spark plug gap

[BEN]

does anyone know the correct gap for the plugs. I am going to get the ngk plugs that were suggested by somone on here.. So if anyone knows please let me know

[Matthew]

i BELIEVE its .35 but normally i buy all my plugs pre-gapped.

[SDMSP]

.30

[Matthew]

oh well i tried.

[pip7441622]

Gap them the same as your stock ones were gapped. Mine were .35....

[SDMSP]

Gap them the same as your stock ones were gapped. Mine were .35....
my stocks were gap at .30 (dunno)

[hi-perf]

mine was .044" ???

[jus10 msp]

gap them to .32

justin h

[Leadfoot]

MSP owners manual "addendum" states a gap of 0.7 - 0.8 mm (0.028 - 0.031 in.) Also....always check the gap before installing...even if they are stated to be pre-gapped. Some plugs come pre-gapped way different than your required specs.

here's an idea of some of the gaps that come on the Plugs: http://www.sparkplugs.com/search_char.asp?threadSize=14mm&hexSize=5%2F8%22%2816mm%29&gap=&seatType=gasket&terminalType=&heatRange=&reach=19mm%283%2F4%22%29&resistor=yes&manufacturerID=1&action.x=64&action.y=14

[mspeed101]

wow there seems to be alot of mixed opinions on the correct gap!!

[hi-perf]

hmm FP-DE vs FS-DET

different engines and valve covers so i guess i shouldnt have chimed in.

i have heard from mp3 ppl that .038" was their correct ones.

[Leadfoot]

I'm hoping that those that put "0.35" and such meant to put "0.035"...That's one hell of a difference. And I understand the typo thing, I'm not being anal, but that is significant, and someone who doesn't know better would have thier gaps screwed all to hell (whether they gapped in mm or in.).


wow there seems to be alot of mixed opinions on the correct gap!!

[mspeed101]

so is .035 the correct gap then for mazdaspeeds?

[Leadfoot]

MSP owners manual "addendum" states a gap of 0.7 - 0.8 mm (0.028 - 0.031 in.)

[hi-perf]

I'm hoping that those that put "0.35" and such meant to put "0.035"...That's one hell of a difference. And I understand the typo thing, I'm not being anal, but that is significant, and someone who doesn't know better would have thier gaps screwed all to hell (whether they gapped in mm or in.).
oh yeah. thats a HUGE gap (wow)

[ARunto]

.030

[mspdfreak]

I'm hoping that those that put "0.35" and such meant to put "0.035"...That's one hell of a difference. And I understand the typo thing, I'm not being anal, but that is significant, and someone who doesn't know better would have thier gaps screwed all to hell (whether they gapped in mm or in.).I'd like to see the gap tool that reads .35!

[IsmaelPR1]

I was working on my car all weekend and I purchased NGK Iridium Plugs and they were gapped at .044 out the box. And the parts guy told me that they were pre-gapped from factory! Well after installing them on my car, the car was runing pretty shitty let me say. I re-gapped them to about .035 and the car runs way better now, it was bogging down before while accelerating through first, second and third gear, but not anymore!! I guess I should take them down to .030? What do you guys think?

Thanks guys.

[JDM Sam]

Boosted cars run better with a narrower gap. Less chance for misfire. .030 - .032 for stock. .028 for higher boost. I posted about this topic way back when, search for it.

[kNOWfREED0m]

i bought the NGK BKR7E plugs from apex, they havent come in yet but are they already pre gapped to fit the msp? or do i have to gap them?

[RyanJayG]

NEVER trust "pre" gapped sparkplugs... especially when a tool is like $0.30

I recentlly bought some NGK BKR5E-11's and they needed to be re-gapped.... just do it

[I'm Allen]

I bought the Denso KJ22CR-L8 plugs for mine. They come pregapped to .8mm which is about .032" if I'm not mistaken. Anyone reading this please DO NOT get the BKR7E's. They are not the correct plugs for our car. You can read about it in a post in the FI section. Our cars require the extended reach plugs which are 2mm longer than the BKR7E's. If you don't like Denso then the NGK equivalent is the ZFR7F-11, same as the stock plug but copper and 1 heat range cooler. Those come pregapped to .11mm (about .044") so you'll have to regap them. Thanks.

