A General Spark Plug Question
 

How does a spark plugs gap effect performance, and driveability? Whats its main purpose?

Also the temperature that a spark plug "sparks" at how can it benefit a car?

What kind of differance can you make if everything is withing "factory specs" or even a performance stand-point?

The larger the gap, the larger the spark, the more burning power the spark has.

You just have to make sure that your ignition system has enough power to throw a spark across the larger gap consistently.

- Justin

alrighty then....

1. Larger gap is not better - the ignition system will require more voltage to fire the spark plug, which at higher RPM's it may or may not have the required voltage. This will lead to misfires.

2. Smaller gap is not necessarily better - if it's too close, the spark may be shrouded and incomplete combustion will occur.

3. Rounded electrodes are bad - If the center electrode is rounded, replace the plug. It is worn, and will require more voltage to fire.

the purpose of the spark plug gap is to provide an easy jump from center electrode to ground, without shrouding the spark. If the gap is improperly set, it can, as i said before, lead to misfires or incomplete combustion, both of which will hurt fuel economy and performance.

the temperature rating of a spark plug is how much heat is dissipated by the spark plug's insulator. A cold plug will dissipate more heat, while a hot plug will dissipate less heat. In a higher horsepower engine, a colder plug is generally better, especially when it comes to forced induction.

if everything is within factory specs, your car will run as it was meant to. this also goes for aftermarket ignition systems. the claims of horsepower gains by various manufacturers are bogus. the only time an aftermaket ignition system will gain power over the stock system is if the stock system was malfunctioning and not operating as efficiently as it should have been.

bottom line: DO WHAT THE MANUFACTURER SAYS TO DO. Follow their recommendations.