Running colder plugs?

AndyR83 · 06-03-2013, 08:32 AM

I am due for a spark plug change, and I called my Indy shop to set up an appointment a few days ago. Because I am tuned and FBO, they suggested that I consider running plugs that are a degree colder. I'm on these forums almost daily and I haven't seen people talk about this. That makes me a bit cautious. Is this a good idea?

enrita · 06-03-2013, 09:06 AM

sure, run the NGK gapped properly. many threads about it or check Protuningfreaks blog.

V8bait · 06-03-2013, 10:44 AM

With more power you have more heat in the combustion chamber. If you run the stock plugs they may get hotter than you want and they could actually increase risk of detonation. Running a cooler plug reduces the risk of the plug causing detonation with higher power levels. Albeit just barely.

If you use E85 or meth it's another story because of the cooling benefits and octane of those fuels. In that case, cooler plugs may be bad and foul more or increase emissions. But we're only talking one step here in heat range so the differences are going to be minor. Personally I have never really like the OEM style plugs (or any of the bosch +4 stuff in the past). But I don't base that opinion on any hard science just experience on other platforms so who knows.

AndyR83 · 06-09-2013, 02:11 AM

It looks like most of the colder plugs I'm finding are iridium. I've been told to stick with copper. Are there any copper plugs out there that you guys could recommend? Is that really sound advice or should I just get the iridium plugs?

FRMTL2_335i · 06-09-2013, 09:00 AM

my friend and I run colder NGK spark plugs that bms has in their website. Once my friend started running 40% e85 he would get misfires when abusing it a little. I was in the same boat, i replaced my sparkplugs and never had a misfire again. i am at 65% e85 now and still no issues. i recommended him to do the same and he ordered them, installed them and he has had no issues since then!
Note: the bms spark plugs are already pre-gaped even though they say u need to gap them. when i got mines in the mail i noticed i didnt have the tool to gap them so i ran to the store, bought the tool and when i got home all of the plugs were gaped to specs!

06-03-2013, 08:32 AM	#1
AndyR83 Major 60 Rep 1,024 Posts Drives: E92 335i FBO Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (5)	Running colder plugs? I am due for a spark plug change, and I called my Indy shop to set up an appointment a few days ago. Because I am tuned and FBO, they suggested that I consider running plugs that are a degree colder. I'm on these forums almost daily and I haven't seen people talk about this. That makes me a bit cautious. Is this a good idea? __________________ Do NOT do business with IAN HAAN, aka n54bewst, aka 747tuned aka H17M3, a scammer who STILL has an account here on e90post!
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06-03-2013, 09:06 AM	#2
enrita Major General 161 Rep 7,377 Posts Drives: 335i - Big turbos Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Italian in Sweden iTrader: (0)	sure, run the NGK gapped properly. many threads about it or check Protuningfreaks blog. __________________ 07 335i AT - MOTIV 750 - MHD E85 BMS flash - BMS PI - JB4G5 - Okada Coils - NGK 5992 Plugs - Helix IC - Snow Stg. 3 - Stett CP - Custom midpipes with 100 HJS Cats - Bastuck Quad - PSS10 - QUAIFE LSD - BMS OCC - Forge DVs - AR OC - ALCON BBK - M3 Chassi - Dinan CP - Velocity M rear Toe arms - Advan RZ-DF - LUX H8 - Level 10 AT upgrade
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06-03-2013, 10:44 AM	#3
V8bait Lieutenant 406 Rep 574 Posts Drives: e92 335i 6mt Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Houston iTrader: (1)	With more power you have more heat in the combustion chamber. If you run the stock plugs they may get hotter than you want and they could actually increase risk of detonation. Running a cooler plug reduces the risk of the plug causing detonation with higher power levels. Albeit just barely. If you use E85 or meth it's another story because of the cooling benefits and octane of those fuels. In that case, cooler plugs may be bad and foul more or increase emissions. But we're only talking one step here in heat range so the differences are going to be minor. Personally I have never really like the OEM style plugs (or any of the bosch +4 stuff in the past). But I don't base that opinion on any hard science just experience on other platforms so who knows.
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06-09-2013, 02:11 AM	#4
AndyR83 Major 60 Rep 1,024 Posts Drives: E92 335i FBO Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (5)	It looks like most of the colder plugs I'm finding are iridium. I've been told to stick with copper. Are there any copper plugs out there that you guys could recommend? Is that really sound advice or should I just get the iridium plugs? __________________ Do NOT do business with IAN HAAN, aka n54bewst, aka 747tuned aka H17M3, a scammer who STILL has an account here on e90post!
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06-09-2013, 09:00 AM	#5
FRMTL2_335i Major 76 Rep 1,071 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: ohio iTrader: (1)	my friend and I run colder NGK spark plugs that bms has in their website. Once my friend started running 40% e85 he would get misfires when abusing it a little. I was in the same boat, i replaced my sparkplugs and never had a misfire again. i am at 65% e85 now and still no issues. i recommended him to do the same and he ordered them, installed them and he has had no issues since then! Note: the bms spark plugs are already pre-gaped even though they say u need to gap them. when i got mines in the mail i noticed i didnt have the tool to gap them so i ran to the store, bought the tool and when i got home all of the plugs were gaped to specs! __________________ FFTEC 6466 Gen2, MHD Flash Tuned by Wedge, BMS PI Kit, FUEL-IT Stg 3 pump, HALTECH PS-1000, MFactory LSD w/lock down brace, ECS Trailing Arms, M3 control arms, M3 brace, DGR Coilovers, N20 tmap sensor, BMS OCC, VRSF exhaust w/4" tips, VRSF CP, Tial BOV. BigTom FMIC, Msport front & rear, m3 sides skirts.
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