sparks changed and the engine feels much more "punchy"

z4all · Post by **z4all** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 11:29 am

as the title says....is this normal? Got some NGK iridiums fitted. the engine feels so much more responsive! or is it all in my head?

Smartbear · Post by **Smartbear** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 11:32 am

If the other plugs were badly worn they could cause imperceptible misfires that new plugs would stop, its possible you have detected this

Rob

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 1:48 pm

From NKG's own web site:

A common misconception is that changing spark plugs will result in a large power increase. In most cases, removing even seriously worn out spark plugs will only result in very modest power gains, typically about 1-2% of total engine output. This could be even less for computer-controlled vehicles, primarily because most newer vehicles have more powerful ignition systems and the vehicle's computer can make adjustments so that vehicle operation seems smoother and more seamless.

Many people think that simply supplying more spark to the firing tip can and will combust more fuel. What they don't understand is that most newer car engines are so efficient that they are already burning all of the available fuel. Simply adding more spark voltage can't burn more fuel because there is no more fuel to burn.

When a stock or near-stock engine is given a fresh set of spark plugs, peak efficiency is restored. The power gains that come from this restored state of tune are usually minimal. Any company that tells you that their spark plug will provide significant gains in power in a stock or near-stock engine is making blanket statements that may not be supportable.

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 2:02 pm

I'm with Scotty Kilmer and many others, who say sparkplug changes, unless theyre really filthy and causing misfires, don't need to be carried out as often as people think.
My 270k mile E36 323i coupe 'benefitted' from around 4 spark plug changes during the course of its' life, each time only as a matter of course and not through any requirement from misfire or such

z4all · Post by **z4all** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 2:46 pm

I just had an insp 1 done. Don't know what else could cause this.

Chris_D · Post by **Chris_D** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 2:58 pm

z4all wrote:I just had an insp 1 done. Don't know what else could cause this.

placebo effect?

goldbcfc · Post by **goldbcfc** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 3:36 pm

was going to say same its all in your head my car feels quicker when i use super unleaded too.....

BRC · Post by **BRC** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 4:41 pm

z4all wrote:I just had an insp 1 done. Don't know what else could cause this.

Fresh oil, new air filter, lighter wallet......

Z43.0Si · Post by **Z43.0Si** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 4:48 pm

Mine always goes better when I wash it

z4all · Post by **z4all** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 5:43 pm

But I didn't think it would feel any faster so can't be placebo. Anyway. Hopefully having my sports exhaust fitted tomo!

Zeld4 · Post by **Zeld4** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 6:41 pm

Chris_D wrote:
z4all wrote:I just had an insp 1 done. Don't know what else could cause this.
placebo effect?

Isn't inspection 11 spark plugs?

faz_b · Post by **faz_b** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 7:06 pm

Must admit I have had this feeling in previous cars, however, I wouldn't describe it as feeling more power rather than more response. Almost like the difference in throttle response when the sport button is pressed. I guess that correlates with the whole "efficiency" theory?

Marlon · Post by **Marlon** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 7:33 pm

What happens with me is that while its being serviced I'm tootling around in a 1.2 Corsa for the day and once back in the Zed it feels like a f**king rocket

z4all · Post by **z4all** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 7:45 pm

Zeld4 wrote:
Chris_D wrote:
z4all wrote:I just had an insp 1 done. Don't know what else could cause this.
placebo effect?
Isn't inspection 11 spark plugs?

I got em changed anyway. I take care of my cars!

z4all · Post by **z4all** » Fri Oct 28, 2016 7:46 pm

faz_b wrote:Must admit I have had this feeling in previous cars, however, I wouldn't describe it as feeling more power rather than more response. Almost like the difference in throttle response when the sport button is pressed. I guess that correlates with the whole "efficiency" theory?

Exactly yeh. More punchy. More responsive. Like sport button is on. That's exactly it.

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