Spark Plug recommendations
Thread Starter
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 3,460
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From: Lawndale, CA (310)
Spark Plug recommendations Hi Guys. I was searching around and it appears that the NGK 7397 TR-5IX Iridium IX plugs are still the recommended plugs to go with.
My 02 SS is pretty much stock other than an intake and exhaust. Any help would be appreciated in getting the "right" set of plugs.
Thanks
My 02 SS is pretty much stock other than an intake and exhaust. Any help would be appreciated in getting the "right" set of plugs.
Thanks
I have recently had this question as well. The general consensus from multiple forum threads is the NGK TR5IX or the TR55. I run the TR51X iridium's in my 98 SS and am quite happy with them.
Read the plugs!!! You need to see what the engine wants. Many of the bolt on cars making decent power want a colder plug than TR55's when we read the plugs. I started putting TR6's in my stuff. You're not going to lose any real hp from running a slightly colder plug.
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When I was catback and lid only, I used tr55's. Once I was cammed and full exhaust I used tr6's.
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Teching In
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 16
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Wonder if the E3 spark plugs would do any good? ive been hearing alot of talk about them. i have a 97 firebird trans am and have ngk tr55ix plugs in there now but was thinking of switching them out for the E3, any thoughts?
On an NA motor use Autolite 5245s. For FI use 5243s or the colder yet 5241s if necessary. The standard 5145 plugs operate at about 1200 degrees at the tip. Each drop in range equals 150 degree drop. Under FI you need a cooler plug range to prevent detonation.
With FI, the standard plug will heat up to much higher than its intended range of 1200 degrees. So, you must change to a colder plug. When the plug tips hit 1400 degrees or higher, detonation will occur. Colder plugs have recessed center electrodes which shortens the path to release heat. Plugs cool by wicking away tip heat through the copper core to the plug shell which contacts the cylinder head. The shorter path cools the plug faster.
Ideally tip temperature should be 1050 to 1200 degrees. This is necessary to burn off deposits to keep the plug tip clean. If the plug is too cold it will foul out. Too hot and it will detonate. Try dropping or adding one heat range at a time until you find the right plug range.
With FI, the standard plug will heat up to much higher than its intended range of 1200 degrees. So, you must change to a colder plug. When the plug tips hit 1400 degrees or higher, detonation will occur. Colder plugs have recessed center electrodes which shortens the path to release heat. Plugs cool by wicking away tip heat through the copper core to the plug shell which contacts the cylinder head. The shorter path cools the plug faster.
Ideally tip temperature should be 1050 to 1200 degrees. This is necessary to burn off deposits to keep the plug tip clean. If the plug is too cold it will foul out. Too hot and it will detonate. Try dropping or adding one heat range at a time until you find the right plug range.