Spark plugs for a Stage 1 tune?

[ajm55]

I have a Comp Pack M5 with catless downpipes. I'm about to install a Stage 1 tune - about 710hp and 650 ft pound of torque at the flywheel - not sure what that would translate to at the wheels.

There seem to be conflicting views on whether one should fit one step colder plugs, simply re-gap the stock plugs, or just leave the stock plugs as is without re-gapping them.

I'd appreciate input on this from those in the know. If one step colder is recommended, please advise which plugs. If re-gapping the stock plugs is recommended, please provide the specs.

[Dwaynos]

Originally Posted by ajm55

I have a Comp Pack M5 with catless downpipes. I'm about to install a Stage 1 tune - about 710hp and 650 ft pound of torque at the flywheel - not sure what that would translate to at the wheels.

There seem to be conflicting views on whether one should fit one step colder plugs, simply re-gap the stock plugs, or just leave the stock plugs as is without re-gapping them.

I'd appreciate input on this from those in the know. If one step colder is recommended, please advise which plugs. If re-gapping the stock plugs is recommended, please provide the specs.

I recently tuned mine to stage 1. Many say that stock plugs are good for stage 1, mine were not despite not being that old.

I went with NGK 95770 I think, 1 step colder, gapped them to .018 and all is well.

[Blaxwil]

I'm running Stage 1 with stock plugs. Runs like a champ. No skipping or misfires.

[ajm55]

Originally Posted by Blaxwil

I'm running Stage 1 with stock plugs. Runs like a champ. No skipping or misfires.

Noted, thanks. Did you gap them?

[ajm55]

Originally Posted by Dwaynos

I recently tuned mine to stage 1. Many say that stock plugs are good for stage 1, mine were not despite not being that old.

I went with NGK 95770 I think, 1 step colder, gapped them to .018 and all is well.

Thanks. Any idea if 1 step colder plugs will cause problems if I'm running the stock tune? I ask because I plan on having the stock map run on Comfort mode (to accommodate for our crappy fuel) and the tuned map on Sport and SportPlus (which I'll use when adding octane booster)

[Dwaynos]

Originally Posted by ajm55

Thanks. Any idea if 1 step colder plugs will cause problems if I'm running the stock tune? I ask because I plan on having the stock map run on Comfort mode (to accommodate for our crappy fuel) and the tuned map on Sport and SportPlus (which I'll use when adding octane booster)

I don't think its recommended to run 1 step colder on stock tune but I'm not sure. I'm running the 93 octane tune which may have been a bit too much. If you run the 91 octane stage 1 you could probably get away with stock plugs. I probably wouldn't use octane booster to be fair but I'm no expert in that.

[GreenRacingM3]

How much e85 can we run with the stock fuel system?

[Blaxwil]

@GreenRacingM3 I run anywhere from 3-4 gallons. Never more than 4.

I also don't run E85 all the time. Usually every 2-3rd fill up depending how spirited I plan on running. There's a thread on the forum that gets more detailed into the numbers. A quick search should pull up all the information you need.

[Jonzny]

Originally Posted by ajm55

Thanks. Any idea if 1 step colder plugs will cause problems if I'm running the stock tune? I ask because I plan on having the stock map run on Comfort mode (to accommodate for our crappy fuel) and the tuned map on Sport and SportPlus (which I'll use when adding octane booster)

What are you using to change maps with the sport button?

[ajm55]

Originally Posted by Jonzny

What are you using to change maps with the sport button?

Efficient mode - the default mode on start-up - engages a more conservative tune (closer to the stock map). Engaging the Sport (M1 button) and SportPlus (M2 button) modes will automatically activate the Stage 1 tune. I decided to use the one step colder NGK plugs, gapped them to 0.023 and so far no misfires when running in either Efficient or SportPlus

[Jonzny]

Originally Posted by ajm55

Efficient mode - the default mode on start-up - engages a more conservative tune (closer to the stock map). Engaging the Sport (M1 button) and SportPlus (M2 button) modes will automatically activate the Stage 1 tune. I decided to use the one step colder NGK plugs, gapped them to 0.023 and so far no misfires when running in either Efficient or SportPlus

Yes, but what did you use to program sport and sport plus so they change the tune?

[ajm55]

Originally Posted by Jonzny

Yes, but what did you use to program sport and sport plus so they change the tune?

None. I asked the tuner from whom I bought the stage 1 tune to ensure that the map he sent me would leave the car at stock power levels in Efficient mode and bump the power up to Stage 1 level in Sport and SportPlus. I don't know how he did this but I'd imagine any tuner who knows this platform well can.

[Jonzny]

Originally Posted by ajm55

None. I asked the tuner from whom I bought the stage 1 tune to ensure that the map he sent me would leave the car at stock power levels in Efficient mode and bump the power up to Stage 1 level in Sport and SportPlus. I don't know how he did this but I'd imagine any tuner who knows this platform well can.

That's pretty cool, I know some people back in my E46 M days were doing something similar to this but haven't heard anyone with an F10 doing this. Mind sharing what tuner?

[ajm55]

Originally Posted by Jonzny

That's pretty cool, I know some people back in my E46 M days were doing something similar to this but haven't heard anyone with an F10 doing this. Mind sharing what tuner?

Evolve - UK based. Very helpful guys and loads of experience with this platform. SportPlus map is dialed in nicely. No dyno numbers but the gains are tangible, the power delivery is smooth and the data logs look spot on. They're in the process of sorting the Efficient mode map

[Jonzny]

Originally Posted by ajm55

Evolve - UK based. Very helpful guys and loads of experience with this platform. SportPlus map is dialed in nicely. No dyno numbers but the gains are tangible, the power delivery is smooth and the data logs look spot on. They're in the process of sorting the Efficient mode map

Ahh okay, yep im familiar. They were big in the E46 M scene