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Modding a spark plug

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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 12:10 AM
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Default Modding a spark plug

Ive read somewhere of people modifying the spark plug ground strap or electrode.From what I can understand is instead of being the typical squared off ground strap that we usually see and put on our cars,the tip(ground strap) is modified in and u-type strap vs. the square type.I cant recall the benifits of this simple mod,but maybe someone here knows what Im talking about.

I plan on running some plugs soon so was wondering if I should try this out.Maybe its another free simple mod.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 01:31 AM
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I always ran out of the box NGK tr55's and those work just fine.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 09:21 AM
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the ngks use a v-tip. you could probably round it to a u but i doubt that would do anything.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 09:39 AM
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Basically you grind back the ground strap so its rounded & even with the leading edge, tests have shown better flame propagation.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 09:44 AM
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You know we just swapped a set of plugs that looked similar to that, car runs a lot better with the new untouched plugs but I suspect the fact the plugs we swapped which were worn to that point had something to do with it. The straps were rounded completely. Never seen a plug that bad off before.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 10:00 AM
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actually, It helps to prevent detonation. Any sharp edges in the combustion chamber will hold heat and can actually cause pre-ignition of fuel. These sharp edges can actually glow white hot and when you introduce pressure and fuel, bang you get ignition. This is why serious engine builders will round off sharp edges in valve reliefs on pistons as well the c.c. in the head.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 10:13 AM
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Originally Posted by heavy6.0
actually, It helps to prevent detonation. Any sharp edges in the combustion chamber will hold heat and can actually cause pre-ignition of fuel. These sharp edges can actually glow white hot and when you introduce pressure and fuel, bang you get ignition. This is why serious engine builders will round off sharp edges in valve reliefs on pistons as well the c.c. in the head.
That is awesome information. Great post, thank you!


Any pictures? SO are you saying just round it off or should they be taken back some as well?

Last edited by 99blancoSS; Apr 3, 2008 at 10:29 AM.
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Old Apr 3, 2008 | 09:59 PM
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Interesting info,might round of a set of plugs see if I feel any difference.
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