Allen-

[KzA]

I gap my NGK BKR6E to .030

if anyone cares lol

[IsmaelPR1]

I got rid of the NGK plugs mentioned by I'm Allen the caused bad acceleration and bogging down at times.
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[CRDMS1]

Alot of potentially dangerous information in this thread for inexperienced MSP owners...

When in doubt, READ YOUR MANUAL! As mentioned, the MSP supplement clearly states the gap spec (0.028" to 0.031" I believe). You can assume this is designed for stock boost levels, and I would NEVER go wider...unless you go NA for some reason :)

In general, a narrower gap will be required for higher boost levels...to a point. Too narrow and you will not have enough spark to burn the AF mix efficiently.

You can safely run the stock plugs at stock boost (go figure). Copper plugs will be more tolerant of higher boost levels due to the electrode construction...larger and less chance for hot spots leading to detonation. Copper plugs should also be checked and replaced more frequently...not a problem since they're so damn easy to get to in our car.

A step cooler heat range will also be helpful for detonation resistance at higher-than-stock boost levels. A '7' heat range will remove more heat from the tip than a '6' range and so on. Again, too much isn't necessarily a good thing.

With respect to modding and tuning cars, everyone has to start somewhere. Don't be afraid to take it slow until you understand what you are doing. Get help from more experienced people you trust (preferably not on a message board :)). If you want more information on spark plugs in general...there is good technical reading at NGKs website.

Peace...(hippy)

[Yay-Boost]

Great post by CRDMS1. If you are running the stock boost colder plugs will probably foul up quicker. Extended reach plugs are a touchy subject everyone seems to have a strong opinion. You'll have to make up your own mind there.

[MazdaDryvr]

so lets say that you were running 8psi peaking at 10. What plug would you reccommend?

[CRDMS1]

so lets say that you were running 8psi peaking at 10. What plug would you reccommend?
Depends on the rest of your setup (FMIC, CAI, exhaust, flash, etc.) and the particular behavior of your car. Running 8psi with CAI/FMIC/flash, I use the BKR7E plugs gapped to 0.030"

Torque to NGK recommended spec for that plug type and check them early and often.

DISCLAIMER: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR CAR BLOWING UP IF YOU FOLLOW MY RECOMMENDATION OR NOT. In other words...it's on you to understand what you are doing and accept the results.

Peace...(hippy)

[MazdaDryvr]

I run stock except for a K&N drop in filter. I did get the flash done though. It seemed to help somewhat.

[kNOWfREED0m]

well what should i use, im running cai, cat-less exhaust, and flashed, im currently using the NGK bkr7e's and they are running great, im i wrong in using these?

[kwiktsi]

I agree- .028 if you are running increased boost. If you have too big of a gap, the increased boost/pressure can actually "blow" the spark out and cause a misfire.
Joe


Boosted cars run better with a narrower gap. Less chance for misfire. .030 - .032 for stock. .028 for higher boost. I posted about this topic way back when, search for it.

[kwiktsi]

Hmm, that is the plug NGK recommended a while back. Not many options for our thread/reach/gap/heatrange when it comes to colder plugs- maybe that's why..
Joe



I bought the Denso KJ22CR-L8 plugs for mine. They come pregapped to .8mm which is about .032" if I'm not mistaken. Anyone reading this please DO NOT get the BKR7E's. They are not the correct plugs for our car. You can read about it in a post in the FI section. Our cars require the extended reach plugs which are 2mm longer than the BKR7E's. If you don't like Denso then the NGK equivalent is the ZFR7F-11, same as the stock plug but copper and 1 heat range cooler. Those come pregapped to .11mm (about .044") so you'll have to regap them. Thanks.

Allen-

[TampaBlackMSP]

.30 w/the NGK FK...extended reach plugs. They work very nicely.

[MazdaDryvr]

now i'm confused. Which plug should I use?

