26 messages,
Last post on Jan 22, 1999 at 2:43 AM
You are in the
Pickups - Archived Discussions Forum.
This discussion is ARCHIVED. To reactivate the discussion, post a request in the Javascript runtime error--TypeError: obj has no properties-- no stack trace file was written discussion.
#1 of 26 stevek
by stevek
Sep 15, 1998 (5:29 pm)
Any experience/oppinions out there about the usage
of splitfire plugs and wires. They also sell
platinum plugs now. My '97 Vortec 5.7L will reach
50K soon and I am looking to do a "tune up".
Sep 17, 1998 (4:19 am)
I tried some on my SeaDoo GTX (2 cycle 110HP) and didn't notice much difference in power or mileage.
I've heard they're worth the extra$$ on a car or truck you plan to keep for awhile.
Sep 20, 1998 (4:24 am)
Having been an owner of a 5.8 liter powered F-150 4x4 (that tows like a demon) I can offer the following. Get the SplitFire sparkplugs and wire set, I've heard the controversy, but they helped get me another 1.5 mpg on the highway.
#4 of 26 stevek
by stevek
Sep 22, 1998 (1:11 pm)
Thanks for the info I will do that next spring when I have
50K on the truck. I am also planning to put hard protectors on the plug wires for heat and stuff. I also tow in the summer time.
Currently I am in the mood to push the darn thing over a cliff, the oxigen sensors and the egr valve is failing and trying to have GM fix it under the emissions warranty.
#5 of 26 richflynn@yahoo.com
by richflynn
Sep 25, 1998 (5:25 am)
From what I know about ignition systems and spark plugs, I just can't see an advantage to the Split Fire plugs.
I'm sure that the claims we see on TV are true for that particular testimonial. What we don's see on TV is that it's an older vehicle that gets tuned up every 50,000 miles, needed or not. Maybe at the Split Fire tuneup, the carburator is adjusted too. So the claim of the large percentage in mileage increase is probably true, in that one particular case.
The advantage to a larger ground electrode is two fold. (The split sort of puts more metal closer to the center electrode.) First, more ground electrode material closer to the center electrode means that the plug will retain the correct gap for a longer firing time. (Less burn off and carbon build up.) The larger ground electrode over the center electrode means more surface area with the correct gap between electrodes.
In today's modern, high secondary voltage, ignition systems, I seriously doubt there is much of an advantage, especially on a well tuned vehicle. I personally do not think that the SF plugs justify the added expense.
Rich
#6 of 26 stevek
by stevek
Sep 25, 1998 (1:00 pm)
I just put 8 SF plugs into my 1977 Firebird and it made a BIG difference. The ignition is an HEI type from the factory.
Oct 04, 1998 (5:59 pm)
Recently overheard at a health food store:
DS#1 Gee, I put new plugs in my vehicle and in a very uncontrolled experiment, and got better gas mileage.
DS#2 Were the plugs splitfire, or platinum, or snake oil brand?
DS#3 Dunno, but they sure are better 'cuz if i didn't say that I would look like a dumb##it.
LOOK around at racers and see if they run the snake oil stuff when not sponsored. Bet not too many of them run STP or DuraLUBE or Slick50 or Splitfire or Pet Rocks or....
Just Like that PT Barnum guy once said 'there's a sucker born every minute'.......
Oct 26, 1998 (6:50 pm)
You might check out the Rapid Fire from AC. They did a good job for me in a 5.7 L Chevy Blazer (93). They were less than the Split Fire in cost. Another option. I'm one who thinks that plugs that are from the factory tend to run better than an after marked brand.
#9 of 26 araz
by araz
Nov 17, 1998 (7:28 am)
If you use the "twin core wire, and the "split electrode" plug, how does the poor confused electrons know which one to follow. Like if it goes down wirecore #1, are you guaranteed it'll get to electrode #1? If it goes to #2, will it misfire, or run the motor sdrawkcab??
Nov 17, 1998 (1:44 pm)
araza:
I think you will also have to install a "spark trainer" so the spark will go to the correct electrode