It's been a few weeks and I haven't had any problems with NGKs gapped at .028. I've updated my Cobb firmware, sent Randy some data logs, and got a new tune. Going to try some data logging this weekend but it looks like rain. 10min of rain in Phoenix equals flood.

 

Mine is set to 0.028" and no problems thus far. 5000kms. Started my eth tune too, Plugs are holding nicely.

 

****** loco is right that to put the gap in ford spec range is more than NGK suggest for gapping their plugs. I felt comfortable going the extra .006" to put it at .028". .030 is within Ford's spec and only .004" out of NGK's. I probably should have started there to collect data but I didn't.

 

If this helps here's a pic right after a series of pulls. No noticible deformation of the ground electrode from going out of NGK gapping specs. Yup, that's anti seize... I'm a rebel

 

Here's what happens when you don't gap down I guess :-(
Top stock .032 Bottom NGK 1 step colder .041.
Gapping to .028, going for a ride to the car wash, wish me luck..

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Still good to use?

 

Yeah, just soot. Should burn off with a hard run.
Be back in an hour and we'll see..

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Man, that plug on the right/bottom looks dirty! Yes, it should still be good to use.

 

The one step colder seems too cold

 

Nevermind my last post.

 

Ok. Flogged on it a bit after a KAM reset and pictures speak a thousand words. .028 gap is the plug with white ceramic that used to be sooted black.
Stock on the left, colder on the right.

 

Ok. Flogged on it a bit after a KAM reset and pictures speak a thousand words. .028 gap is the plug with white ceramic that used to be sooted black. Stock on the left, colder on the right. <img src="http://www.focusst.org/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=33618"/>

Ugh, the out of angle bend on the NGK plug makes me cringe.

No one else is worried about that?

 

all of mine out of the box were at 29-30 thou. don't understand how yours were at 41???

 

Denso's are gapped a bit smaller than NGK's.

The thing is that ngk recommends max adjustments to .008" only due to electrodes possibly not lining up hindering performance. I have the ngk as well and just waiting to see how they do regapped to ST specifications before installing.

If it makes you feel any better about running NGK's gapped down farther than what NGK recommends, I ran through two sets of the NGK's (15k miles on one set and 10k on the other) at .026 gap on my GTX3071 MS3 making 386whp and then another 5k miles on a much bigger turbo making 503whp and I have never had an issue with an NGK plug failing...

It is interesting that frpp is going two heat ranges colder than the factory plug for there power kit.
FRPP COLD SPARK PLUG SET 2.0L TURBO | Part Details for M-12405-20T* | Ford Racing Performance Parts
So i guess the pic at sema of those denso itv24 plugs was legit.

FRPP also doesn't have an intercooler upgrade so with the more aggressive tune and the useless factory FMIC, the two step plugs are probably more necessary.

 

.028" winner winner chicken dinner!

 

Skizzo, Are you using Denso or NGK? My NGKs were at .044"

 

Nice.

 

Personally I don't think the extra .006" is much to worry about. I looked for stress marks on the ground electrode after gapping them and didn't observe anything. No I didn't X-ray it (because I know someone will be a smart ass and ask). I'll keep an eye in them over time and if I see anything out of the ordinary I'll post it up.

 

The thing is that ngk recommends max adjustments to .008" only due to electrodes possibly not lining up hindering performance. I have the ngk as well and just waiting to see how they do regapped to ST specifications before installing.

 

Never had any issues with gapping plugs down. A light tapping on the ground strap is all that is needed.

 

Reassuring. Thanks!

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So what is it that you're concerned about with gapping them .028"- .030"? I've tested them under normal driving, 25+ data logs including multiple pulls and tunes, did 3rd gear pulls, 2-3-4 gear pulls, and two respected pro tuners reviewed the logs. Everyone has come up with no problems. The plugs that were left with the stock gap mis fired and looked like crap when he pulled them.

 

I will add that 30 miles later after the regap to .028 those plugs looked better than stock which were scorched.
I will pull them again after my next trip to Ann Arbor, 1200 miles round trip.

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Perhaps it has something to do with this?

NGK Spark Plugs USA

 

I know what NGK recommends but its just that, a recommendation. I'm asking you what bad thing do you think is going to happen? I'm not trying to be a prick I'm asking so it can be discussed.

 

An overgap or undergap lead to misfires.

Misfires = engine damage.

Gapping more than the manufactures 'recommendation' can result in misfires.

Install the new plugs, datalog them and watch for issues. If there aren't any, soldier on, I guess.

BTW- if I were to tell you that a performance part could cause misfires would you install it? That's precisely what NGK (and Denso) is saying, yet no one thinks it's an issue?

 

It sounds like Denso plugs are the set up to go with for you. I'm not trying to perused you one way or another, I'm just posting my results. NGKs were what was available to me if Denso were available and not NGKs I'd be rocking them instead. I posted logs for all to see (probably the most of anyone on this site), pm'd people in the know, and determined no real positive or negative effect on a stage two tune but reduces the chance of pre ignition. Alex suggested the 2-3-4 pulls. I updated my AP and got my new tune from Randy. I plan on taking more logs using the method that Randy suggested and I'll post them up too. Off my soap box.

I used the tap method. I really should get some gapping pliers.

 

And I plan on ordering and installing the Denso ITV22's before summer arrives in Florida. Gus at Steeda says it would be a good idea, so I'm on it.

Interestingly, Denso lists no gap information for the ITV22. Spark Plug Specifications: DENSO Iridium

Not sure what that means? Can anyone who has installed the Denso's tell us what the factory gap was?

I would be inclined to get them as close as possible to the .028 Ford OEM, but not exceed .010.

Denso says: Even with small variations in the factory set gap the ultra-efficient firing power design will compensate for those small variations

I would count .005-.010 as a small variation.

 

I think edge said they're at .032 or .034

 

My denso's came pregaped at 0.32".I followed Edge recommendation of reducing the gap to 0.28" but after an hour of heavily spirited driving had two misfires that seemed to occure randomly around 5k rpm. Re-gaped them to 0.26" and voila instant boost, running strong, consistency on every pull, in general I felt that I hit the sweet spot for my car...I have 32k miles on my car but since I put the Denso's I'm excited every time I leave for work knowing I will drive her....

 

When my densos arrived they came gapped at .026

 

^^ I used same tool and it marred the top electrode one of the plugs. Filing that section should be good to go again right? Also what did you gap your ngks at. I set at .030 and will install during my next oil change.