Home page
SPONSOR AD

Support our Vendors!  |  Advertise Here

Topic: spark plugs

in Forum: C3 Engines


Already a Member?
Login
Not yet a Member?
Register for Free!

spark plugs (1/9)
 6/22/10 1:48pm
sippy208
Former Member

Send Private Message


Vette(s):
1981


Joined: 1/21/2006
Posts: 25

Has anyone tried the new E-3 spark plubs in there c-3.  I saw a tv show where they tested the e-3 plugs on a small block and gained three hp on a dyno.  I would like to here from anyone who has used the new plugs pro and con.
 
Thanks
Fred Nordt
Our Sponsors help support C3VR
spark plugs (2/9)
 6/22/10 2:28pm
indy99
Former Member

Send Private Message

Newport, MI - USA

Vette(s):
1980 L-48 still in the middle of a frame-off.


Joined: 6/9/2005
Posts: 932

Here are a few reviews from Amazon that I found.  The average price is about 6.00 ea. 3hp gain on a 300hp engine is 1%.
 
This review is from: E3 Spark Plugs E3.56 Automotive, Truck, Van and SUV OEM Replacement Spark Plug , Pack of 1 (Misc.)
I put these in a 2000 Dodge Durango 4.7L. The difference was amazing. Better gas milage and smoother running. Great Product!!!!

 
8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars 2nd time with e3 products, December 29, 2007
By  Darrell C. Asper Jr. (Columbia PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   
This review is from: E3 Spark Plugs E3.56 Automotive, Truck, Van and SUV OEM Replacement Spark Plug , Pack of 1 (Misc.)
I first tried these in a 2002 ford ranger 4.0, I went from 14-15 mpg to 16-18 in the ball park of a 2% increase, and better starting and a power increase.

Today I put a set in my 2007 FJ Cruiser 4.0, again and probably even more noticable power, and I can tell you when I filled up yesterday, I got 15.1 mpg, After I put the plugs in and did my running, and refueled, I hit 18.5 mpg. So yes, I feel these plugs are worth the money, I definitly recommend E3!
indy992010-06-22 11:42:35

______________

Corvettes and women are the same...You want to make love to them but they keep breaking down.
spark plugs (3/9)
 6/22/10 4:28pm
Gunslinger
Former Member

Send Private Message

Frederick, MD - USA

Vette(s):
1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior


Joined: 9/8/2003
Posts: 3398

My own experience with exotic spark plugs has not been positive.  I've concluded that if you have a car with an ignition system that requires them, then that's what you use.

For an older car with a contemporary ignition system, you're gaining nothing but enriching the pockets of the spark plug maker.  You're not gaining any performance advantage over stock requirements.

I think all you need to install is the proper heat range plug of whatever brand spark plug you like.  The entire ignition system is no better than its weakest link.  Expensive spark plugs won't make up for something lacking elsewhere in the system.  

While I haven't seen the tv show or infomercial where they tested the plugs it brings up a question...at what rpm were they able to measure the alleged 3hp increase?  Was it at a very high rpm or where you actually drive?  Did they test the E3's against a brand new, properly gapped set in the engine or against the plugs that had been in the test engine for 10k miles and who knows what gap they were at?  Trying to compare and get answers in a vacuum of information and facts doesn't help.

When someone does a true test of apples against apples I'll pay attention.  Spark plugs are designed to allow a spark to jump at the right time.  How that's done is still essentially the same after all these years.  Technology has made improvements to be sure, but it has to be in context of the entire ignition system and over a period of time to be considered valid, not just in one test.
spark plugs (4/9)
 6/22/10 8:10pm
ranger3Lifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

North Charleston, SC - USA

Vette(s):
1975 L48 AT AC T-top


Joined: 3/20/2004
Posts: 4176

I agree with Bruce. It's difficult to comprehend what this plug could do to increase HP or MPG. The plugs simply ignite the fuel mixture. I consider most of these performance enhancing products as simple gimmicks.(EBO, if you're reading this, I predict, no pun intended, a one liner is in our future.)  
Scott
ranger32010-06-22 17:14:38
spark plugs (5/9)
 6/24/10 11:21am
VetteSpecialties
Former Member

Send Private Message

Mounds View, MN - USA

Vette(s):
70 LT1 coupe, 69 350 HP coupe, 69 390HP 427 coupe, 71 LS5 convert, 85 coupe, 93 coupe


Joined: 5/24/2007
Posts: 1031

I too agree.  I have seen dyno tests of other ignition products, and there is never any increase over a properly functioning original product.  I would use that money to make sure the whole ignition system is in good condition.

Larry
spark plugs (6/9)
 6/24/10 11:59am
lukesvetteLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

HOWELL, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1979, Targa Blue (72 Color), Pace Car rear spoiler, L88 hood, Dark blue factory interior, 525HP 406, HD 700R4, 370 gears,Steeroids, composite rear spring, TT IIs wrapped in T/A Radials.


Joined: 5/18/2004
Posts: 6812

I had Bosch platinum plugs in with my old 327 in the Vette. Car ran a respectable 14.42 at 99 MPH. Changed to a set of splitfire  plugs, all other conditions the same, equal R/T ~ 14.53. Switched plugs back to the Bosch, 14.39.

I agree with Larry and the crew - its the overall ignition system that makes the difference... 
spark plugs (7/9)
 6/24/10 6:28pm
anips
Former Member

Send Private Message

sonoma, CA - USA

Vette(s):
72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe


Joined: 8/9/2002
Posts: 784

try a set of the reasonabley priced GM rapid fire plugs or if you like to fool around, take your favorite standard plugs and grind the ground back till the end is centered with the center electrode, index em so the ground end faces down towards the top of the piston, that helps.
spark plugs (8/9)
 6/25/10 6:31pm
riddjLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

MILLTOWN, NJ - USA

Vette(s):
1969 427/435 EFI, 5 Speed, 411 gears, Fathom Green, Leather Interior.


Joined: 2/5/2003
Posts: 116

I have tried e3's, ac rapid fire #4, ac 43's and ac 44's. When you put new plugs in they're the best thing ever because the old ones needed replacing. I didn't notice anything appreciably different. I'm currently using ac 43's. I think the e3's have a lifetime warrantee but I misplaced the sales receipt so I didn't try to get a new set.

______________

Jim
Lifetime Member #140

spark plugs (9/9)
 6/25/10 8:53pm
chances rLifetime Member
Lifetime Member
Send Private Message

spicewood, TX - USA

Vette(s):
Sold them Both


Joined: 9/13/2009
Posts: 72

All the new plug designs do is give a more precise  spark, and in most cases that makes it more conducive  to better combustion.  What you will find though is that the Iridium, and platinum plugs last longer.  Iridium is one of the most conductive and hardest natural metals known to man.  Platinum  Would come in a close second in the Spark plug world, anyway.  They last longer because the electrode just does not burn away as fast due to the extremely high melting point.  (2700-2900 degrees)  They can also grind the core down to a finer point at the tip, so the spark can be directed to the groung more precisely.  Like anything else you pay for the difference.  I am using Iridium plugs simply because i don't want to have to change the suckers but every 100,000 miles.  I have NGK's In all my cars, and have not noticed any drastic gains in any of them.  Although, I will say that Gas mileage increased ever so slightly.  Over the life of the plugs I might even save enough in gas to pay for them........

______________

 
Our Sponsors help support C3VR