Thread: How To: Side Gap Spark Plugs

This is a fairly simple modification and doesn't require too much work, time, or too many tools. I highly suggest using this method along with Indexing for the most efficient "burn" of the fuel. I've noticed that after Side Gaping and indexing the copper spark plugs will run just as well and if not better then Platinum's and Iridium's but for far less in price!

Original How To on the web.

Please take a look at these examples. (Courtesy of The world's most powerful spark plug from Enerpulse)



As you can see the ground electrode is blocking the fuel expansion, you want it to hit the freshly entered fuel, not the exhaust side where some exhaust gases are still left over. Plus side gaping allows for the flame front to go down, thus helping it expand faster.

Tools

• Sharpie
• Dremel or something to cut metal with precisely
• Spark Plug Gaping Tool
  

1. Remove your spark plugs from the engine or if they are brand new take them out.



2. Take a sharpie and mark the amount that you want to cut off.


You want the ground electrode to end where the spark plug's center piece begins.



3. Properly bolt down the spark plug so that you don't have to hold it by hand when you use the dremel.


4. Now Dremel sells cutting bits, you will need one of those, they cut through the ground electrode like butter



5.All done with the cutting



6. Now you want to adjust the gap, the original manual calls for a .010 reduction in the gap, but I think this is for older ignitions. I personally run OEM gap, .039 on coppers and .044 on Platinum/Iridium tipped plugs, I have no spark breakup issues. Boost applications will vary on boost levels though, run the biggest gap without breakup!


Install them in, Index them, and you should be getting the best you can out of your $2 spark plugs!

Onto the Dyno numbers...
Now unfortunately I do not have a graph for the non-gaped plugs that were just indexed, but I received 2whp by just indexing, then 5whp more by side gaping.




Gas Mileage Gains
I've seen 2-3mpg gas mileage increase by simply switching to side gapped plugs.

Hhmmmm cheaper alternative to that expensive ass plug that sends the spark straight down (don't remember the name of them) Did you try this already? also did you notice a difference? WHat do you mean by index them?

http://www.sr20-forum.com/naturally-aspirated-all-motor/4369-how-index-your-spark-plugs.html

i'm interested to see how well this works for others

Oh thanks for that link man some good reading material right there.

np man. it was actually in Vadim's first sentence on this thread lol

If I can scrape up another set of 7E's, or even 6E's I might have a difference dyno chart by next week...

this might be off but from what i have seen and read jagged plugs will have problems with hot spoting the plug and add to the chance of detonation. i think this will be come an issue if you up the boost or run a hotter plug like your 6's.

Hmm more reason to run 7E's I guess. I can see this being the case because this technically should give you a better burn, better burn means hotter gasses...

mmmmmmmm interesting... but im affraid of detonation

Never had that problem haha. Other then say added heat I don't see why it would have an issue...