They range from COLDthrough MEDIUM; and HOT to EXTREMELY HOT. being transferred more readily because the of the relatively insulating/cooler Check out the images below, courtesy of NGK Spark Plugs, and get ready to do a little light reading the next time you pull your spark plugs. One of the most important—and most misunderstood—factors in choosing aftermarket spark plugs is the heat range. By Proper heat-range is when the "color" is at the half-way point on the strap, You sometimes see a very bright white electrode with black dots on it also as a heat range issue in some cases cracked electrodes. The heat range of a spark plug is typically specified as a number, with some manufacturers using ascending numbers for hotter plugs, and others doing the opposite – using ascending numbers for colder plugs. ETC. • Nitrous oxide: The high cylinder temperatures caused by nitrous usually requires a colder heat range over the stock plug. into parts, especially, domes/piston tops,...along with the very rapid and pictures. If the wrong heat range is used, it may not be a victim of the engine's condition, but the cause of it. C = Plug Characteristic = Copper Core Electrode. If the "color" of the strap changes near where it is welded/attached Racing Heat Range and Tuning Guide. **TO SUBMIT AN ARTICLE TO ENGINE BASICS PLEASE CLICK: CONTACT US! The strap might begin to act like The heat range of the spark plugs makes a big difference. Heat Range = Ground Strap, the ground strap indicates the heat-range of the spark plug. When detonation clearance volume area. Special thanks to: “Thank you, for the info, on your site, on how to remove valve springs, and install stem seals, using normal shop tools. Autolite has 2544, 2545 and 2546 available. It depends upon many things but ultimately it comes down to cylinder pressure and an engine’s cooling system efficiency in relation to the spark plug. If it the heat range is too hot, your engine could experience detonation, pre-ignition, or power loss. Buy Spark Plug - Platinum - AC 41828 online from NAPA Auto Parts Stores. Introduction. In general, a light tan/gray color tells you that the spark plug is operating at optimum temperature and that the engine is in good condition. I am getting knock retard also, so am hoping a colder plug will help. Choosing the right heat range is crucial for high performance engines. Rather, the heat range is a measure of the spark plug's ability to remove heat from the combustion chamber. are "spots" of heavy build-up of "dry soot" on top of color, then jetting Spark plug heat range is the measure of how fast the spark plug tip dissipates combustion heat. The term heat range refers to the speed with which a plug can transfer heat from the combustion chamber to the engine head. America's Best Engine Shops: America’s Best Engine Shops 2020, Components: Tips For Selecting Performance Connecting Rods, Shop Solutions: Shop Solutions – December 2020, Features: Equipment & Machine Maintenance, Engine News: Champion Oil Announces Stirling Lubricants as Racing and Performance Distributor of the Year, Engine News: Moran Racing Engines Seeks Performance Engine Builder, Products: Holley GM LT-4 Mid-Mount Accessory Drive System, Products: Terminator X Stealth 4500 EFI System, Products: Hilborn Big Block Chevrolet Intake Manifold Kits, Service Issues on Ford 4.6L SOHC & DOHC Engines, Carburetor Tuning: A/F Mixture, Air/Fuel Equation, Cleaning Engine Blocks & Engine Cylinder Heads, Ticking, Knocking Noise Complaints: Ford 4.6L / 5.4L 3V Engines. NOTE> If the base ring has a full turn of color with some spots of heavy