I dont know if any of you remember or not, but I tried out and used sidegapped spark plugs on the Focus with a decent amount of success. I saw about a 1.5 - 2.0 mpg increase and better responsiveness.
Well, Im using the same type of plugs on the Grand Prix, but Ive learned a thing or two since then. Most notably, you get a far better effect if you use pure copper spark plugs. I used Platinum plugs on the Focus. One thing I realized after getting the Grand Prix, after thinking about it from an electrical point of view, was that platinum, irridium and all those exotic metals do not conduct electricty very well at all.
They may be good in increasing the longevity of the plug, but they do nothing for the conduction of electricity, I would go as far as to say it would reduce the overall spark energy in the plug. When it comes to an electrical type system such as an engine ignition system, copper rules.
Well this weekend, I saw something that just confirmed all I had learned about sidegapping and its effectiveness. I can easily hit upper 30's in fuel economy on all highway. If I draft behind someone I have maintained a little over 40mpg instant mileage and that information is based directly on fuel consumption and miles driven.
Well I went to Topeka, KS this past Friday to see the NHRA qualifying. Well I get there and I see this at one of the drivers camps:
Yep that is sidegapped plugs for the Fram top fuel drag car. It warmed my heart all over to see that. It looks like they may use a machine or something to cut the electrode becasue those cuts are super straight. I cut mine with a Dremel tool and the edges arent nearly that straight and uniform.
I didnt think at the time to look at what brand it was, I should have, but it just didnt occur to me to do so.
____________________ My car is a synner! It uses Amsoil Synthetic Lubricants.
2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GTP
It whines a lot, but I like it
