Do Spark plugs and cables make a difference

[Black Clio]

Im thinking of getting some beefy 8.5mm Spark Plug Cables for my 172 and some new "racing" plugs, has anybody done this and do you see much of a difference? And what are you using??

 

[Fred@BTM]

Itll make a TINY bit of difference like 0.1bhp!!!! maybe better MPG????

 

[BenR]

it will make a slightly stonger spark due to less resistance (right?). But wont do anything for power unless there is a change of the spark being blown out due to high pressure...
so, on a race engine, turbo or N20 application, a set of leads, plugs with a bigger gap and a high intensity coil would make a difference.
on a standard engine, just peice of mind....dont bother with race plugs thoughas they dont work as well as standard ones at low temps or normal drving.

 

[Nick Read]

Better leads are always a good investment eg. Magnecor KV85, cos theyll always work and never need replacing again. But you definitely dont want race plugs, youll see no benefit at all and end up with oily plugs all the time thatll start misfiring unless youre actually racing full time!

 

[Black Clio]

Thanks People..

 

[Ben j]

yeah if u put the wrong ones in the car wont run good

 

[konahead]

arent the 172s using coilpacks? the 1.4 16vs are...dun have any cables to be changed...

have changed my plugs to denso iridium ik20s...noticed smoother engine whilst acceleration...might b epsychological though