[IsmaelPR1]

I just bought and put in the Bosch Platinum +4 Plugs and they work great! I saw an immediate difference between the NGK and the Bosch in response and idle. Due to the fact that they have a special 4 prong design they came factory set!!
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2002 MP5 - B&M Short Shifter - ACT Performance Clutch - Red Powder Coated Valve Cover - Injen Cold Air Intake - Hi-Flow
Intake Filter - Tsudo Exhaust System - Chrome Oil Cap - Magnacore 8.5 MM Competition Wires - Bosch Platinum +4 Spark
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[I'm Allen]

now i'm confused. Which plug should I use?
Here is what I did to figure this one out. Our cars (MSP) came with the NGK PZFR6F plugs. 'P' for platinum and '6' is the heat range. I've heard and read that platinum plugs and turbos are a bad combination so I wanted the plain old copper plugs. The equivalent to those would be the NGK ZFR6F plugs. I upped my boost a little and wanted to go a heat range cooler. For NGK, the higher the number the cooler the plug. So, I wanted the NGK ZFR7F plugs. I wanted to try out the Denso plugs so I cross referenced them at www.sparkplugs.com (http://www.sparkplugs.com) and they pulled up the KJ22CR-L8 plugs which are pregapped to .8mm (approx. .032 inches) which was a bonus. The NGKs come pregapped to 1.1mm which are about .04 inches. Again this is what I used to figure this out and I may be totally wrong. If I am can someone please explain to me what I did wrong? Hope this helps.

Allen.

[MazdaDryvr]

Sounds logical to me. I dont think I can get Denso plugs here in the GWN so I guess it'll be the NGK.

[Got_boost02]

i just bought the equivalent to the NGK's in the Autolite brand. they cross referenced the using the NGK part number, question is, do you think they are the same as the NGK's or no good at all?

[MazdaDryvr]

I am having a hard time finding that NGK plug. The local auto store has the champion equivilant but I dont think I'm going to buy champion plugs.

[Swerny]

I run stock except for a K&N drop in filter. I did get the flash done though. It seemed to help somewhat.Well, based on this, you are running stock so just run the stock plugs.
If you up the bost to 8 or 10 like you mentioned in your other post, than pick either the ZFR7F's or the BKR7E whatevers.
Again, this is just an opinion.
I'm waiting on a set of each, and I will see which runs better for me.
I have CAI, MBC peaking at 9 psi, and will have a cat-less exhaust (CS) on shortly.
I may also try Joe's FPR and FCD if need be.

[Got_boost02]

yeah, i just took the autolites back cause i dont think they are even close to the ngk's after some further research. also having trouble finding the ngk at the local stores???????????/

[Swerny]

I had trouble too as these plugs apparently aren't stock issue on any cars. I read somewhere that one of the plug types were stock for a motorcycle?
Anyways, read the NGK extended Reach Plug thread in the FI section posted by Linux Racer. All the part #'s are there.
For example, the BKR7E's are NGK part #6097.

[Rawyzf]

Just order them from sparkplugs.com. They even send you a nice little sticker :).

-Ryan



I had trouble too as these plugs apparently aren't stock issue on any cars. I read somewhere that one of the plug types were stock for a motorcycle?
Anyways, read the NGK extended Reach Plug thread in the FI section posted by Linux Racer. All the part #'s are there.
For example, the BKR7E's are NGK part #6097.

[MazdaDryvr]

hey MS MSP, if you want a JoeP FPR, I'll give you mine. It's never been installed ( i chickened out) and I have full instructions on installation.

Rawyzf, does that website ship to Canada?

[Rawyzf]

Im in MN, so I'm not sure. I am as close to Canada as it gets :).

They do however have a phone number for customers outside the US, so I would guess that they ship to the frozen tundra.

-Ryan

[Rawyzf]

This is from sparkplugs.com:

Turbos and Blowers

Whether using a supercharger or a turbocharger, both have the effect of increasing the mass airflow into the engine which increases engine displacement. With the additional displacement comes not only an increase in horsepower, but also an increase in firing tip temperature, thus requiring a colder heat range (javascript:charglos('Heat+range')) spark plug. If however, you have added extreme boost or a combination of boost and other modifications, changing heat ranges may not be enough. Tip configuration may also need to be altered, as there are a variety of firing tip choices, it would be wise to consult your engine builder or performance tuner specialist for input.

-Ryan

[Swerny]

I think they do ship to Canada, and thanks MazdaDryver, I have a FPR already waiting to be installed.
If you still want to "give it to me" though, i'll pay the shipping !

You can get the plugs from anywhere as long as you have the NGK part #. Even the monkeys at Canadian Tire found the 6097's for me. It took a while, but they found them.

[TampaBlackMSP]

So far I'm very pleased with my new NGK's - I had the BK... but since changed to the
ZFR7F-11, part #2975, .30 gap (I had to pull out my notes for exact name and part number - don't keep up with that crap) - I'm also at 10+ psi w/other 'stuff' ;) so I'm not exactly stock.

