HKS spark plugs installed *2 steps colder than stock

[whoosh@Realtune]

the NGK 1 step or heat range colder than stock I installed last summer served me well but it was time for a change
and here's why

although the NGK's "work" by closing the huge factory gap down to the Mazda spec
NGK suggests not to gap irridium plugs due to how fragile they are plus this rather large downsize in gap to .030-.032
the gap downsize creates an undesirable angle on the ground electrode
Again, you can do this....I've done it on two different sets (one set gapped at .032 and one at .030)
and they were fine...worked great as a matter of fact
as an aside, I did not notice much if any difference performance wise in the .032 to .030 gap differences between my two sets of 1 step colder NGK's

which leads me to this new set of plugs
HKS
they list them on their site(HKSUSA.com) for the speed 3
in a heat range of 7 which is identical to the NGK 1 step colder plug(only in terms of heat range) and they offer the plugs in a heat range of 8 which is 2 steps colder than OEM (OEM is a heat range of 6)

so far the car has responded well to the new plugs
I do not notice any difference in idle quality which I expected but suprisingly has not been affected

These HKS plus come correctly pregapped at .030 and can be installed right out of the box which is huge for some of you guys that aren't comfortable gapping plugs, especially irridium plugs

I checked all 4 and they were right on the money
So now we have plugs designed for the DISI MZR which DO NOT need to be gapped prior to use - Great!
I personally like this since the angle of the ground electrode remains correct vs. angled down too much when gapping to Mazda spec for the NGK 1 step colder plugs

the price may be an issue but doesn't seem all that bad in comparo to any other Mazda parts
you'll see them range from $23.00 - $27.00 per plug


the pics are not great but represent the statement of the NGK plugs, when gapped down to .032>the ground electrode is angled down and actually is sticking out past the center electrode
the NGK plug is even ground to center w/no angle issue

[gsrtype1]

nice! sub

[Crossbow]

If you want the same setup, just 1 step colder...

HKS 50003-M35LF - 1 Stage Colder Heat Range

That's from woosh on the 6club forums. Thought it would be useful here.

[Laloosh]

it looks like your running lean as hell on one cylinder and boarderline on another....

[Haltech]

Yes, it does, very lean for sure on one of those cylinders.

[Lymerock]

been needing to go a step colder on my plugs and I came across these HKS which seem nice, but at more than twice the pice of the Denso ITV22's is it really worth having a perfect factory gap?
also, I see that some people feel the NGK's arent good because they need to be regapped quite a bit, again, does the longer ground electrode screw stuff up? I read about electrode vibrations and other odd bits today that has me thinkin the HKS is the way to go, but spending 100+ on 4 plugs is a hard pill to swallow.

[Lex]

Look at the base ring, he is running plenty rich under boost. A little lean at idle and part throttle.

[MazdaMan13]

i think i'm goin to be switching over to hks spark plugs too

[whoosh@Realtune]

Originally Posted by Lex Look at the base ring, he is running plenty rich under boost. A little lean at idle and part throttle.

thank you - good plug read buddy!

[kraz3y]

hmm imma try out the 1 step colder

[NYpest]

i have the ngk's as well with no issue

[mrjoshyman]

how many miles do you have on your cars that your changing the plugs already?

[ztuner]

Correct way to read plugs is the following.

1. Start with a new set of plugs (clean set will do)
2. Fire up the car make the pull, shut down the engine immediately
3. Pull plugs for inspection

Letting the car idle after the pull will give you false readings. Cruzing for extended periods will also give you a false reading.

thanks

Harry

[Lymerock]

Originally Posted by mrjoshyman how many miles do you have on your cars that your changing the plugs already?

to my knowledge, none of us are switching due to mileage.
We are trying to combat pre-detonation aka knock


Im still on the fence, but im leaning strong toward the HKS plugs. Figure its not an item that needs often replacement, so 100 is a solid investment for a proper working plug out of the box.

<edit> lookin around I found a place to get em for 90.66 shipped, emailed em to see if they have any in stock

[AutoXRacer]

Don't mean to revive a dead thread, but how did those HKS work out for you Whoosh?

I just ordered a set of Denso 1 step colder plugs (I'm still running stock); I was told these are pre-gapped...? Can anyone confirm? I don't have anything to check gapping with. I used to have one of those little disc gappers, but for Iridium plugs, thats a NO-NO.

Anyway, what would warrant going 2 steps colder?

I'm no the fence here...some say colder plugs won't help knock, others say it solved their issues.

[Lymerock]

hks plugs are pregapped at .30 i think, might be .32, too lazy to check

after installing my 1 step colder hks plugs I havent seen the weird 5.9 readings I used to get, i do still get the small .7, .9 and occasional 1.9 weirdness

[AutoXRacer]

Originally Posted by Lymerock hks plugs are pregapped at .30 i think, might be .32, too lazy to check after installing my 1 step colder hks plugs I havent seen the weird 5.9 readings I used to get, i do still get the small .7, .9 and occasional 1.9 weirdness

Man, I would love results like that!!!! Anything less than 2.0 and I'd be a happy camper!!

[Lymerock]

Originally Posted by AutoXRacer Man, I would love results like that!!!! Anything less than 2.0 and I'd be a happy camper!!

they arent cheap by any stretch, but ive been very happy so far
then again, most people with the denso's been happy too