opinions... Accel 8197 spark plugs for a 400 ( and some other questions )

[Nacho-RT74]

are they really performance pieces ? anything good ?

as many of you guys know, I'm thinking on build a 400 with 280 Mopar cam, KB240 pistons, ported heads, stock HP manifolds, Eddy performer intake and stock TQ. so was thinking on get some "better" than the regular RJ12YC plugs

[TylerCharger69]

Ive tried Accel plugs in my 383  and to be honest....I didnt notice any difference.  Id like to try those E3 plugs ive heard so much about though

[FLG]

You might get a more efficient burn and better fuel mileage, but I don't think your going to get a "seat ofyour pants" difference imo.

[red79]

Ive tried Accel plugs in my 383  and to be honest....I didnt notice any difference.  Id like to try those E3 plugs ive heard so much about though

i used to work for a leading chainsaw/power equipment company, and we did extensive testing with E3 plugs in our small engines to evaluate any performance gains. surprisingly, we saw a consistent *loss* of power across the board compared to standard single-electrode plugs. YMMV, but I don't think they're worth the hype.

[flyinlow]

I got E3 plugs ,cyclone swirlers under my carb and a magnetic fuel line and went for a drive.... Oh well, at least it was a Dodge tow truck that draged me home. 

[flyinlow]

I used Accel shorty plugs ,not sure of the number. They helped with the Eddy heads with Hooker headers. They gave decent service. I like the NGK's better, stay cleaner. Still use the Accel shorty on the #8 cyclinder for clearence.

[Nacho-RT74]

what about those Accels against NGK XR5 ?

BTW, why NGK hasn't an intermediate plugs on BBs like on SBs ( G series )

BBs have XR5 ( and 4 ) and Iridium XR5IX

SBs have GR4 and GR4IX but also have someone what look an intermediate one... GR4GP

[charger2fast4u]

i havent tried the accel plugs or heard of anything good or bad about them. from what i read on the e3 spark plugs they are not worth the money they sell for everything ive read on them all comes back to them not living up to the hype they say they are. usually nobody can tell the difference or say they they actually seem to of decreased performance  with them. i would stay away from the NGK iridiums that was the most expensive plug swap i ever did and they sucked they ran like crap in my 440 and didn't last long before crapping out. i switched back to xr5's and they are still running strong haven't touched the motor at all when going back to the xr5's so i know it was the plugs that caused my motor to run bad. in my opinion spend your money you saved from not going with any of these expensive plugs towards some firecore wires or something else for the charger and stick to the classic NKG XR5's 

[Nacho-RT74]

I already have firecores ( and FBO moduile and coil )

[greenpigs]

  I have had 3 sets and ALL of them the "tab" was offcenter, so much on a few that half the electrode was showing. This was on a set for a SB chevy, Pontiac & the 440 so it isn't brand specific.

They are JUNK!

[skip68]

When I had the POS 509 cam, I would change plugs every couple hundred miles.  I tried every plug out there and the XR5's lasted longer x10 and ran better.   They are all I use.

[firefighter3931]

NGK XR5's are the best option, hands down 



Ron

[Nacho-RT74]

ok, so ist like a consense... XR5s... not even the Iridium ones, just the "plain standart" XR5s

nor the platinums, any brand

OR another NGK series ( ProV or wichever one )
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/spark_plugs/index.asp?mode=nml

another question... whats the heat range ?

[firefighter3931]

ok, so ist like a consense... XR5s... not even the Iridium ones, just the "plain standart" XR5s

nor the platinums, any brand

OR another NGK series ( ProV or wichever one )
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/products/spark_plugs/index.asp?mode=nml

another question... whats the heat range ?

The V-Power NGK's are what you want....stocking # 3332   

If it runs on pump gas the XR5's are the correct heat range. Higher compression builds that run on slower burning high octane fuel need a cooler plug 


Ron

[Nacho-RT74]

and thaaaat's becaaaaaause?

what makes a cooler or hotter spark plug ?

[greenpigs]

Try this: http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_support/spark_plugs/p2.asp?mode=nml

[flyinlow]

Most of the projected tip spark plugs that our cars came with are extended range plugs, the center electrode stays warm enough to burn off deposits while idling around town, yet not overheat at full throttle goin up a steep freeway ramp.
If you had a slant six, 318 or 400-2bbl, your engine probably came with Champion # 14 heat range plugs (a warm plug) If you had a 340,383,400,or 440 Magnum engine it probably came with Champion #11 heat range plugs (cooler plug) Hemis came with # 10 heat range if I remember correctly (cold plug).
If the plug is too cold for you engines state of tune or your Grandma style driving it will foul sooner.  If your plug is too hot for your engine state of tune or your Dukes of Hazard driving style you may experience pre-ignition or a melted tip. It is better to have too cold of a plug and have to change or clean them often ,then to have pre-ignition damage your engine.
The Platininum and irridium plugs dont seam to work well with older carburated engines. I think there are times that a carb dumpes more gas than nessisary into the engine and this starts fouling the rare metal tips. These plugs where made for fuel injected engines.   

[Nacho-RT74]

a friend of mine is running on a SIMILAR setup ( same engine, pistons and cam with some toys more... headers, RPM intake, oil cooler ) a bosch platinum plus spark plugs on his 73 and he says is the best investment he did. None fail in 4 years and he actually travels inside the country ( he actually lives 4 hours from here and travels here everyweek, beside a daily drive car use )

http://www.boschsparkplugs.net/default.asp?i=1_4