Spark plug info needed

[Chino 240Z]

Hi Stephen,

not to change the subject of the thread regarding plugs, but bench testing these Pertonix units, I understand is that they either work or don't. In my case I just wanted a new unit and use the old one as a back up since it is 5 to 7 years old? and the new unit wouldn't even start the car, old one back in and fired up. Pertronix people tested it good, electrically, but not on my distributor... thus they are stumped. So I've got to make time to pull the distributor with the working old unit and let Pertronix have a look. The ultimate test would be a test station with plug wires, plugs and a cyclinder under pressure to dial in the best position and set up for the Pertronix unit. The Z unit is not adjustable, but just a drop in plug and play, with maybe a tiny bit of adjusting the timing. We'll see.

[240ZX]

I have to agree that the best combo for plugs/wires for an L6 are NGK/Magnacor. Regarding Splitfire plugs......nothing special, just cost you more $$$ for nada! I thought most people knew that the splitfire plug design is nothing more than an old idea that came from aircraft plugs. The multiple ground tabs, over the electrode, do nothing more than maintain a constant air gap. It's basically a reliablity issue. EMF is always going to follow the path of least resistance......spark will jump across the shortest gap. They will not provide you with an gains in performance....only lighten your wallet!

[Blue Meanie]

No fans of the Bosch Platinum plugs here? Had them many moons ago in my last 240Z and just got another set for my newest family member.

[Arne]

I've tried Platinums in the past in other cars and been singularly unimpressed. They cost a lot more than normal plugs, with no noticeable benefit. In fact, in the old '81 323i, they were noticably inferior in performance to the stock Bosch Supers. I won't waste my cash on them again.

[SteveInOakland]

Hi Stephen,

not to change the subject of the thread regarding plugs, but bench testing these Pertonix units, I understand is that they either work or don't. In my case I just wanted a new unit and use the old one as a back up since it is 5 to 7 years old? and the new unit wouldn't even start the car, old one back in and fired up. Pertronix people tested it good, electrically, but not on my distributor... thus they are stumped. So I've got to make time to pull the distributor with the working old unit and let Pertronix have a look. The ultimate test would be a test station with plug wires, plugs and a cyclinder under pressure to dial in the best position and set up for the Pertronix unit. The Z unit is not adjustable, but just a drop in plug and play, with maybe a tiny bit of adjusting the timing. We'll see.

FWIW I got a bad unit from Pertronix. They e-mailed me directions for a way to bench-test it at home, and it failed. They sent a replacement that worked with no problems.

Did you do the bench test at home? (I still have the instructions.)

I was told that there are some limitations on the way Pertronix is able to test things in-house; at least in the standard test that is done pre-shipping of a part.

Steve.

[JZM]

I've been working on Z cars for 20 years [11 at my current place] and my personal favorite spark plug is the stock NGK's per application. also prefer the NGK spark plug wires.I've used many differant brands and many differant materials,to the likes of platnum and,iridium,which work very well in later model Z cars but are not intended for the older Z's with older type fuel injection systems or carburation set ups.It's all up to the person working on or driving the car.[performance and racing apllications not included] my rule of thumb is if it came with it stay with it, [unless you can make or find something better].like autolites to ford,ac delco to GM,denso to toyota,bosch to german cars,champion to lawn and garden equipment[he he] ,and NGK's for just about everything else.their are all sorts of spark plugs out there.chose wise to your application.

JZM..

[=Enigma=]

Don't forget to think about a Pertronix ignition module in the distributor to get rid of having to use points.

I took care of that a while ago with a 280ZX dizzy. Just adding the MSD 6AL and Blaster II Coil so I had to change out the solid core wires.

[Chino 240Z]

Did you do the bench test at home? (I still have the instructions.)

Steve.

Interesting, it definitely didn't work on the car, as the old one was fine. Since Pertronix is only 10 minutes away, I just stopped in with the bad unit and just didn't want to swap out for another just yet. If the rain lets up I was going outside to pull everything a go back over to Pertronix and go over some other concerns. But, sure email their instructions over, wonder if it is same things as I already have? Thanks Steve!

Enigma, sounds like you should be in good shape! Just keep you wire splices or terminations solid and proper, with all grounds clean and tight. I'm sure you'll feel a performance difference once you're all done. Lets us know what you think...

Craig