1st Generation Specific (1979-1985) 1979-1985 Discussion including performance modifications and technical support sections

Spark plug alternatives

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Old 11-04-05, 10:37 PM
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Spark plug alternatives

Me again,

Just removed some NGK BP7ES plugs after about 10,000 miles. Yaw had recommended converting plugs like this into side fire by cutting the side electrode, bending and regapping. He claims better performance due to a more exposed central electrode versus the shrouding effect of the stock plugs. I experienced no ill effects and at $2/ plug a very cheap alternative, $12/stock plug here in Toronto.
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Old 11-04-05, 10:41 PM
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how did you cut and gap the plugs? what is the GAP measurement?
Old 11-04-05, 10:52 PM
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Just grind off the part of the strap that covers the top of the electrode witha Dremel, gap according the stock (can't remember figure) by bending side strap in towards electrode with a small hammer and cutting any excess metal in order to get correct gap.
Old 11-04-05, 11:50 PM
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Why be cheap like that???
Old 11-05-05, 12:08 AM
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I think you miss the point. Paul Yaw advocated side firing plugs as a way to make more power and increase engine responsiveness because of the unshrouded electrode effect. I merely pointed out a side benefit of reduced cost and also wanted to demonstrate the viability of this idea.
Old 11-05-05, 12:18 AM
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it is different ..and saves money ..which is a plus ..i'm not buckin ya there..I am just sceptical about the integrity of the spark plugs when inside the chamber..a little porcelian can do alot of damage ..my mind says no..my wallet says..what are you a friggin moron go for it!..i may try it ..if my engine starts to go south though..ngk plats are my click..
Old 11-05-05, 11:38 AM
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The standard NGKs are also 4 electrodes so that (in principle) if one is fouled another will fire. I keep 4 rotaries in plugs without going broke, and they don't foul, either.

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Old 11-05-05, 03:28 PM
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Same here. No need for cheap boinger plugs converted to side fire.
Old 11-05-05, 08:16 PM
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I agree, that's why I don't have them in anymore. Just another example of doing it for the sake of showing it can be done.
Old 11-05-05, 11:51 PM
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don't chip an apex seal...
Old 11-06-05, 10:12 AM
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spark plugs

Where do you buy plugs for your RX-7 at a good price?
Old 11-06-05, 10:58 AM
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when I purchased my 7 it had the awful autolite plugs installed..these had that side fire design..short electrode....once removed and replaced with the standard ngk's..it idled noticeably better...I'll only be using ngk's from now on
Old 11-06-05, 12:42 PM
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Originally Posted by Rotary Weasel
when I purchased my 7 it had the awful autolite plugs installed..these had that side fire design..short electrode....once removed and replaced with the standard ngk's..it idled noticeably better...I'll only be using ngk's from now on
Which autolites are those? I have a set of 2626s which have been recommended for the annular electrode, which it is claimed fire better when flooded. But I've not installed them yet.
Old 11-06-05, 12:56 PM
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Originally Posted by bliffle
Which autolites are those? I have a set of 2626s which have been recommended for the annular electrode, which it is claimed fire better when flooded. But I've not installed them yet.
not positive which ones..however here at the parts stores there seems to be only one # for the autolites application..not an expert here but simply looking up autolites here, and elsewhere reveals mostly negative feedback..myself? I wouldn't install them
Old 11-06-05, 04:26 PM
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the autolites are shitty, don't even bother, take em back.

people have lost engines from crappy autolites....

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...light=autolite
Old 11-06-05, 05:26 PM
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Advance has a decent price on the NGK's, I'd just go there.
Old 11-07-05, 01:20 AM
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Originally Posted by mcnannay
the autolites are shitty, don't even bother, take em back.

people have lost engines from crappy autolites....

https://www.rx7club.com/showthread.p...light=autolite
I think the plugs that clipped apex seals were the standard single-electrode type, whereas the 2626s have an annular electrode. And they measure up same as NGKs.

One of the guys said the 2626s worked best for him.

So which autolites do they complain about?

B
Old 11-07-05, 10:12 AM
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Originally Posted by bliffle
I think the plugs that clipped apex seals were the standard single-electrode type, whereas the 2626s have an annular electrode. And they measure up same as NGKs.

One of the guys said the 2626s worked best for him.

So which autolites do they complain about?

B
yep the one's in question are the 2626's with the single 'annular' electrode..the NGK's have the 4 electrodes and optional heat ranges..they measure up? no comment....use what you want at your own risk
Old 11-07-05, 01:32 PM
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Autolites are good for initial start up after a rebuild when plugs are prone to becoming fouled. When in doubt you can get new one for less than $3 a piece. However after a week, the autolites had black carbon on them. This indicated other problems like oil metering pump set wrong, timing, or air/fuel to rich. It was only a matter of time when the excess carbon build up would affect performance and longievity.

Symptoms dissappeared after instlling new NKG's.
Old 11-07-05, 04:09 PM
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That old sparkplug thread cited 2526s, not 2626s. And sparkplugs.com seemed to show a single electrode plug for the 2526. I wouldn't use a single electrode plug on a rotary unless it were side-fire instead of top-fire, for fear of clipping the apexseal. But it looks to me like the annular 2626s would be OK. But the 2626s are sort of moot anyhow since now they cost as much as NGKs.

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Old 11-07-05, 04:12 PM
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And it pays to be accurate about this plug lore. Is it Autolites that are bad or is it top-fire plugs of ANY make? From what i know right now I think the danger is top-fires, even if they are NGK they could be dangerous. This is a danger to folks with SAs or REPUs that have mechanical points that use a different plug with a smaller .030 gap.

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Old 11-07-05, 04:44 PM
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Hey, can we just bypass the sparkplugs all together and make it into a diesel. It should have enough compression to light the biotch up.
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