Tempest fine wires, what to expect.

[m20kmooney]

All else being equal, are these by definition more efficient plugs, period?  and what are there real measurable benefits worth the expense? 

[FBCK]

I'm having 12 put in next week, from my champion massive so I will let you know. After 120 hours on the champions , my engine started to stumble. I don't know if it is the plugs but I didn't,t like what I was seeing, I will report back.

[testwest]

You guys know all about the Champion problem with increasing resistance on the center electrode, right? Lots of material here on that.

[PTK]

I'm actually curious about this as well. I know of the resistance issues with Champions. On the other hand though, I'm running ~80 deg LOP ~7.5-7.9 gph ff before things start flaming out, 0.1-0.2 gph GAMI spread with stock injectors and Champions. Will there be an improvement if I switch to tempest fines? Norman you are the expert on this! What do you think? I'd love to be able to lean deeper and lower ff some more.

[Steve65E-NC]

I have about 50 hours in 18 months on massive electrode Champions (IO360-A1A).  After watching some of the Mike Busch videos, I checked resistance from resistor screw to electrode tip on four plugs.  I showed infinite resistance.  Yes, I did a lot of pushing and scratching.   I know they checked ok when installed.   No problems show on run up.  Does Champion have a position on this issue?   

[testwest]

For Doc, if you are running well now, no need to change. Check your center resistance at the next scheduled plug service. Above 5000k ohms, may want to replace.

Fines may or may not increase efficiency a very small amount. RAM says yes, TAT says maybe not. I would use them on a boosted engine, but on an NA only if you don't mind the extra cost.....

[PTK]

Norman, I understand you are saying change them only if >5000 ohms and/or if I don't mind the cost. Is it your opinion then, that they will not necessarily improve upon my present lop picture as I described above? Thanks.

[testwest]

That is true. It sounds like you have everything quite well dialed in. I would make the center electrode resistance test part of your regular spark plug maintenance regimen. It remains to be seen if back-to-back comparisons of Champion massives versus Tempest fines make any difference in GAMI spread or overall specific fuel consumption. Any difference would be pretty hard to sort out, more than likely.

[Piloto]

The shop that overhauled my IO-360 put in Unison massive plugs(Tempest) over 500 hrs ago and they still running very smooth even at LOP. Unlike the Champions were I needed to replace them every 200hrs. I think the significant difference is more related to the resistor than to the type (wire/massive).

José