Spark Plugs

[Red76]

As most know I just got my Spider and I'm working out the kinks. First thing I did when I got it home was a SeaFoam treatment, change the oil and change the plugs. Well my question is on the plugs. Went to my local Autozone and all they had was a set of Autolite's. Gaped them at .025. Well I guess Spiders DO NOT like Autolites. After they were installed I felt a definite loss of power.
What plugs are recommended for the Spider? Resistor or Non-Resistor? Proper gap? Most have told me Bosch, others say NGK but I thought they were better for the Japanese motors.
Don't know if this makes a difference on the plugs but the only motor mods I have are the upgraded Weber 2BBL carb and the Bosch alternator.

[mdrburchette]

I run NGK BPR6ES in my Fiats and my Harleys.

[narfire]

Yeup.... NGK's

[majicwrench]

Realisticly you are not going to notice a power loss/gain from diff brands of plugs. A new set of Autolites is gonna run just like a new set of NGK. If engine now has less power I would venture something else has changed.

[manoa matt]

I've always run Champion plugs in all my cars and never had any problems. Champion plug # RN9YC is the best suited for Spiders, and won't break the bank.

[Red76]

Champion is what I took out. Has anyone ever heard of PULSTAR plugs.
Not sure if any plug is worth $13 each. I YouTube'd the brand and found lots of testing vids on them and they look real interesting.

[majicwrench]

Pulstar??
Bet you get 20% more horsepower AND better gas, BUT WAIT, THERE'S MORE!

Stick with real spark plugs. All a plug has to do is create a spark to ignite the fuel/air mix.

For what it's worth, given an option,I like NGK, but like I said, almost any plug will work for a driver, as long as it is the right heat range etc.
My 72 Spider has got the same Autolite plugs that were in the engine when I bought it three years ago.

[manoa matt]

"Champion is what I took out. Well I guess Spiders DO NOT like Autolites. After they were installed I felt a definite loss of power."

Then put Champions back in. Its also possible the Autolites were not torqued down enough to compress the sealing washer. If not torqued properly you can loose compression due to lack of a good seal.

[OaklandSpider]

I agree with Manoa Matt...Champions have performed better for me than any other.

[Red76]

I got a set of the NGK on the way, yes had to order them. What should the gap be set at? .030 or .025?

[124ADDHE]

I was running the bpr6's but had pre-ignition (10.5-1cr) with premium fuel, so i switched to a bp9 (not a resistor plug, the wires have enough resistance) with great results! I gap my plugs at .8mm and have run 1mm with no problems. I think good wires are needed, this is what I change the most - but now I buy Aurora SS. spiral core wires, they are the shit, just like magnacor wires but are cheaper and made in Canada!

[baltobernie]

Champion RN6YC is just right, color wise, for my HC 1800

For poor performance after a plug change, I'd suspect a a wire or terminal broken during the process.

Don't know if your car is points or electronic ignition. If points, I'd think you'd see much greater gains in performance, mileage and drivability changing your ignition than investing in snake-oil plugs and wires. Pertronix makes a module for the points-style dizzy, or a salvage swap to OE Marelli.

[adrians]

Where were your spark plugs made ?


http://www.flickr.com/photos/barndweller/1673805783/

[Zippy]

Nice, all hand made. Each plug is unique and different because of the care of the individual making it. And I love the quality control.

[124cso]

Its also possible the Autolites were not torqued down enough to compress the sealing washer. If not torqued properly you can loose compression due to lack of a good seal.

You do not want to do up your plugs too tight, 'Just snug' by hand using about a 10" handle of your plug socket wrench. Remember, you are winding into a metric fine thread in an Aluminium head. If you go gung-ho, you will und up stripping a thread. That happened to my 125 about 1972/3 at the hands of the local Fiat dealer's workshop. Great stuff !

To answer your question, Champion N9Y or derivative of that -N9YC/ RN9YC etc. You would only go to a cooler plug for a Hot / competion motor or racing. So, NO! you should not be putting Jap plugs in a Fiat ! It is just not done !