thanks for the responses, so what is the definitive gap for a IK22 put on a car with a 19% reduction pulley? Cheers

 

They can be manipulated independantly (or almost so). That's what a good IC does. For everything else being equal, increased boost is also increased temps. for preventing detonation, you have to look at boost, VE, CR and post IC IATs.

Matt

 

Has the good Dr made any progress with the G-tech, or is he still just thinking about it?

I would be curious to see your findings...

 

I've tried stock plugs (really?? lol), Accel plugs, Bosch Platinum +4, and finally Denso IK22.

The best one I've had were the Denso ones! The car runs much smoother on idle, and while driving!

This might soung odd, but Denso does make a hige difference and also kind of release some power too!

 

I have a regular 2005 Cooper, and the gap on this page says it is .044":
http://www.densoproducts.com/results...artNumber=IK20

Is this what I want? I don't have a coil pack, so...
How many different spark plug options could there be? Do you choose the plug, then choose the gap, then choose your favorite color, then pray to God, then blow your engine up?

 

when i bought the IK 22's they came pregaped at .025, thats all i know

The densos at least on the S application would only become important with an reduction pulley and more heat and combustion (the colder plugs) being made in the motor. I would only see the benefit of getting densos to cut down on the amount of metal in the combustion chamber, from 4 to 1.

 

Still waiting for mine to arive.

 

But it's on the list. I'm in IC testing hell right now...

Matt

 

I bought a Pilo coil and new wires almost 3 years ago and at the same time put in Denso IK22 into my Cooper S (running 15% pulley, K&N filter otherwise stock). Dan at Pilo had recommened a .065" gap which is larger than what the Denso's are out of the box.

3 years and 33K km (20k miles later) two of the Denso electrodes are worn down pretty far and 2 are okay. I have been back in touch with Dan and he advises that all the plugs would need replacing at this time (so, don't count on the 100k mile claims!) and he suggests the gap should now be .045" as apparently the platinums and irridiums won't last as long with the wider gap.

So, though I believe in the plugs, don't count on the life claims and do "mind the gap" ( ).

Me, I am thinking of platinums based on running cost. Any feedback on platinum's would be appreciated.

Cheers,
OzMini

 

If you want you Denso to last,don't change the factory setting of the gaps.

 

Not changing the gap is fine if they are consistent however I found that perhaps due to shipping that the gaps were all over the place. I don't know if this is "normal".

Cheers,

 

This illustrates the difference in "wear":

 

does that first plug have oil on it, in its threads!

 

Do you pics of all four and which cylinder they came from? Interested to see if the two that arc fron ground to center electrode wear any different than the two that arc from center electrode to ground. Thanks in advanced if you are willing to past that info.

 

What happens if we use IK24 ?

 

Two of the plugs were worn and two were not. I had not tracked which came from which cylinder at first. Sorry. The black is not oil but a bit of carbon I believe from having just taken the car out for a quick spin after putting them back in at .065". However, they were in the same state when I took them out the first time. Since hearing from Dan I have put re-gapped the plugs at 045".

Cheers

 

Hmmm, is that what happens?

 

i've got a 15% pulley coming, and i have already bought denso IK22s. Do you recommend regapping them to .045? How will this help performance?

 

Yes, two cylinders fire at the same time, they are wired in series. I think 1,4 and 2,3, but not 100% sure on the pairing. It is called "waste spark" ignition if you want to learn more about it.

I wanted to see if the plugs that are wearing are the reverse firing plugs, because the denso center electrode is so small compared to stock. Also, that is just an idea I'm kicking around, I have no reason to think this.

Also, just replaced my denso's with ngk and noticed that one of the plugs apeared to be leaking through the insulator. It was all black about an inch past the nut and the plug wire was hardened and kind of warped. Anyone else experience this?

 

I'm no expert but Dan at Pilo says .045" maximum and he should know. I would go with that and keep an eye out for the wear every 5k or so miles just to make sure all is okay.

Cheers

 

I have not seen this but I have read sometime ago that Denso insulator issues were a sensitivity for some reason. This may also be a cable issue though if the fit was not tight or misaligned or the core is broken - I have had that problem on a previous car.

Cheers

 

From the NGK FAQ,
Close the gap .004" for every 50 hp added.
Open the gap up to .002-.005" for high power ignition systems.

They have a pretty good FAQ.

 

I guess that is how Dan gets his .045"? .04" nominal plus .005" with his high output coil. Now subract for other mods???

Cheers

 

i have two questions :D

What's the current gap, and
who should i get to regap them?

Cheers,
Elie

 

Elie,

I don't profess to be an authority but from my current experience and Dan's feedback I would probably start with the .045 and then check all of them after 5k to see how they are wearing (they should not be). If the plugs are already in the range of .040-.045 I would just leave them alone.

Any shop can re-gap them but so can you with a simple gap tool or being careful with a needle nose plier and a gap checker - a car parts shop can sell you what you need - it's not a big expense. Just be careful around the center needle as it is very thin and can break. Take your time and have the right tools.

If you have not upgraded the plug wires I would consider doing that too at some point. Again a good car shop or most online Mini shops can fix you up.

An upgraded coil like from Pilo may also be good. I bought one and am happy with it but I know this is a fairly religious debate so I won't re-kindle it here.

I hope this helps.

Cheers