Changing spark plugs ?

[Medic-one]

Has anyone here ever changed the spark plugs on his car, and did it make any effect ?

At the moment the only "mod" i got is a "stainless steel exhaust box" which does give it a nice sound, but that's about it.

Now i'd like some other mods to so i asked around on the Celica forum and they adviced the following (replies for 2 users) :

- Change Spark Plugs
- Change HT Leads (Magnicore)
- Manifold
- Decat
- Engine Internal
- Chip + Remap

- Sports Cat
- Exhaust System
- Panel Filter or Cold Air Intake
-Spark Plugs and Leads
-Good Service (believe it or not)
- If you can afford it, at least a piggy back ECU with remap. You can even buy a used SAFC which will do the trick.

I'm looking into getting an K&N Panel filter at the moment, but i've seen some spark plugs on Ebay as well, just was curious if anyone here has any experience with them.

[sniff petrol]

Spark plugs are a service item, not a performance upgrade. The only time you would notice an improvement is if you're old ones had a fault in the first place. If you don't know when they were last changed then change them, pop along to your local motor factors and ask them what will fit your car.

[sparkyhx]

dunno about celica's but if you start messing with the power you may want colder plugs. - seek advice from relevant forums - this one is probably too generic

[Herman Toothrot]

thats an n/a celica, forget power mods. You won't get anymore out of it without an high compression engine rebuid that'd cost more than the car. Yamaha built the engine well 173 bhp without vvti is good going. Ditching the big heavy alloys will have more of an effect.

Edited by Herman Toothrot on Thursday 10th April 22:10

[Medic-one]

Thanks for the replies people. I know that i wont be gaining more (noticeable) power or anything on this enige but someone on the celica forum mentioned "if you want more performance in terms of responsiveness, then do the breathing mods first. Outright power gains will be limited, but you will be able to alter the power / torque curve. And enjoy the car more".

And that's kinda what i'm after, to "enjoy the car more".

[sparkyhx]

seems an awful lot of money to spend for little or no gains. for the same kind of money on my 200sx you add about 80hp.

[Medic-one]

30 - 50 pound (for the panel filter) doesn't seem that much to enjoy the car a bit more.

[Herman Toothrot]

Medic-one said:

30 - 50 pound (for the panel filter) doesn't seem that much to enjoy the car a bit more.

I'd say thats about the most sensible mod you can make to an n/a celica, but keep it specifically that a replacement panel not a cone induction kit as they'll just suck in hot air and loose power and responsiveness.

[Medic-one]

Herman Toothrot said:

I'd say thats about the most sensible mod you can make to an n/a celica, but keep it specifically that a replacement panel not a cone induction kit as they'll just suck in hot air and loose power and responsiveness.

Yea someone else told me that as well, that some induction kitts give problem due to the hot air intake.

I'm going for this K&N panel filter from a local motor shop i think



Someone also mentioned a decat pipe, but not sure if that ´ll do anything, and if it´s legal.

[SB - Nigel]

Absolute first and best upgrade for any car is a full proper service and replacement of service items

Engine upgrades last - fully functioning brakes, suspension, steering and tyres first

I know this is all obvious but you'd be amazed how often this is forgotten

K&N panel filter is a good move as it replaces and upgrades a service item, doesn't affect your insurance and gives a nice noise if not any real power increase unless the previous filter hadn't been replaced as required

[sparkyhx]

Medic-one said:

30 - 50 pound (for the panel filter) doesn't seem that much to enjoy the car a bit more.

I was refering more to the

xxxxx said:

- Change Spark Plugs
- Change HT Leads (Magnicore)
- Manifold
- Decat
- Engine Internal
- Chip + Remap

- Sports Cat
- Exhaust System
- Panel Filter or Cold Air Intake
-Spark Plugs and Leads
-Good Service (believe it or not)
- If you can afford it, at least a piggy back ECU with remap. You can even buy a used SAFC which will do the trick.

[SB - Nigel]

Again if the ignition leads haven't been changed within the last two or three years then this is a good move and yes if your doing that you might as well pay more and put on better longer lasting leads

For cars with a coil that has been on years on years changing this can make a good difference for little money

So from above - a good full proper service, which will include spark plugs and air filter and possibly the ignition leads

And

- well that's it - try that and getting the tyre pressures correct see what diffence it makes

Then a professional tune-up

That's all (assuming brakes, suspension, steering and tyres are up to standard of course)

[Red Devil]

Medic-one said:

Now i'd like some other mods to so i asked around on the Celica forum and they adviced the following (replies for 2 users) :

- Change Spark Plugs
- Change HT Leads (Magnicore)
- Manifold
- Decat
- Engine Internal
- Chip + Remap

- Sports Cat
- Exhaust System
- Panel Filter or Cold Air Intake
-Spark Plugs and Leads
-Good Service (believe it or not)
- If you can afford it, at least a piggy back ECU with remap. You can even buy a used SAFC which will do the trick.

Yours is an n/a with the 3S-GE engine yes? I'm more familiar with the 3S-GTE engine used in the GT4.

Spark plugs
The only thing you might consider doing is use platinum instead of copper as they'll last a lot longer between replacements.

HT leads
I honestly wouldn't bother with Magnecor leads. The stock Toyota ones are better (and more expensive I believe!)

The 3S-GE engine is difficult to get worthwhile higher output from without spending a fair bit of money.

If you're doing plugs and leads, renew the dizzy cap and rotor too.