TR4/4A Sparkplug suggestions for TR4A

[Sopicki]

I've got the factory manuals for my '67 TR-4a and can use whatever are the equivalent plugs listed as original replacements, but I was wondering if anyone could share their experience with sparkplugs available today.

My car's ignition is 100% original so that's obviously a consideration.

Thanks,

 

[TR3driver]

Bob, I'd suggest Bosch WR7BP. They're a platinum plug that lasts virtually forever and seem to work well in TRactor motors.
Ken G. at BFE claims to have actually measured a power gain on the dyno with them, but I find that hard to believe.
The WR7BP number has apparently been superceded to something like 4232, but your local shop should still be able to look up the old number.

 

[Alan_Myers]

Hi, I swear by standard NGK plugs.

I saw independent research in the past that showed NGK better in dyno testing than other brands and, at the same time, debunked some of the expensive multi-tipped plugs as a waste of money. Over the years I've tried any number of brands and never found anything that works better in most cars and motorcycles.

I'm not sure the specific NGK used in your car, but any store that stocks them should be able to look it up for you. If you do a lot of slow speed, around town driving, you might want one step hotter plug. If you are mostly on the freeway at consistently higher speeds, one step cooler might be better.

Preparing for an emissions test, I recently put a new set of NGKs in my Land Rover. The old set being replaced were Champion "Truck Plugs" and were the only thing available when I needed a set about 500 miles from home. That was an emergency replacement because the car began running very poorly after a couple days on the highway. It turned out I'd burnt up at least two of the previous set of platinum plugs, which were recommended by the dealer and really only had about 10,000 miles on them.

I can't say the NGKs are running any smoother than the Champion truck plugs, which were in the car for about 20,000 miles. But, I have had an immediate increase in gas mileage of 10, 15% or better. That might indicate the motor is running stronger, burning fuel more efficiently. I did note the main difference with the truck plugs was a longer electrode, which might have protruded into the combustion chamber and disrupted gas flow. And, I cleaned all the plug wires (8.5mm Magnecor, which are excellent) and applied new dielectric grease on all connections. So, to be honest, there are a couple other possible reasons for the improvement.

But, I can tell you I'll not try platinum plugs in the Land Rover again (They worked great in a couple VWs I had, though). And, I'd say with the "truck plugs", the motor ran smoothly, but gas mileage went to heck. I figure the Land Rover is a good test for spark plugs, since it's pretty hard on them with it's high energy system and coil per cylinder setup.

So, I'm back to NGKs with yet another car! I'd definitely recommend them in most instances and I'll be putting a set in my TR4 when I get done with the rebuild.

 

[Geo Hahn]

I use Champion (RL87YC) in the TR3A and Bosch (WR7BP) in the TR4 w/o problem. Can't remember why I don't use the same in each.

I like to examine, clean, etc. the plugs once in awhile and the Bosch plug is a bit more delicate with that thin wire center thing (can't remember the right word).

Many seem to be satisfied with the NGK - I've heard both BP6ES and BP6HS mentioned.

IMO -- all the sparking plugs will do better with a upgrade coil such as the Lucas Sport coil and a slightly larger gap. But that is definitely just an opinion and others may have different perceptions.

 

[Sopicki]

Geo, Alan and Randall,

Thanks for taking the time to reply to my post. I think I'll give the Bosch's a try to start. I run platinum plugs in my minivan because I NEVER want to change them again. However, I can get to the plugs in my Triumph so I'll start with something simple.

Thanks Again.

Bob

 

[MDCanaday]

No offence Bob, but you will not like the GERMAN plugs in the 2 liter.NGK is the first choice, followed by champion L87yrc. For some reason the high tech plats dont do well with the old point style ignitions, they foul at the strangest times for no real reason......
MD(mad dog)

 

[Keoke]

MDCanady, Please excuse the expression but that is just so much Hog Wash : Plats Don't do well in Point ignition systems. I assure you that the Bosh Plugs will give you the best Performance you can get in any type of ignition system. NGK plugs generally are chosen because they are cheaper. Futher if your plugs foul you have chosen the wrong plug---Keoke

 

[Keoke]

Hi Geo Hahn, You are so correct the LBC will perform much better with the Lucas Sport coil and, with the point type ignition systems, using slightly widened plug gaps.More performance can be obtained by changing to the Pertronix Ignition system in conjunction with the Lucas Coil.However, the Bosh Plug with its Platinum electrode need not be considered delicate.--FWIW---Keoke

 

[lesingepsycho]

I'm running Bosch plat-ies in my LBC with a point trigger to an MSD-6AL box and a chrome-plated Mallory coil. /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/devilgrin.gif Works like a true champ-eeen! Git-er-done!! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/driving.gif

 

[Geo Hahn]

[ QUOTE ]
...Platinum electrode need not be considered delicate.

[/ QUOTE ]

Probably just my heavy-handed cleaning with a wire brush -- I have bent the center electrode while giving them a once-over while out for inspection. Straightened it back up and it didn't break off so delicate may be an overstatement, but I will be a bit gentler next time.

 

[Keoke]

Yep Geo, That will do it, If you have an air compressor buy a sparkplug cleaner they can be had for very little cost and will clean the plugs with out damaging them. Wire brushes are a no no.-Regards---Keoke

 

[Keoke]

Lepsingepsycho!- /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif--Keoke