Most individuals wrongfully assume that the most expensive spark plug accessories are the best choice for your vehicle. The spark plug you choose depends on the specifications and characteristics of the engine. Not selecting the right plug temperature or type can result in a short lifespan, poor performance, and engine failure. Discover the best spark plug accessories in the following article.

Spark Plug Accessories – Things to Consider

 

We may think that if a little bit is good, then more should be better in terms of the performance of a spark plug, but this may not be entirely accurate. It is tempting to assume that spark plugs that generate a hotter spark are better than their competitors since their primary purpose is to ignite the fuel at a precise moment, generating combustion that turns into power.

 

However, to obtain the best ignition, the plug’s temperature must meet the application’s demands. If the tip is too hot, pre-ignition can happen. This leads to knocking/detonation, resulting in damage. If the spark plug is too cold, electrically conductive deposits can form, with the insulator generating decreased spark energy or shorting out of a spark current.

 

The air and fuel within your combustion chamber are highly susceptible to pre-detonation with high-compression engines. When the fuel mixture compresses, temperatures increase. You will want less heat entering in to burn all the fuel in the chamber. 

 

Lower compressions make the spark plug generate higher temperatures to ignite an air/fuel mixture. If it doesn’t ignite, unburned air and fuel forms deposits throughout the engine and on the plugs. Deposits will feed on the economy and performance traits of an engine.

 

Type of Plug

 

The material of the electrode will affect the plug’s temperature. There are three common materials used in spark plugs. They are iridium, platinum, and copper.

 

• Iridium Plugs: These plugs service similar engines to platinum plugs since they are considered a hotplug. Iridium is more resilient and harder than platinum so they have a longer lifespan (125,000 miles). Many late-model cars have these technologically advanced plugs from the factory. They provide superior fuel efficiency and acceleration.

 

• Platinum Plugs: Platinum plugs will burn at a higher temperature, which helps in preventing deposits from occurring, making them more desirable for engines with lower combustion. Since they are harder than copper, the lifespan extends to 100,000 miles.

 

• Copper Plugs: A copper plug can be a copper core electrode covered by a nickel-alloy coating. Since they are the coolest running, they are perfect for high compression performance. They have the shortest lifespan, lasting around 20,000 miles.

 

Boost and Fuel

 

While compression may play a role in selecting the best spark plug, boost does as well. When the application is boosted, it incurs the same principles as high compression engines, making copper plugs the best choice. 

 

When you install any spark plug, they will need to be gapped. A spark plug gap is where the spark discharge happens. Proper gaps will enhance the plug’s performance. Every company has a specific gap that needs to be used.

 

Different fuel types will also affect your selection as each has different cooling capabilities. While copper tends to be the best for performance, all factors mentioned above play a role in your selection. 

 

Accessories for Spark Plugs

The best spark plugs restore or preserve performance. However, they aren’t the only component of the ignition system that needs your attention. Good distributors, coil, and plug wires are additionally important.

 

Coil/coil packs are sources of energy. There is value in having the best coil in terms of performance. If you have a carbureted application, the plug wires and distributor are responsible for transferring power to the last destination.

 

Plug Wires

 

When you increase the performance of your engine, factory plug wires will generate too much resistance. The more power available, the more important the burn becomes. You need the most energy available to make it to your plugs. Therefore, opt for plug wires containing a low internal resistance.

 

Decent plug wires don’t have to cost a lot of money. Some are competitively priced. 

 

However, the system is completely useless without the “brains” of the operation. The distributor’s job is to determine what plug fires at what timing.

 

HEI Distributors

 

HEI distributors are often installed because they appear cleaner under your hood, plus they are maintenance-free. While an HEI is not necessary for great results, the advantage is that you can easily make adjustments to timing advance. Springs, counterweights, and bushings are under the rotor, making it easier to adjust over other setups.

 

Tuning into your timing curve provides better performance gains over other ignition modifications. Even if your timing is extremely close, bringing the system the rest of the way makes a difference in how your vehicle functions. 

 

Distributor

 

The where of the spark plug firing determines how your engine runs. If the timing isn’t perfect, having the best parts won’t fix the issue. Distributors tend to work with advanced systems. Some have a vacuum advance, a mechanical advance, or a combination of both systems. 

 

The advance is important when installing a distributor. The specifications require the ignition to occur around ten degrees before TDC. It has an advance to ensure adequate time for a spark to reach your chamber. This allows it to produce enough energy at the precise moment needed. 

 

As the engine accelerates, it needs the spark quicker, which is why an advance is required. 

 

Timing changes around 10° while idling, and 34° of advance at 3,000 RPM is typical. There is no universal formula, but your driving habits, your build’s specifications, and other factors are considered. Researching a comparable build will get you close to what you need. Then you must decide if you want to do the factory distributor or generate an alternative setup.

 

Spark plug and spark plug accessory selection always require conducting informed research. Consult the service manual for recommendations. If you are unsure, consult a parts store employee for further assistance with your make and model.