Here is an interesting article I came upon. It talks about the process of "indexing" one's spark plugs. The idea is to position the plug in such a way that the opening of the gap is facing the combustion area to place the spark in a more advantageous position to ignite the fuel/air mixture. While it makes sense from a logical stand point, there seems to be much debate about how much if any effect it actually has on increasing power and/or fuel efficiency by enhancing combustion. By using a set of specially designed crush washers or indexing washers of varying thicknesses, you can seat the plug so that the open end of the gap will face the combustion chamber. Some say it does nothing at all while others say it has a minimally positive effect and others still stay that there are many variables with different engine/piston configurations. It is not something that I intend to run out and change today, but the next time I change the plugs which will probably be next spring, I'll certainly look into it. Anyway, it is something that is interesting and that I thought I'd put out here for you guys to banter around. Here is a link to Advance Auto Parts with a brief discussion on the process. You can also google it and read a wealth of information on the subject. http://corp.advanceautoparts.com/english/youcan/asp/pht/pht20001001sp.asp

All this would certainly be interesting to find out... if there 'is' anything to find out. I'm certainly not an expert on such subjects and I'm always open to new information but I do know that combustion chamber technology has been pretty thoroughly run thru the mill. Spark plug placement within the chamber has always been a 'sticky wicket' because of valve placement, flame propagation, and all those other techy things. I just can't imagine that they missed out on which direction to point the plug gap.

Good find and possibly worth reading, but I really doubt that the effort involved will yield much in the SilverWing "wheelie zone".

From the referenced link...

"Before we dig into spark plug indexing, we should point out that every engine responds differently to indexed spark plugs. Why? The shape of the combustion chamber, the shape of the piston dome, the type of ignition system and many other variables influence the "location" of the spark plug in the cylinder head... ...When it comes to performance, some engine combinations simply respond better to indexed spark plugs than others."

and

"Generally speaking, the idea of indexing is to position the spark plug so that its gap is facing the center of the cylinder, angled slightly toward the exhaust valve—the most common arrangement. (Some engines work better with other gap locations.) "

and

"Real-world power gains vary. Some engines or combinations respond differently than others."

These statements lead me to the following conclusion: This might be of value or it might not. Personally I won't lose a lot of sleep over "research" that comes complete with it's own disclaimer that the results may very well be minimal or nonexistant (my summary).

The theory is valid, but the return as the "researcher" infers may be so minor as to make the effort pointless.

I wonder if the very large engineering departments at the OEM's have ever thought of this?? ?

I have a neighbor who is a mechanic for a drag racing team who says they sometimes index sparkplugs but that he really thinks it does about as much as sacrificing a chicken at midnight in a crossroads. His opinion is that a very small shift in the wind makes a lot more difference in quarter mile times.

'Serious' spark-plugs have the outer electrode up inside the plug rather than hanging off the bottom, thus giving a better spark pattern.

Hey Bill!
Just try the 350 degree peanut oil sacrifice, don't forget the egg wash and seasoned flour.

Wes

350 degree peanut oil sacrifice,

I don't think my oven gets that hot.

Sorry I wasn't more explicit; 350 degree oil in a deep fryer.
Please do not test oil temperature with fingers, or any other extremity.

Wes