Generation IV Internal Engine 2005-2014 LS2 | LS3 | LS7 | L92 | LS9

Spark Plug Gap? And Why?

Old Jun 30, 2008 | 06:47 PM
  #1  
ArKay99's Avatar
Thread Starter
TECH Regular
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 490
Likes: 0
From: Washington Township, NJ
Default Spark Plug Gap? And Why?

Is there a reason to re-gap a plug in an LS1-LS2, LS6, etc motor?
I've been doing some research on this, but I haven't found what appears to be a 'definitive answer'. I'm wondering if there is an 'ideal' gap for a plug. For instance the stock plain vanilla delco plugs are pre-gapped at .060" if I am not mistaken. I am currently running NGK TR6 IR's that were gapped at .030" from the box.

I'm running what's in my sig and have re-gapped my plugs to .045" because someone who seemed to know more about it than me, (I don't know anything about it), told me so. I read somewhere that you should run the largest gap you can without 'blowout'. It was a while ago and I forgot about it until today because I was dynoing my 'new' LPE 403. The car made great numbers for what I was expecting. I know it's probably more of a tweak thing, but I'm wondering if there is an 'optimum' gap for a plug in a certain size motor, or for what compression ratio, or the kind of power you make, or for any combo of the above, or for no combo.

Will the flame grow quicker from a longer spark causing a faster burn? Is gap length more of a factor with carbed motors vs fuel injection?
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2008 | 07:55 PM
  #2  
ssmith512's Avatar
On The Tree
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 126
Likes: 0
From: Indianapolis
Default

Gap used to be very important with old point style ignitions. Our newer solid state ignitions put out enough voltage consistantly that gap is not "as" important in a pump gas N/A application. Gap becomes more of a factor on higher compression motors, high boost motors, and nitrous motors. A larger gap will indeed promote a "hotter" spark which can promote better burn, up to a point. Having said that, I personally feel that .030" is too small of a gap for your application. I would bet .050" - .060" would be more than sufficient. But I wouldnt get too caught up with plug gap.
Reply
Old Jul 1, 2008 | 08:56 PM
  #3  
'02 WS6's Avatar
TECH Fanatic
15 Year Member
Photogenic
Photoriffic
iTrader: (73)
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,580
Likes: 13
From: Texas
Default

I run my TR6's out of the box @ .035. But mine is a stock cube ls1.
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2008 | 10:51 PM
  #4  
youguessit's Avatar
TECH Regular
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 447
Likes: 0
From: Houston
Default

The tr55 plugs that everyone raves about are gapped at .55 Does that give a hint. I have also noticed that the bigger the gap is on my plugs the more high end i seem to get... it also eats a lil low end torque. I guess its like everything else.... a trade off. Anyways sometimes it better to experiment for yourself and find your median. Just my 2cents.
Reply
Old Sep 30, 2008 | 11:55 PM
  #5  
Turbo.TransAM's Avatar
Staging Lane
iTrader: (1)
 
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
Default

i run .035 as well
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2008 | 09:01 PM
  #6  
Fifedogg's Avatar
11 Second Club
iTrader: (15)
 
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 772
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
Default

I've always used TR-55's out of the box.
Reply
Old Oct 2, 2008 | 10:32 PM
  #7  
Gordon0652's Avatar
TECH Junkie
iTrader: (4)
 
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,188
Likes: 2
Default

TR55s @ .055 here
Reply


Thread Tools
Search this Thread

All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:04 AM.