Side Gap Spark Plugs

[JD1964]

What's your opinion on side gapping spark plugs. I know you can get the same basic effect by buying more expensive plugs but do you think it's worth the effort? Are you aware of any testing that proves gains by side gapping?

Here's an article on it.

http://performanceunlimited.com/documents/plugsidegapping.html

 

[Bullitt347]

Side gapping works provided you index the spark plugs as well. One of the big advantages would be shortening the path to ground. By that I mean that the ground strap is less likely to become overheated as the heat has a shorter path to dissipate into the cylinder head, thus the chances of pre-ignition is less likely. This is especially helpful on Nitrous engines and to some extent on boosted engines as well.

 

[84Ttop]

In years past we ran the Autolite Racing series plugs that had a cut back electrode. In recent years we have had much better success with a standard NGK plug and most x275 racers and Outlaw guys will attest to this. The NGK plug is easier to read the strap on when looking for the timing mark. I would be running cut back plugs in my car even again fwiw.