I'm looking for the gap on a set of NGK plugs BKR7EIX-11. Is there any trick to changing the gap with these plugs? They seem fairly ridgid. This is for a 2003 Cooper S (R53). Thanks

 

Don't want to put any pressure on the Irid tips when gapping. I use a set of needle nose pliers on the strap to move it. Doesn't take much either.

Most of those NGK's are pre-gapped too. Were you looking for a specific gap for a modded application on your MINI ?

 

Need yo know what all has been done to the motor, I am asuming pulley on stock charger, +bolt ons, or is there a cam / head involved.

 

Are those NGK Iridium plugs pretty good? I am going to order me some for my 03 MC with a new wire set (I believe the plugs in her now are original factory plugs). I really want to give her a little more get up and go, but don't have the money for modification, just a really good tune up. I bought my R50 in February and am looking it give her a good tune up to make sure she is running the best she can (Sorry, I generally call my car a girl, she gives me attitude if I don't )

 

For the R50 you want the BRK6EIX gapped to .030 -.033.

They are good plugs, but I have had some bad issues with NGK's recently. Use a torque wrench to put them in. I like to tourque them to 20ft/lbs, then start the car and warm it up before a final tighten to 23 ft/lbs.

 

My car is bone stock with the engine. Any gap suggestions? Mini Mania recommended 0.032". These are WAY bigger than that.

Mike

 

.032 is the stock gap, at stock boost the BRK7EIX (which is a one step cooler plug) would be good if ran at a .034 to make a slightly longer burn time. Or gap to the factory .032 which will work just as well.

 

I was planning on having 0w-40 Mobil 1 oil into my engine because I read it was a good oil for the Mini, what do you think? Sorry - I know that question wasn't about spark plugs but I thought I would throw that in the mix.

 

Yep oil is not spark plug related but, I have used nothing but Royal Purple 5/30. When I spun my rod bearing a few days ago, I was surprised how clean that oil has kept the innards of my engine. It looks brand newish inside, not like a motor that has been abused for 80,000 miles.

 

You all are gentleman and scholars. Thanks

Mike

 

i have the brisk silver DR14YS plugs which are 1 step colder than stock. does anybody know the correct gap for them?

 

Yup, about 10 miles.....

That's the distance a Brisk Spark Plug would make it to my MINI....send them back and get a set of NGK Irid's instead.

 

When i hear a person install "brisk" plugs, i always think of iced tea...cause that is about how long they last....life is not much more than the old copper style plugs that folks once changed every 10,000 miles or so a few decades ago....
Some folks like them, but way too much work.....

 

i only put 5k miles a year on the car, and change the plugs every spring just for peace of mind, so as long as they last the year, im not concerned with lifespan. i ran the brisk silvers last year and had no problems. im not sure why everyone hates them so much, but maybe ill try ngk or jcw stocks next year and see if theres any difference.

 

I just spoke with a Mini Dealership and their mechanics don't even know what the gaps are because they trust the pre-gapped plugs. How ignorant? That is the stupidest thing I have ever heard, but it happens. Just goes to show that even the folks who you think are the knowledgeable ones, well, NOT SO MUCH...

 

welllll .....

IME the plugs I buy for my 79 ARE 'old school' and I can adjust the gap as needed ... the 'ground electrode' is a fairly mild steel and can be 'bent' to adjust the gap - with may need to be done as the center electrode (essentially copper - quite soft) erodes

Pugs in a newer car like a MINI are very different animals. On a MINI's plugs you are looking at tungsten and/or platinum in the electrodes .... both metals known for being VERY STRONG and do not bend easily ... nore do they wear very fast hence a life expectancy MANY TIMES that of old school plugs and why they arrive 'pre-gapped'

Early MINIs used a plug with multiple ground electrodes .... 3 as I recall, that surrounded the center electrode .... try gapping that! {I remember the first time I saw this type of plug when I pulled 'em for a check on my 85 Audi Coupe ... took one look, laughed and put it back in the block}

Under 'specifications' the Haynes of GEN1 MINI even says the gap on the factory plugs is 'not adjustable'.

Perhaps what I am saying is also said here in MiniMania's page about MINI spark plugs:

The factory might recommend a 100,000 mile interval for replacements but most MINI owners replace them much sooner. Since a worn spark plug can affect your fuel efficiency, we recommend you inspect them regularly and replace when they start to show signs of wear.

Note they say NOTHING about checking the gap ...... unless that's how you interpret "inspect". Ya don't check the timing on a MINI either .... nor change the points, coil, condenser, cap, rotor and wires routinely ....

BUT IF YOU REALLY want an authoritative answer I'd call WAY and ask him what plugs to buy and what gap to use ....

http://waymotorworks.com/denso-iridium-spark-plugs.html

or MiniMania

http://new.minimania.com/Mini_Cooper...lication_Guide

for How': p.s.

I have pulled up all your posts and read your opinion on pre-gapped plugs so don't bother repeating as a reply to me. Frankly, I check pre-gapped plugs when they arrive and have yet to find one wildly out of spec .... and have yet to find a good way to adjust when I do find one a bit out ....

But just like Jiffy Lube and the 3000 mile oil change there will always be folks that say change your plugs every 30,000 miles even tho the factory says 100,000

do what makes you feel good

 

Hi Howster,
Not trying to insult, but NGK iridium plugs are pre-gapped and are too brittle to gap and should never need gapping. They will also last 100K miles with no wear.
Yesteryear plugs are not suggested for Mini Coopers and NGK iridium plugs work best.