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Spark Plug Gap, looking for personal experiences.
I know what Mazda recommends, I know what NGK, and I've seen what a few people say they use on turbo or FI setups. What I would really like to hear are everyone's personal experience with different gaps. What gaps have everyone, for the most part, been the most comfortable with?
Searched quite awhile and couldn't find a thread close that dealt with just this subject without being a part of something else somewhat related where gaps were only passing mentions or the Mazda/NGK recommendation were quoted. |
So you just want to make the same s****d mistake as someone else who had no idea what they were doing rather than buy the proper pre-gapped plugs?
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No threads because its a non-issue. Only if there were varying opinions would there be multiple threads.
Just buy OEM NGK plugs, don't mess with the gap, install, be satisfied that the work correctly and ideally. Posted From RX8Club.com Android App |
Speaking of plugs, I just bought my yearly set of NGKs for $63 shipped this morning. They will go in this weekend with the gap unmolested.
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Originally Posted by TeamRX8
(Post 4672975)
So you just want to make the same s****d mistake as someone else who had no idea what they were doing rather than buy the proper pre-gapped plugs?
3. Gapping Since the gap size has a direct affect on the spark plug's tip temperature and on the voltage necessary to ionize (light) the air/fuel mixture, careful attention is required. While it is a popular misconception that plugs are pre-gapped from the factory, the fact remains that the gap must be adjusted for the vehicle that the spark plug is intended for. Those with modified engines must remember that a modified engine with higher compression or forced induction will typically require a smaller gap settings (to ensure ignitability in these denser air/fuel mixtures). As a rule, the more power you are making, the smaller the gap you will need. A spark plug's voltage requirement is directly proportionate to the gap size. The larger the gap, the more voltage is needed to bridge the gap. Most experienced tuners know that opening gaps up to present a larger spark to the air/fuel mixture maximizes burn efficiency. It is for this reason that most racers add high power ignition systems. The added power allows them to open the gap yet still provide a strong spark. With this mind, many think the larger the gap the better. In fact, some aftermarket ignition systems boast that their systems can tolerate gaps that are extreme. Be wary of such claims. In most cases, the largest gap you can run may still be smaller than you think. Appreciate your awesome input. |
Originally Posted by stvnscott
(Post 4672988)
Speaking of plugs, I just bought my yearly set of NGKs for $63 shipped this morning. They will go in this weekend with the gap unmolested.
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Originally Posted by RIWWP
(Post 4672984)
No threads because its a non-issue. Only if there were varying opinions would there be multiple threads.
Just buy OEM NGK plugs, don't mess with the gap, install, be satisfied that the work correctly and ideally. Posted From RX8Club.com Android App Everything I have read (including from NGK) has given varying preferences for gaps. I have OCD. I didn't think asking a simple "Hey, what have you found to be the best performing gap on your plugs in a NA Rx8?" would cause much condescending attitudes when it seems to be a rather straight forward inquiry. Like I said, I have OCD, especially about my 8, so I tend to go overboard when checking, rechecking, and double checking. And I've seen multiple varying numbers from Mazda, NGK, other owners.... |
Originally Posted by Sphere
(Post 4673007)
Everything I have read (including from NGK) has given varying preferences for gaps. I have OCD. I didn't think asking a simple "Hey, what have you found to be the best performing gap on your plugs in a NA Rx8?" would cause much condescending attitudes when it seems to be a rather straight forward inquiry.
Like I said, I have OCD, especially about my 8, so I tend to go overboard when checking, rechecking, and double checking. And I've seen multiple varying numbers from Mazda, NGK, other owners.... people would rather waste their time with a bashing comment or a learn to search comment, than help someone, or even just ignore the god damn post. im sorry you wasted your time, |
Originally Posted by Sphere
(Post 4673007)
Everything I have read (including from NGK) has given varying preferences for gaps. I have OCD. I didn't think asking a simple "Hey, what have you found to be the best performing gap on your plugs in a NA Rx8?" would cause much condescending attitudes when it seems to be a rather straight forward inquiry. Like I said, I have OCD, especially about my 8, so I tend to go overboard when checking, rechecking, and double checking. And I've seen multiple varying numbers from Mazda, NGK, other owners....
