured 518 fwhp. So thats about 200 hp above stock. Thats where I got my calculation. I never dynoed my car stock.

Those stock hp numbers were HIGHLY under rated. My car was dynoed at 308 rwhp while being advertized at 320 fwhp. If you add in any drivetrain loss, that's well above the advertised 320hp.
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2005 | 08:13 PM
  #11  
cyphur's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
iTrader: (10)
 
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 8,009
Likes: 0
From: North Texas
Default

Originally Posted by Dragaholic
The hp ratings that GM advertises is motor hp (fwhp). My car was advertised as 320 hp I believe.
You've been around too long to believe that horseshit. If you truely believe that GM rated the cars honestly than you need your head checked(again?).
Reply
Old Apr 30, 2005 | 11:27 PM
  #12  
jbuckweiser's Avatar
Staging Lane
 
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Nortern Idaho
Default

Originally Posted by cyphur_traq
You've been around too long to believe that horseshit. If you truely believe that GM rated the cars honestly than you need your head checked(again?).
quit dickni'n around and go for the tr-6 plugs.
Reply
Old May 1, 2005 | 12:43 AM
  #13  
Wnts2Go10O's Avatar
TECH Veteran
iTrader: (12)
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,354
Likes: 0
From: Rockville, MD
Default

Originally Posted by Rays C5
I know this applies to nos cars but I've never heard of this for n.a. cars. Can you elaborate as to why???
less gap = fatter spark= better combustion= more power. does that sound bout right?
Reply
Old May 1, 2005 | 12:54 AM
  #14  
ArcticZ28's Avatar
TECH Senior Member
20 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
Shutterbug
iTrader: (14)
 
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 5,125
Likes: 4
From: Alexandria, VA
Default

TR6's are not what you want, unles you're going to spray, due to their colder heat range. Just go with the TR55's gapped at .045.
Reply
Old May 1, 2005 | 12:45 PM
  #15  
strokedls1's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,829
Likes: 0
From: Venice, Ca
Default

If you are cramming in more air then you have a bit more pressure and want a smaller gap to maintain a strong spark. The idea is still to have the largest gap for the power. The smaller gap is less efficent. There is no exact gap number that you have to hit to make the car run. It will work with a pretty good spread. Gap them out at .045 with the tr55's and you will be fine.
Reply




All times are GMT -5. The time now is 12:29 PM.

story-0
Topdon ONE vs. Artidiag 800 BT2: Which is the Diagnostic Tablet For You?

Slideshow: We take a close look at the ONE and Artidiag 800BT2 diagnostic tools from Topdon and the reasons to buy one over the other.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 11:05:11


VIEW MORE
story-1
Gas Monkey Built a 6-Wheel Ferrari Testarossa With a Corvette LT4 Engine

Slideshow: The controversial Ferrari F6 swaps its original flat-12 for a Corvette Z06-derived LT4 V8 and sends power to four rear wheels through a custom-built drivetrain.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-26 18:23:54


VIEW MORE
story-2
7 Most Reliable High-Performance Engines GM Has Ever Built

Slideshow:These GM engines didn't just make huge power, they survived abuse, boost, track days, and six-digit mileage with a reputation for refusing to quit.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-21 16:45:27


VIEW MORE
story-3
Amazing '71 Camaro Restomod Is Modern Muscle Car Under the Skin

Slideshow: This heavily modified 1971 Camaro mixes classic muscle car styling with a fifth-generation Camaro interior and modern LS3 power.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:06:42


VIEW MORE
story-4
6 Common C5 Corvette Failures and What's Involved In Repairing Them

Slideshow: From wobbling harmonic balancers to failed EBCMs, these are the issues that define long-term C5 ownership and what repairs typically involve.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-07 18:44:57


VIEW MORE
story-5
Retro Modern Bandit Pontiac Trans AM Comes With Burt Reynolds' Autograph

Slideshow: A modern Camaro transformed into a retro icon, this limited-run "Bandit" build blends nostalgia with brute force in a way few revivals manage.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:57:02


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 Greatest Cadillac V Series Performance Models Ever, Ranked

Slideshow: Cadillac didn't just crash the high-performance luxury vehicle party, it showed up loud, supercharged, and occasionally a little unhinged...

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-04-16 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Powerful Chevy Trucks Ever Made!

Slideshow: Top ten most powerful Chevy trucks ever made

By | 2026-03-25 09:22:26


VIEW MORE
story-8
Hennessey's New Supercharged Silverado ZR2 Has 700 HP

Slideshow: Hennessey has turned the Silverado ZR2 into a 700-hp off-road monster with supercharged V8 power and a limited production run.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-24 18:57:52


VIEW MORE
story-9
Coachbuilt N2A Anteros Is an LS2-Powered C6 Corvette In Italian Clothes

Slideshow: A one-off sports car that looks like a vintage Italian exotic-but hides a C6 Corvette underneath-just sold for the price of a new mid-engine Corvette.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-03-23 18:53:41


VIEW MORE