Anyway, the new extended reach ones make the car definitely feel smoother than the BK's - thanks Discreet, Linux and everyone else offering input regarding this - (2thumbs)

[MazdaDryvr]

Well I checked that website, the cost of the plugs with shipping was rediculous. Canadian tire cant help me here either. I called Partsource in Ottawa and they are going to try and track it for me.

MS - pm your addy and I'll send you the FPR. Dont worry about the shipping cost,it couldnt be more than a couple bucks and I'm just glad you can use it.

[jurgs01]

So far I'm very pleased with my new NGK's - I had the BK... but since changed to the
ZFR7F-11, part #2975, .30 gap (I had to pull out my notes for exact name and part number - don't keep up with that crap) - I'm also at 10+ psi w/other 'stuff' ;) so I'm not exactly stock.

Anyway, the new extended reach ones make the car definitely feel smoother than the BK's - thanks Discreet, Linux and everyone else offering input regarding this - (2thumbs)
I also have these plugs which are the same size and 2 heat ranges colder from our stock plugs. I have them gapped at .030, and they run smoother than the BRK7E which everyone was recommending when I first joined the forums. Any auto parts store will be able to get them under the NGK PN 2975, and they are only a few bucks a piece. It seems like a no-brainer to me that these would be the correct plugs to run at higher boost considering the only difference from the stock plugs is heat range (copper).

[Rawyzf]

I also have these plugs which are the same size and 2 heat ranges colder from our stock plugs. I have them gapped at .030, and they run smoother than the BRK7E which everyone was recommending when I first joined the forums. Any auto parts store will be able to get them under the NGK PN 2975, and they are only a few bucks a piece. It seems like a no-brainer to me that these would be the correct plugs to run at higher boost considering the only difference from the stock plugs is heat range (copper).
On sparkplugs.com it says the gap is 14MM for the ZFR7F-11 plugs. What does the equal? .030?

[Swerny]

No, the ZFRF plugs come stock gapped at like 0.040. You need to re-gap them.

[Swerny]

I also have these plugs which are the same size and 2 heat ranges colder from our stock plugs.
Actually, or stock plugs are ZFR6F, so your new ones are 1 heat range colder, not 2.

[Rawyzf]

Not to keep the wagon going in circles, but don't you want to buy plugs that are already gapped right, or the center spark or whatever can be off?




Actually, or stock plugs are ZFR6F, so your new ones are 1 heat range colder, not 2.

[Swerny]

Supposedly there are Denso's that have the same specs as the ZFRF's that come with the proper gap for our cars.

[I'm Allen]

Supposedly there are Denso's that have the same specs as the ZFRF's that come with the proper gap for our cars.
Yes. I have the Denso equivalent. I have the KJ22CR-L8 which are the equivalent to the ZFR7F-11. They are pregapped to .8mm which is about .032" I believe. I got them at www.sparkplugs.com (http://www.sparkplugs.com). Paid a little more since I had to pay for shipping but, oh well.

Allen-

[Wingman21]

Can you run colder plugs at stock boost ?
Will they perform as well as the stock one ?
Also, I heard that they would wear faster... True ?

[Swerny]

Copper plugs will wear faster than the stock platinum's., but copper is better for F/I.
It depends which plugs you run.
So, you will have to change the coppers more often, but they are cheaper than the platinums.

[ONRAILS]

So far I'm very pleased with my new NGK's - I had the BK... but since changed to the
ZFR7F-11, part #2975, .30 gap (I had to pull out my notes for exact name and part number - don't keep up with that crap) - I'm also at 10+ psi w/other 'stuff' ;) so I'm not exactly stock.

Anyway, the new extended reach ones make the car definitely feel smoother than the BK's - thanks Discreet, Linux and everyone else offering input regarding this - (2thumbs)
Yep... I just put mine on yesterday. Car definately feels smoother... now on to the mbc @ 10psi! Probably do that today.

[Wingman21]

Copper plugs will wear faster than the stock platinum's., but copper is better for F/I.
It depends which plugs you run.
So, you will have to change the coppers more often, but they are cheaper than the platinums.
What about irridium ones !? Will they be OK (stock and higher boost) and last longer ?

[MazdaDryvr]

well i got the ZFR7F-11 plugs and I do notice smoother response on the throttle. Cool :)