Spark plugs

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peterc
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Spark plugs

Post by peterc »

Having recently enhanced my Rover engine I have read that I should be using BPR6ES plugs e.g. with a built in resister and not the standard BP6ES I have been using for years. Although I run carbon cord leads which are meant to be self suppressing it apparently is still an advantage to use the R type plugs. What do other members use and have you tried BPR6EIX which are the super Iridium plugs which are supposedly able to run cooler but give enhanced performance.
Peter C
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clive
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by clive »

I don't use resistor plugs. My understanding was that they were designed to prevent interference on wireless devices. As I don't have a radio in my car, I didn't bother. As my engine was built by Knight Racing Services, I use the same plugs as they fitted. Having said that, I have only changed them once in 15 years and over 40,000 miles
Cheers, Clive.

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kdavies3
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by kdavies3 »

The resistance is not only for your own radios protection (should you have one).
Also for the suppression of noise for some distance around the engine.
Even nearby houses and TV signals.
I have been affected by this many years ago.
They test for suppression during IVA if I remember correctly?
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peterc
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by peterc »

Whilst appreciating that we do not use an engine management system like more modern cars, I was told that not using the resistor plugs can seriously affect any control pack. As I run a distributor with a separate control pack I thought if best to comply just in case.
They even suggested that the wire between the control pack and the distributor should also be shielded.
I am not aware that I have had any issues over the past 20 years but who knows if the engine might have been getting erratic signals resulting in poor performance.
I remain curious.
Peter C
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peterc
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by peterc »

CORRECTION of previous info posted.
I have just re read the information on interference with ECU’s etc from the HT leads and discovered that the leads being used were solid copper type and not carbon fibre suppressed design? That makes more sense to me.
However Lloyd’s Specialist Developments still recommend the resistor plugs are needed but RPI state they should not be used with resistor leads.
Typical even the experts can’t agree.
I think I will ring Lloyd’s and ask.
Peter C
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peterc
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by peterc »

I have phoned Lloyd’s Specialist Developments who advise that you can either use resistance plugs or carbon ( resistance) leads or both together. They always suggest using both as a precaution. Ref the lead between distributor amplifier and the distributor it is preferable to be a shielded cable but providing it is well away from any HT lead then it should be OK. Their experience suggests that often HT leads move over time and then you get the problems.
Back to the original question has anyone tried the Iridium plugs?
Peter C
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clive
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by clive »

I don't use a control pack, just a simple contactless distributor so have never considered anything other than standard plugs. Old school Ford 302s are pretty basic and I don't think I would notice any difference in power output on top of what I have.
Cheers, Clive.

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peterc
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by peterc »

If it’s a contactless system surely you need a control pack to power up the sensor. Is that all part of your distributor because my Lucas system is remotely mounted on the wing away from engine vibration/ heat.
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clive
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Re: Spark plugs

Post by clive »

It is a Mallory Magnetic Breakerless Distributor. All it does is replace the mechanical points with a magnetic sensor and rotor blade. The only difference is you need a ballast resistor although it does state 'To prevent false triggering and possible premature ignition failure, you must use suppression type (carbon core,, spiral core, or radio suppression core) spark plug wire.'
Cheers, Clive.

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