Hi all,

So after searching thoroughly, I can't seem to find a straight answer, however I do apologize if I missed something...

I've got a 2008 MCS. I am going the AccessPort route for tuning. Probably going to be at stage 1+ intercooler. In past cars (Evo 8, C230 Kompressor) I've raised boost pressure/tuned the engine and I went with a step colder on the spark plugs. The consensus on what the BEST plug for the mini seems to be the stock replacements (NGK). However, is that still an OK choice for a tuned car? If so, is there a step colder version of our Laser Iridium plugs? AP guys (and gals) please chime in!

 

Mines run stock plugs and stock gap with 17k miles on the tune. Stage 1 FMIC and now stage 3 for 2k miles. I have been wondering If I should make the gap smaller running higher boost.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I'm not sure decreasing the gap will lessen the chance of detonation. I think the gap has more to do with spark efficiency.

 

If you really think you need to go a step colder, I think the JCW plugs are a step colder than the stock S plugs. If you go to my write-up from when I tried switching plugs earlier this year, you'll find some links to some threads on plugs where folks who know this stuff much better than I do have posted some information that may be useful to you.

 

No, the S and JCW use the same plugs.

Stock work just fine, been running high boost for years now on them.

 

Stock plugs for me and I've had a tune for years also. I did try the brisk silvers and Jan had me take them out because they didn't seal up correctly and caused problems on the dyno. I put the stock plugs in and never had a problem.

 

stock here too

 

Stock are the best.

I used the Brisks silver but they induced misfires and rough idle, regardless of the gapping.
Even used the JCW iridium plugs which proved to produce lower HP numbers from both the NGK-platinum and Brisk silver ones on the same dyno, same day!
The most important though was the difference in EGTs.
Note that the Brisks are one heat grade colder than the NGKs which are the same heat range but different tip material.

NGK-platinum (stock MCS) 910oC
NGK-iridium (stock JCW) 950oC
Brisk-silver 930oC

Overboost pressure 1,4bar or 20,3psi

i may have a dyno comparison of all three plugs as well somewhere around.

 

here you go...

 

I had the same results when I tried the Brisk plugs.

 

czar wrote the most comprehensive write-up on spark plugs I've ever seen on this site. Highly recommended reading (and if you read the other posts by czar you will learn a TON).

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ark-plugs.html

 

I only recommend the NGKs
http://www.waymotorworks.com/spark-p...-cooper-s.html

 

I appreciate Czar's deep knowledge on the subject. I trusted his opinion about the Brisks and ordered 3 sets of spark plugs (silver). I was so confident that they will work perfect and run finer than the stock ones. But, sadly they did not! First, with a gap of 0,5mm they induced misfires under load at 4000rpm and up, and secondly when the gap was reduced to nearly 0,4mm (as per Czar's advice) the outcome was a very rough idle and the results of the dyno chart I added in my previous post. So I immediately changed them over with the stock NGK platinum (which were not new) and saw everything back to normal again with a slight increase in HP and torque.
This is my personal experience about the subject and currently waiting from Czar and Brisk to inform the market why this mismatch?
I hope that when he has something new to add to the conversation he will do so...

 

Currently we, that's myself and BRISK, are working on resolving the issue, as to why some of you running the BRISK Silver spark plugs, MR12YS, have an issue with energization, when greater than stock cylinder pressures are present, this all takes time, and at present I don't have much of that spare, work really does get in the way sometimes, that said as soon as I/we have a final resolve on the issue, then I will let you all know, TBC........

 

@Way- I got the NGKs from you, but there's no info on what the gap should be. What should the gap be for my 2008 MCS?

 

I don't know if this helps or not, but a few years ago when I was active in the auto industry, I talked with one of my colleagues about this issue (an engineer with Autolite). His take on this was that the only thing that drove heat range was the amount of power being generated per cylinder. In other words, modest power increases such as we are talking about probably are not going to call for any change from stock - a position supported by much of the commentary above. For me this means stick with stock unless the engine is telling you differently.

 

There's no gap information supplied or needed, they are preset at the factory.

Unless you've got a closed gap or can see a significant difference between all 4 then leave well alone and fit them.

 

Sorry, it's been a hectic week for me, but thanks for all of the feedback! It seems like the stock NGKs are the way to go...

Looks like I'll be ordering my plugs from Way

Has anyone had to change their ignition coils around 40-45K? My car is running fine, I just want to know what to expect if it's coming soon...

 

Just ordered these:

http://www.amazon.com/NGK-ILZKBR7A-8.../dp/B001RLOI1S

 

Mine has 35K and works just fine.
If you want to know your options, then have a look at "Okada".
They produce some quality and expensive stuff for the Mini engines.

 

I have a set of their coils on my car, both your statements about them are very true.

 

You get what you pay for...
The big question is, is it worth it?
Have you seen any gain whatsoever after fitting them?
I am this far from buying both the plasma direct and the plasma ground.

 

hmm, i'll have to check them out..

 

The car runs smoother. Gas milage didn't seem to change much. I'm supposed to dyno test them but I keep putting it off. I may do it Monday. Until I do though I can't give a good opinion of them one way or the other.

 

Really interested in a back to back dyno comparison of the stock coils and the Okada ones!
If you manage to do that I will be very grateful!
Thank you in advance...