1 step cooler plug will ignite the fuel/air mixture just retard of TDC timing, this essentially will bring the timing back to standard (where it is supposed to be). When you do this you are "tricking" the PCM instead of running the engine correctly.

In the Autolite, it isn't made for the motor to fire correctly so you have to trick the computer. I personally don't like this approach, however not all engine is built the same so there is SOME indifference in them, this equates to people having luck with them, and some people having serious issues with them.

This is why I always recommend the correct plug that is guarantied to work from the factory, and those plugs are Champion Copper plugs. The factory built the motor and it's components to use this plug and it works the best, however people have opinions and motor indifferences.

Also remember that Indy's motor has some performance builds in it.

 

With the CAFE standards, stock has the plugs too hot, the water temp too hot, everything too hot to extra burn the fuel as best as possible for environ advantages and results. While not optimal for the vehicle, optimal for the remaining exhaust.

Dropping the stat from the 195 to 180 and cooling the plugs one step stock the engine from being right on the verge of preignition on the fuel burn. On some motors, you are pushing into the pre-dent on WOT while others you are not.

Running higher octane slows down fuel burn (low octane burns faster.) In fact, the 2000 R/T had a hotter tune on the PCM providing for 5-10 extra HP and required premium fuel for that very reason.

Cooler plugs slows fuel burn too by the tiniest of measures. Combined you can eliminate the "pinging" at WOT. Pinging = dentonation = preignition. Again, good for environment, not so good for WOT, long life motors, etc. Hot = bad. LOL

The PCM doesn't really have anything to do with it. The PCM just keeps doing what it is supposed to do. Not everything can be adjusted by the PCM program since it is running "correctly." Thus, you take old-school steps to "fix it." There is absolutely no reason to pre-detonate on too hot plugs at WOT if you don't have to.

"where it is supposed to be" = Correct

Not wrong, just not quite correct. Again, the PCM and engine are running correctly in a "running-to-hot-not-because-that-is-best-for-the-vehicle-but-because-it-is-best-for-government-EPA-fuel-mileage-and-environmental-standards" sort of way.... however those that experience pinging are right at the uber-edge of tolerance and pushing out beyond it at WOT for the worse

Again, not wrong, just not quite correct. The Autolite's get you an intermediate step between the Champion's stockers and one step cooler. Sorta of like multiplying by 1.95 instead of by 2. Almost the same answer, but not quite. It is like "dialing it in" a little closer tha a full step down in cool.



I thought I was in a "JC Whitney Special" according to someone lameo stock D earlier this week? HS, sometimes guys like you and I have forgotten about more of our mods than most have even implemented in the first place.

IndyD

 

Thank for the info! Have u ever used or heard of those pulstar plugs? Indy said they work great

 

Indy who?

This "Indy" has never heard of Pulstar plugs.

IndyDurango

 

LMAO.....Indy!


No, Indy never said that one?....durango12



Your right Indy, however there is always the other points of view. Not saying one is right I guess or one is incorrect, just saying that that is the way it is.

 

 

Sorry indy lol i must of been thinking of someone else.. I forgot to mention i have a 160 tstat also. I will get some new plugs soon. I was lookin at pulstar plugs. Some guy in another thread used them and said they are really good. But theyre like 12$ a plug. What do you reccomend for plugs?

 

a 160deg t-stat?!?!?!?!?!!!!!??????????????

i have NEVER ehard of anyone running one of those, did you mean 180???

and almost everyone here recommends the el cheapo copper core champions, gapped properly to .040 inches

 

Nope i run a 160.. Hypertech reccomends it

 

160 is to cold. 180 or 195 is correct... regardless of what Hypertech incorrectly states.

160 will cause the PCM to constantly run rich and use too much fuel because the computer thinks it needs to run the "choke" to warm the motor.
Voila! There is another likely culprit to your issue.

IndyD