Spark Plug Heat Range

[FireDemonSiC]

I'm curious who here has ran a step colder plug and what was your experience with them? What mods are you running?

This seems to be a topic of debate with these engines, with some people saying a range 7 plug is absolutely a good idea for cheap insurance on a "not stock" setup while others are of the mindset that the factory range 6 is more than adequate.

I ran NGK Ruthenium HX plugs on my '17 Sport and it seemed to run really well with them at all times. Now I'm thinking of tossing a set in the ST but going one step colder for good insurance especially considering these Explorers turn up alot better than the 3.5EB

Right now I'm running a Livernois 93 pump gas tune and it for sure made a considerable difference in performance and acceleration over stock. I have a few other modifications planned such as a complete CAI setup, exhaust and Whipple intercooler.

I've always been of the mentality "Run the HOTTEST plug possible that doesn't result in detonation". But I typically work with N/A engines. I have a 550+hp LS3 running just fine on TR6 (NGK range 6) plugs but 0psi vs 20+psi isn't exactly apples to apples.

FWIW I know that fuel type also plays a pretty big role in this discussion. As of right now this is just a fun daily to haul ass down the highway with and some occasional track time. 93 pump gas is likely going to be the only type of fuel I'm running.

 

[Big Turk]

Following. As an aside, that is a beautiful colour.

 

[FireDemonSiC]

Following. As an aside, that is a beautiful colour.

Thanks! It's called Rich Copper metallic clear-coat and apparently it's some rare upcharge option. Didn't even know until after I bought it. Just knew I liked the color.

 

[kDiqq]

Funny enough, I run TR6s on my Procharged LS with gap closed up a little. Makes killer power. When I tuned my Aviator, it was recommended to go to NGK LTR7BHXs on a .028 gap. I did that prior to tuning it, ran fine. After tuning, it still ran fine. I didn't like that that it was such a high dollar plug, but whatever, it's only 6.

 

[TMac]

Here is a thread about plugs.

 

[FireDemonSiC]

Here is a thread about plugs.

I'm familiar with the role that heat range plays. I'm moreso curious what people have ran with these particular engines and what their modifications were.

 

[UNBROKEN]

I’ve ran a range colder since early on…tuners request. All bolt ons except turbos and HPFP/Injectors. 73K miles now and zero issues.

 

[FireDemonSiC]

I’ve ran a range colder since early on…tuners request. All bolt ons except turbos and HPFP/Injectors. 73K miles now and zero issues.

Thanks. I think I will give them a try. I have a built SBC stroker engine in my 85 making a tad north of 400hp and running range 7s in it, I feel that they don't get quite hot enough to clean properly unless I'm spraying.

Same heat range In the 500-550 range under boost I'd think would do just fine.

 

[MIB]

Thanks! It's called Copper metallic tri-coat and apparently it's some rare upcharge option. Didn't even know until after I bought it. Just knew I liked the color.

I like that color over my rapid red

 

[Grabber]

I still cannot find this anywhere, but, what is the gap for a completely stock ST?

I see .28, .24, .31, etc.

 

[Cruising68]

I still cannot find this anywhere, but, what is the gap for a completely stock ST?

I see .28, .24, .31, etc.

I just bought a new set of pre-gapped colder plugs and they were set at .23 or is it .023 prior to shipping. Run great and smoother than stock.


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[FireDemonSiC]

I still cannot find this anywhere, but, what is the gap for a completely stock ST?

I see .28, .24, .31, etc.

IIRC, most of the Tuned/IC guys are running .028 gap. Stock I'm not sure. I'd look up the stock spark plug part # and check what the gap is on it. I highly doubt dealerships are custom gapping plugs prior to install.