Thread: Question's about the NGK BKR7E's

A quick background......

At first I couldn't find the NGK's, so I went with Autolite 3922's. They weren't easy to find either. But everywhere I looked for the NGK's, they were out of stock. But so far, the Autolite's have worked well. I ran them at .038 gap without any signs of detonation or blowout.

Now, my question.....

I just recently purchased a set of the NGK BKR7E's. Every listing I pulled up listed these as V-Power type plugs. After I bought the plugs, something kept bothering me. When looking closer at the details of the V-Power plug, it focuses the spark at the edge of the electrodes to decrease heat. And there is a notch in the center electrode. Now, most everything I've read about detonation says that it will start at sharp edges that are more likely to heat up quick, as opposed to smooth surfaces.

So did I manage to buy the wrong plugs? Or has anyone used these same plugs with no ill effects? If it's going to increase chances of detonation, then I've wasted money.

I run them because I am turbo. They are are hotter plugs so most people run them for turbo setups. NGK BKR6E is OEM I believe. It's weird that you can't find any because lots of stores around me stock at least a few BKR7E's and if they are out of stock it only takes half a day to get in since the hubs stock them.

You likely meant to say that 7's are a colder heat range than a 6...

FWIW, OEM heatrange on a Subaru turbo is also a 6.

You'll be fine. That tiny shape to the plug grounding strap will cause you absolutely no issues. Same goes for a pointy electrode if that's what you're talking about. Don't worry about it.

Thanks Ben. Since I've been getting into higher boost, this is becoming more of a concern to me. The ride from 0 - 10psi is nice, but once I pass 10+, it's like a JATO rocket lights up I think it would make me physically ill if something let go one time because of something like a spark plug.

And yeah, it surprises me that NONE of the major or smaller parts stores around here don't stock, and can't even order these.

I carry the race heat range 8 and 9 plugs. They are available at local parts stores, but are non resistor plugs. I've run them without any issues, and most of the 1000whp supras around here run the 8s as well.

I've already ordered a set of the 7's. The Autolite 3922's I ran before are what was cross-referrenced with the BKR7E's. They worked pretty good, so I'm kind of expecting the same with the NGK's.

I run 22 psi tops, but I don't hit 22 that often. I usually hit up to 14-18, unless I'm feeling "spirited". I've never heard any audible knock, or felt the timing pull less than what the ecu is set for. Would I really need to go with an 8 though? Or should the 7's suffice?