colder plug?

[buzzman]

guys, what is the purpose of going to a colder plug like the 43 as opposed to the stock 44? what effect does the colder plug have on knock? just replaced my originals (28000 mi) with 43's and the car does not seem as responsive. the car starts easier but takes longer to idle down smoothly. i know you guys know.....thanks

 

[Nick Micale]

In your part of the country it is probably sorta cool now that summer is almost over! Could be your car does not like the 43's and you need to go back with 44's? If your plug wires are original, they may be broken internally and causing your problem.

First thing I would do is install the old plugs and see if it is smooth again.

 

[buzzman]

thanks, but what ar the advantages of the colder plug? Is knock affected. checked out your site, very nice.

 

[Nick Micale]

With higher than stock boost and cylinder pressures, higher ambient temps, a cooler plug will generally fire better to put it in simple terms.

Actually I think the stock plug was a 45, but that has been too many years ago for me to retain that detail! Do not see where either plug would affect knock. Colder plugs could foul quicker.

For normal street use, if the 44's ran good, stay with them. I use that plug in cars that never see the track even in our hot summer temps.

 

[salvageV6]

R44TS were stock at .035" gap. 1986-1987 of course.

 

[Weazel]

From GNTTYPE.org, a general rule is to go with the 44s if you're stock, 43s if you're running 12.5-13.3 or so, and 42s if you're faster. The colder plugs are supposed to play a role in knock, but I don't know how significant it is. I just replaced my old 44s with some new 43s, and the car seems to start and idle a little better, but there's definitely no "seat of the pants" difference. If your car is running worse, definitely put back the old ones and see what 's up. Do you have a scantool? Good luck.

 

[Qiuz]

Plugs have an operating temp where they ignite the mixture as well as burn off carbon build up without over heating and cracking. With high cylinder temps of a forced induction motor the operating temp of the plug can be greater. So to avoid destroying the plug and worst yet pre-ignition, use a plug that has a greater heat resistance to maintain the normal cylinder operating temp. Use too cool of a plug and problems with carbon deposits appear.

 

[buzzman]

thanks guys.......what have you heard about mangecor wires for the gn?

 

[salvageV6]

I've got the 10mm ones on both my cars. Two years on both sets now.

Work fine.

Some say their warranty isn't so good to get service on. I've never had to use it yet.

Others have used the 8mm version also.

Do a search on wires, tons of opinions out there.