Iridium spark plugs are a popular choice among performance vehicle enthusiasts. Many people wonder if iridium spark plugs can increase horsepower. The short answer is that, while there may be some improvement, it likely won’t be significant enough to make a noticeable difference in performance.
Read also: Are Car Spark Plugs Universal? The Truth About Car Spark Plugs
What is a Spark Plug
Before getting into the specifics of iridium spark plugs and their potential for increasing horsepower, it’s important to understand how a spark plug works.
A spark plug is a device designed to ignite the fuel-air mixture in an internal combustion engine by creating a spark across two electrodes. The electrodes are separated by a small gap which allows the spark to travel between them and ignite the fuel-air mixture.
Spark plugs can be made of different materials depending on their intended purpose, with iridium being one of the more popular choices due to its durability and corrosion resistance.
Types of Iridium Spark Plugs
When it comes to spark plugs, not all iridium spark plugs are created equal. There are different types that offer varying levels of performance and durability. Let’s look at some of the common types:
Double Iridium
These are constructed with laser-welded iridium on both the center and ground electrodes, making them highly durable even in harsh conditions. They provide superior performance, longevity, durability, and a lower voltage than other spark plug types. Because they contain two rare-metal discs, double iridium spark plugs can last four times longer than copper alternatives.
NGK Iridium IX
These are the preferred choice for modified engines as they offer great performance and are a compatible replacement for OEM spark plugs. Plus, they come in various sizes to ensure proper compatibility and varying head ranges to maximize performance.
Laser Iridium
This is the most advanced type of iridium spark plug around. It utilizes laser technology for higher ignitability rates and more extended life expectancy. The small diameter of its tip ensures a slower wear rate, reduced emissions, and improved fuel economy.
Advantages of Using Iridium Spark Plugs
Iridium Spark Plugs Produce More Power.
When you swap out your engine’s stock spark plugs for iridium versions, you’ll notice a marked improvement in performance. This is especially helpful while driving up steep inclines or through hazardous conditions. Changing to iridium spark plugs will provide you with more precise control and improved touring capabilities, making navigation a breeze.
Improved Ignition Time from Iridium Spark Plugs
Iridium spark plugs, with their small, center electrodes, improve combustion and reduce cranking time. Since the sparks are always in the same place, you won’t have to worry about any jerky idling. However, you shouldn’t let your engine idle for too long, either, to prevent damage.
Improved Velocity
Switching to iridium spark plugs in gasoline-powered automobiles also improves acceleration. Because the engine will respond more promptly to throttle actions, you’ll have an easier time getting up to speed in a hurry.
Unmatched Durability
When compared to platinum spark plugs, iridium plugs are much more durable and reliable. They’re 700 degrees hotter in the melting point and six times as tough, making them survive up to 25% longer.
Fuel Economy Improvement
Last but not least, iridium spark plugs allow for greater fuel efficiency, since their efficient ignition profile and enhanced combustion result in longer intervals between fill-ups. It’s good for the planet, too, so there’s that.
Disadvantages of using Iridium Spark Plugs
Cost of Iridium Spark Plugs
Iridium spark plugs are significantly more costly than other types of spark plugs, which is one of the most significant disadvantages associated with using these plugs. However, this higher price tag is reflective of the improved durability and longevity that come with using a plug based on iridium, which comes with territory when using such a plug.
Installation Process
A thorough installation is required to eliminate any bumps or scratches that could create brittleness, which is vital to ensure that these properties are preserved in their entirety.
Flammable Dust
It is also essential to avoid scratching the plug against any of the other components of the engine, as this can result in the production of dust particles that, when exposed to high temperatures, provide a risk of fire as a result of oxygen corrosion and fluorine contamination. In conclusion, despite the fact that obtaining iridium spark plugs may involve an initial expenditure on your part, the performance gains are unquestionably well worth the investment.
Where to Buy Iridium Spark Plugs
There are a number of places to buy iridium spark plugs for your car or truck. You may get them at any auto parts store, on websites like Amazon, or from the OEM themselves.
Choose a plug that works with the make, model, and year of your car. Think about brands that offer several price and performance tiers for their plugs.
No matter what you decide, iridium spark plugs can significantly improve engine performance under certain conditions. Before making a purchase, consult a knowledgeable car mechanic about which brand and model are best for your vehicle.
Conclusion
In most cases, iridium spark plugs work better than standard spark plugs and can increase engine efficiency, which may result in more horsepower.
The actual amount of power gained from these enhancements, however, will depend on the make and model of your car in addition to any other modifications that may have been installed.
In the end, iridium spark plugs may be worth considering if you’re wanting to improve your car’s performance.
FAQs
Do NGK iridium spark plugs provide an increase in horsepower?
Yes, NGK iridium spark plugs can result in increased horsepower. They increase power output by igniting more gasoline at the engine’s firing tip with a more robust spark. Iridium spark plugs are preferred by many motorists because of their superior performance, which results in faster acceleration.
Are laser iridium spark plugs better than regular iridium models?
Laser Iridium spark plugs are widely regarded as the gold standard. When compared to conventional spark plugs, their pinpoint accuracy is unparalleled because of a unique combination of laser technology and durable iridium substance. In many cases, this means they can achieve even more success in terms of expanded authority.
