Experience request - 1 step colder plugs fouling?

[newtothescene]

For all you guys that have 1 step colder plugs on a stage 2 or less have you experienced any plug fouling?

If so, how long after the new plugs did they foul?

If not, how long have you had them in for?

Thanks in advance!

DDS

* Registered users of the site do not see these ads.

[WickedXj]

If you need a new set I have 4 I picked up from RR but never used, let me know!

[newtothescene]

For sure. So you did not use them because MPS thought otherwise? If so, can you remember what their thoughts were?

[WickedXj]

I called Dom a week before tune and told him I had both, and he wanted stock. Sorry don't remember his reason.

[notjustforshow]

I used to run one step colder, both tuned and OTS.

1) I went about 30,000 km and no fouling.
2) When I first had them in, and tuned, the car ran great.

However,

There was a very strong exhaust smell, residue, and later, odd engine performance (hesitation, and unpredictable power / power loss). I am not experienced enough in tuning to comment, but subsequent tunes, and my current set up has favored stock plugs.

[TommyAtomic]

I would think that most tuners would favor stock plugs as they are much easier to source therefore most customers in the longterm would be complaint free regarding their tunes.

[newtothescene]

Originally Posted by notjustforshow

I used to run one step colder, both tuned and OTS.

1) I went about 30,000 km and no fouling.
2) When I first had them in, and tuned, the car ran great.

However,

There was a very strong exhaust smell, residue, and later, odd engine performance (hesitation, and unpredictable power / power loss). I am not experienced enough in tuning to comment, but subsequent tunes, and my current set up has favored stock plugs.

To me that's sounds like fouling issues. Did you notice any other issues with the stock heat range and the "colder" tune?

Thnks

[2010 WRX Limited]

I don't know about fouling because I have not taken mine out to inspect. But I have been running one step colder for about 20,000kms on stage 2 and 5000kms +1 track day on Dom's tune and they are running like a champ.

[notjustforshow]

Originally Posted by newtothescene

To me that's sounds like fouling issues. Did you notice any other issues with the stock heat range and the "colder" tune?

Thnks

When we pulled the plugs I don't think they were fouled, I don't think there were other issues. To be clear, from the start, I would have very strong exhaust fumes, and residue. This could have been a bad tune or many other factors.

[newtothescene]

Ok I see - thanks.

[da_kernel]

i would recommend just checking them after. it's pretty easy to do, just have a look on the NGK site. I ran colder plugs on my audi and different ones on my motor bike and had no issues. You'd have to have some serious mods before you should consider them... i.e a larger turbo.

http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/tech_su...qs/faqread.asp

[alcoolaid]

You should be fine on the stock heat range unless you're going to be beating on the car for extended periods of time.

For what it's worth I ran like 10,000km on my stock STi plugs at 500hp+.

[clsmooth]

Been running one step colder plugs for 6 years, no problem. Mind you, I also have em gapped to 0.025".

[subieboostin]

I run them with my hta68 and they make smooth power vroom

[newtothescene]

Good responses and thank you all for your time. Well the debate goes on I suppose. I think I am going to stick with 1 step colder for now and see how it goes. It seems there has been success on both ends of the scale with different builds. RR prefers 1 step colder and after speaking with Dom at MPS he says it would be more important if I was running a bigger turbo, but with my little wimpy TD04 it probably won't be much of a difference. He did say there would be a little less risk with 1 step colder on my car and either way is fine, plus I should not be worried about fouling at all. The biggest reason for me is just that extra level of security. With the heat that we are having (even though winter would be exact opposite), a stage 2 tune in the horizon pumping my tiny turbo hard and the smallest stock tmic of them all in my '06, I see there being some benefit with 1 step colder plugs pulling that heat out of the chamber and reducing the chance of pre-ignition on those hot autox days and hopefully some track time this or next year.

Thanks again and please keep chiming in if you haven't already. These threads are a great information tool for the rest of our community.

Damian

[newtothescene]

Ok so in preparation for a Maxwell stage 2 and STX tune in a couple of weeks I had Eric at his shop in Richmond (HBL Autosports) do a leakdown and compression test, change the coolant and a clogged PCV, install a Perrin inlet (I don't think that was fun for him - sorry Eric) and put those elusive colder plugs in, plus an oil change. The car is running great (Cobb OTS) - still looking forward to getting the tune and seeing Dom's shop for the first time. Hats off again to Eric for his attention to detail and knowledge.

[5 Zigen]

^ have you got the vacuum hose fixed? Sorry I would have done that if I have that fitting, at least I got it going

[newtothescene]

Ya its all fixed up now. I'll email you with the details. Thanks again Sir.