Best Spark Plug Solution for Tuned Cars?

[Jonathan Lasich]

After reading through a myriad of information on various threads, I'm still a little confused (not too smart apparently). Seems like changing spark plug brands opens up a whole new Pandora's box of problems as some have reported in some of the threads.

What is the consensus as to the best way to address the spark plug problem on tuned cars?

Re-gap the OEM plugs, change to different plugs of the same brand, change to different plugs altogether?

What would be the best "Do it once and fuggetaboutit" solution?

 

[GTB]

After reading through a myriad of information on various threads, I'm still a little confused (not too smart apparently). Seems like changing spark plug brands opens up a whole new Pandora's box of problems as some have reported in some of the threads.

What is the consensus as to the best way to address the spark plug problem on tuned cars?

Re-gap the OEM plugs, change to different plugs of the same brand, change to different plugs altogether?

What would be the best "Do it once and fuggetaboutit" solution?

Plan and simple. Re-gap the stock plugs to .28. Colder aftermarket plugs will eventually foul out. I re-gapped mine, Nothing but smiles now.

 

[iclicku]

Plan and simple. Re-gap the stock plugs to .28. Colder aftermarket plugs will eventually foul out. I re-gapped mine, Nothing but smiles now.

I agree with regapping stock plugs, however I would add that KIA is aware that some people are having issues with the stock plugs and coils even without tuning. Recall may be incoming.
Personally I am going to wait a few more months to see how KIA manages the plug/coil issue before I regap my own plugs.
Another concern for me is that plug removal is tedious. Plus I don't have all the tools to do it so I may have a shop do the regap for me.

 

[GTB]

I agree with regapping stock plugs, however I would add that KIA is aware that some people are having issues with the stock plugs and coils even without tuning. Recall may be incoming.
Personally I am going to wait a few more months to see how KIA manages the plug/coil issue before I regap my own plugs.
Another concern for me is that plug removal is tedious. Plus I don't have all the tools to do it so I may have a shop do the regap for me.

The job is definitely a handful, Tork put up a great howto. A shop will easily quote you 400 dollars.

 

[iclicku]

The job is definitely a handful, Tork put up a great howto. A shop will easily quote you 400 dollars.

I saw that video multiple times and am contemplating doing it myself. But having to purchase tools and spend a couple hours doing it maybe more expensive. Sure I'll have the satisfaction I did it myself but I always look at these types of things in terms of how long it'll take me to do it and I charge $800 an hour.
$400 is already less than that so I'm inclined to just outsource it.

That's just me...lol

 

[Kamauxx]

Problem with having a shop do it is how do you verify they actually did it?

My biggest issue with doing it myself is messing one of them up. I installed headers on my Corvette a few years back and cracked one of the plugs in the process. My wife was gone in the other car so I had to drive it to an auto parts store while it was popping and back firing and miss firing, and just generally annoying/embarrassing the shit out of me. I don't want a repeat of that crap.

 

[iclicku]

Problem with having a shop do it is how do you verify they actually did it?

My biggest issue with doing it myself is messing one of them up. I installed headers on my Corvette a few years back and cracked one of the plugs in the process. My wife was gone in the other car so I had to drive it to an auto parts store while it was popping and back firing and miss firing, and just generally annoying/embarrassing the shit out of me. I don't want a repeat of that crap.

You bring up a good point...
Sad that I have to worry about a mechanic not doing the job he was paid to do... :/

I may consider doing it myself...lol

 

[GTB]

You bring up a good point...
Sad that I have to worry about a mechanic not doing the job he was paid to do... :/

I may consider doing it myself...lol

If you have a set of old plugs just practice gapping them before gapping the stinger plugs. Just take your time, eat a big meal and have a couple cups of coffee. No alcohol lol Oh and get a gap tool, Don't do the tapping on the floor crap. This isn't a Honda civic lol

 

[iclicku]

If you have a set of old plugs just practice gapping them before gapping the stinger plugs. Just take your time, eat a big meal and have a couple cups of coffee. No alcohol lol Oh and get a gap tool, Don't do the tapping on the floor crap. This isn't a Honda civic lol

But sir, I need my liquid courage...

 

[Kamauxx]

After eating a big meal and downing a couple cups of coffee you'll probably be re-gapping the plugs on the toilet.

 

[GTB]

After eating a big meal and downing a couple cups of coffee you'll probably be re-gapping the plugs on the toilet.

I'm dead literally.

 

[Daniel @ K8 Stinger Store]

Well considering the upgraded HKS plugs have a different heat range than the stock plugs and come pregapped (for the 3.3T) to a closer gap these would be the best option. The plugs for the 2.0T are a higher heat range but the same gap as stock. We always recommend checking plgu gap on all new spark plugs being installed but the HKS plugs essentially are plug and play and shouldnt need to be drastically re-gapped like stock 3.3T plugs need to be. Just my 2 cents

Kia Stinger 3.3T HKS Plugs:
HKS M45iL Spark Plugs

Kia Stinger 2.0T HKS Plugs:
HKS M45XL Spark Plugs

 

[GTB]

Well considering the upgraded HKS plugs have a different heat range than the stock plugs and come pregapped (for the 3.3T) to a closer gap these would be the best option. The plugs for the 2.0T are a higher heat range but the same gap as stock. We always recommend checking plgu gap on all new spark plugs being installed but the HKS plugs essentially are plug and play and shouldnt need to be drastically re-gapped like stock 3.3T plugs need to be. Just my 2 cents

Kia Stinger 3.3T HKS Plugs:
HKS M45iL Spark Plugs

Kia Stinger 2.0T HKS Plugs:
HKS M45XL Spark Plugs

The only thing that is going to be negative with the HKS’s is they will foul from being a cold heat range.

 

[Daniel @ K8 Stinger Store]

The only thing that is going to be negative with the HKS’s is they will foul from being a cold heat range.

Not when tuned, that's the reason for going to a colder heat range.

On a stock engine yes this is true but we do not recommend running the upgraded plugs on a stock ECU without a tune or chip installed

 

[GTB]

Not when tuned, that's the reason for going to a colder heat range.

On a stock engine yes this is true but we do not recommend running the upgraded plugs on a stock ECU without a tune or chip installed

It’s the lower RPM’s and normal driving that does it.

 

[Daniel @ K8 Stinger Store]

It’s the lower RPM’s and normal driving that does it.

That true, but you also have to look at the possibility of fouling plugs (which doesnt happen over night) compared to the possibility of blowing a plug/messing your engine up on a tune with stock plugs.

 

[GTB]

That true, but you also have to look at the possibility of fouling plugs (which doesnt happen over night) compared to the possibility of blowing a plug/messing your engine up on a tune with stock plugs.

It was the stock gap that was causing excessive blow out on the plugs causing misfire. The HKS’s will be a big benefit come heavy modding for sure. I will be grabbing a set off of you down the road . Until then stock plugs re-gapped will be fine.

 

[BlasterJax93]

Have my Densos ready for install after recently upgrading to the RC gts black. I'm wondering what gap they should be installed at. Notes from stinger store say .22 gap, but other users with same plugs or different have it gapped at .24. Any potential danger or problem that will occur if set to .22?

 

[G-326327]

I agree with regapping stock plugs, however I would add that KIA is aware that some people are having issues with the stock plugs and coils even without tuning. Recall may be incoming.
Personally I am going to wait a few more months to see how KIA manages the plug/coil issue before I regap my own plugs.
Another concern for me is that plug removal is tedious. Plus I don't have all the tools to do it so I may have a shop do the regap for me.

What kind of performance gains are you getting with that setup?