Is it necessary to upgrade our spark plugs after getting a CAI? Any suggestion's??? - thanks

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***2001 Acura 3.2 CL, Type-S***
Satin Silver w/ Ebony Leather.
Navigation System, Factory spoiler, LoJack, Moonroof visor, Factory blackwood trim, PIAA wedge-bulbs (ion yellow/#19173), 50% tint, K&N high flow air filter(#33-2178).

***AEM CAI, Comptech exhaust/springs & rims/tires tires TBA***

 

Necessary -- NO!

Could you get some more HP if the plugs have accumulated some miles, probably. And if your ever going to change plugs, you would probably want the Denso Iridiums...



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Silver 2001 CL-S with NAVI

• Mud guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo T1S 235/45ZR17-97W* Proxies on 17x8" SSR Competition wheels (48lbs less than stock)
• Kevlar/SS Brake lines ordered
• Comptech headers & sways ready
• Silver AEM CAI ready
• 8 coats of Zaino magic

 

I did the spark plugs and intake the same day. I did however drive the car after the spark plugs and before the intake. My first impression was that the car was more responsive, not faster, just more sensitive to throttle input. (see sig. below for plug type) I drove for about half an hr. then returned home to complete the project. I removed the battery cable before starting the intake installation to reset computer (thanks fellow posters) installed the intake and then just drove normally for about 40 min (not beating on the car at all).

The next day I left on a work related road trip and as I was going down the drive I was thinking WTF is that sucking sound? As we all know it goes away after a few mins. Then I drove down my favourite stretch of road on my way to the freeway (seven VERY serious turns, one 4 way stop, then 4 MILES of barren straight road) and I WAS IN HEAVEN!!!!

Anyway, do you have to change plugs? Probably not (had 47,000 miles on the denso platinums I removed and they were in good condition). Do I think it made a difference? YES. Slight but enough for me to say to myself that I did'nt get cornholed for spending close to $80.00 on a set of plugs!

LOL

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I AM

The CLEENER

Black/Parchment Type S
Polarg M6
Pirelli 235/45/17 P7000
Red AEM CAI
Iridium Plugs
35% Tint all around
Headers (when they are priced realistically)

 

The 47,000 miles is one factor. The plugs may look ok, but....

You would need a high-power microscope to check the edges of the electrodes to really know what is going on. The edges wear out first, and it is the sharp edges that make for a good spark. If you compare the edges of a fresh spark plug vs a used one (platinum or not), you will see the edges getting rounded off. This increases the break down voltage, and makes it harder to get a spark and it also delays the ignition.

When they make high-voltage accelerators, they place smooth spheres and tori to keep the charge from accumulating at a "sharp" point. If you have ever seen a Tesla coil, the sparks always fly off from a sharp rod or element; not from the smooth surface.

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Silver 2001 CL-S with NAVI

• Mud guards
• Wheel locks
• Toyo T1S 235/45ZR17-97W* Proxies on 17x8" SSR Competition wheels (48lbs less than stock)
• Kevlar/SS Brake lines ordered
• Comptech headers & sways ready
• Silver AEM CAI ready
• 8 coats of Zaino magic