Spark plugs changing ignition timing?

[ShadowFromHell]

I remember reading a very long thread on spark plugs on here years ago. Discussing about everything possible. One thing that came up was that there was a way for the spark plug itself to change the actual ignition timing. I want to say length but do not remember. It may have been mere theory also. I do remember that this change in timing would not be picked up with a timing light because it was something to do with the plug physically. This ring any bells with anyone or have I lost my mind? Probably have lost my mind but figured I would double check lol.

Thanks!

[turbovanman²]

Yes, it can, if you have a recessed plug it can act like retarding the timing as the flame front has to travel further.

[ShadowFromHell]

Hmm, any idea how much it would change it and how that would affect drive ability? I have no idea where to find a shorter plug. May have to find a old parts book and dig through it. This is for my turbo neon btw.

[turbovanman²]

Why do you want to do that? Find out what plug you have and hit some spark plug guides to find a "shorter" plug per say.

I know that running a BR9ES in my van, it would hesitate a bit off the line and was less peppy at lower rpm, put projected tip plugs in, hesitation is gone, runs smoother and seems to have more off boost power.

[ShadowFromHell]

Because my neon uses a RRR setup for fuel and is gonna have to stay that way for a while. As you know there is no way to manualy retard the timing without going to a MSD boost box or standalone/piggy back. Looking a the jegs website I found these. I have no idea to tell what the heat range is however, need to find some info on that.

Stock plug
http://www.jegs.com/i/NGK+Spark+Plug...BKR6E/10002/-1

possibly shorter plug
http://www.jegs.com/i/NGK+Spark+Plug...71A-8/10002/-1

Is the second plug what I need to find?

[ShadowFromHell]

By comparing where both part numbers sit on the NGK heat range chart, both of those plugs are "cold". I dont know how definitive or precise that is, but it shows the heat range is at least close I would think.

[turbovanman²]

Because my neon uses a RRR setup for fuel and is gonna have to stay that way for a while. As you know there is no way to manualy retard the timing without going to a MSD boost box or standalone/piggy back. Looking a the jegs website I found these. I have no idea to tell what the heat range is however, need to find some info on that.

Stock plug
http://www.jegs.com/i/NGK+Spark+Plug...BKR6E/10002/-1

possibly shorter plug
http://www.jegs.com/i/NGK+Spark+Plug...71A-8/10002/-1

Is the second plug what I need to find?

Stock plug is a "6" heat range, colder is a higher number.

You can't use the last number, it will totally fubar your computer.

Can you fit a 13/16 socket down the plug tube? If so, use some BR9ES plugs.

[ShadowFromHell]

Because of the lack of a resistor? By plugging the part number and turbo neon into google I found a couple guys using them, so maybe the neon is just lucky and gets away with it. They are cheap enough Ill probably pick up a set and try. Under $10 for 4 of them. I doubt I could get the 13/16 socket down the spark plug tubes. Back to the original question I know there is probably alot of math involved to get a accurate number but any idea how much timing a short plug will pull out?

[turbovanman²]

Because of the lack of a resistor? By plugging the part number and turbo neon into google I found a couple guys using them, so maybe the neon is just lucky and gets away with it. They are cheap enough Ill probably pick up a set and try. Under $10 for 4 of them. I doubt I could get the 13/16 socket down the spark plug tubes. Back to the original question I know there is probably alot of math involved to get a accurate number but any idea how much timing a short plug will pull out?

Yep, no resistor means it will send the computer into a tizzy.

I don't know if you can even calculate the difference in timing.

[ShadowFromHell]

Yep, no resistor means it will send the computer into a tizzy.

Will or can?

[turbovanman²]

Will or can?

Both, I guess it depends on what car. Theory wise, every car should but I suddenly remembered that some cars, due to plug wire design, it won't affect it so as you said, for $10, give them a try.