Here's a question, did u compare the gaps between the two leading plugs? Were they identicle? |
I always assumed that the new gen plugs we use were gapped but I'm also aware of the "old days old ways" which u would check against factory specs before use. And let's face it, when u clean them at service time and fiddle pulling them out etc, there is always a risk of bumping the gap closed a little hey.
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1 Attachment(s)
Originally Posted by Sphere
(Post 4673007)
...would cause much condescending attitudes when it seems to be a rather straight forward inquiry.
There is nothing you need to do for the RX-8 NGK plugs. I gap my NGK plugs for my Miata, but I never had to for my RX-8. If you want further confirmation, see the attached PDF from the dealer documentation. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...e9443766c1.png So basically leave them alone if they are new. If you are checking used plugs, then replace them if the gap has changed. Nothing about changing the gap for new, used, or damaged plugs. It's not discussed on here because you don't have to do anything with the plugs, and everyone is in general agreement on it. I'm not being condescending, just stating the simple fact of why you don't find discussion about it. The only stuff that gets major discussion is the stuff that ISN'T agreed on :) |
Originally Posted by Heeroguy
(Post 4673042)
i've noticed that generally asking any question here is a waste of time.
people would rather waste their time with a bashing comment or a learn to search comment, than help someone, or even just ignore the god damn post. im sorry you wasted your time, |
Originally Posted by SiNfidelity
(Post 4673052)
Team rx8 does condescending very well but mostly enjoys belittling better.
Here's a question, did u compare the gaps between the two leading plugs? Were they identicle? |
Originally Posted by Heeroguy
(Post 4673042)
i've noticed that generally asking any question here is a waste of time.
people would rather waste their time with a bashing comment or a learn to search comment, than help someone, or even just ignore the god damn post. im sorry you wasted your time, The responses were accurate and helpful. Simple research would have negated the need for this thread in the first place. Thorough research is encouraged. |
Originally Posted by RIWWP
(Post 4673081)
What attitude? I certainly didn't have any when I responded. :dunno:
There is nothing you need to do for the RX-8 NGK plugs. I gap my NGK plugs for my Miata, but I never had to for my RX-8. If you want further confirmation, see the attached PDF from the dealer documentation. https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...e9443766c1.png So basically leave them alone if they are new. If you are checking used plugs, then replace them if the gap has changed. Nothing about changing the gap for new, used, or damaged plugs. It's not discussed on here because you don't have to do anything with the plugs, and everyone is in general agreement on it. I'm not being condescending, just stating the simple fact of why you don't find discussion about it. The only stuff that gets major discussion is the stuff that ISN'T agreed on :) That's really all the more I was looking for was confirmations from others on whether they gapped or didn't need to with NGK. And if they did, what their preference was. OCD is a bitch. |
Don't take it personally or too seriously. Lots of personalities here. Also lots of good info if you know how to search first and ask later after you haven't found an answer. Take the good bits and leave the bad bits behind :)
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Originally Posted by 9krpmrx8
(Post 4673221)
https://cimg7.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.rx8...e5a4069dd7.jpg
The responses were accurate and helpful. Simple research would have negated the need for this thread in the first place. Thorough research is encouraged. https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-maj...5/#post3968928 |
Originally Posted by slash128
(Post 4673255)
Don't take it personally or too seriously. Lots of personalities here. Also lots of good info if you know how to search first and ask later after you haven't found an answer. Take the good bits and leave the bad bits behind :)
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I just looked at the boxes my new plugs are in, and the instructions say not to re-gap them. They are precision set from the factory.
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Mine don't say anything about not gapping them, but they do show an image that shows not to gap them with a regular, coin gapper that can damage the iridium point. Maybe that's what you're seeing?
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NGK's website comments are about their plugs in general, and are not model or plug part # specific.
For their piston plugs, yes, you often need to set the gap. I do with my MSM as an example. You do not for the RX-8. |
now maybe you can understand the intent of the reply, which was not a reflection on the question being asked but rather a direct answer to it ...
hopefully you won't make the same mistake .... :) |
Originally Posted by Sphere
(Post 4673279)
Mine don't say anything about not gapping them, but they do show an image that shows not to gap them with a regular, coin gapper that can damage the iridium point. Maybe that's what you're seeing?
To answer your original question, I have never experimented with spark plug gap in an RX-8, do not intend to, and therefore have no insight for you. |
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