Shorter spark plugs?

[indigochim]

Having just had another couple of HT leads burn after contact with manifolds despite trying angled ones and clipping them up. I've bought some of the ones with ceramic ends. Unfortunately the route my manifold (Peninsular TVR I believe) means that I'm not able to get them onto the plugs on cylinders 7 and 8 which of course are the 2 where it's needed the most. I'm wondering if there's plugs available that are shorter between the hex part and the terminal that would allow me to get these rigid insulators on.

[indigochim]

Not the best pics but I've fitted 2,4 and 6 here but had to keep the original cranked one on 8





I think the manifolds are a wider bore that the TVR ones and run closer to the heads and higher than too.

[PabloGee]

Does that mean your car has different manifolds on it?

A little research shows that shorter insulators are available, but I don't know if it's specific to certain applications/types of plug.
These are not a recommendation, just the first thing that came up - called 'shorty spark plugs':
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ngk-4985
I would also anticipate the leads would not go onto a shorter plug properly.

It might sound a bit drastic, but you can change the manifolds - the stock manifolds come up every so often - in fact Robbo D has just been posting about the his exhaust kit and appears to now have the original set available...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by PabloGee on Monday 28th July 12:56

[Robbo D]

PabloGee said:

Does that mean your car has different manifolds on it?

A little research shows that shorter insulators are available, but I don't know if it's specific to certain applications/types of plug.
These are not a recommendation, just the first thing that came up - called 'shorty spark plugs':
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ngk-4985
I would also anticipate the leads would not go onto a shorter plug properly.

It might sound a bit drastic, but you can change the manifolds - the stock manifolds come up every so often - in fact Robbo D has just been posting about the his exhaust kit and appears to now have the original set available...

https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Edited by PabloGee on Monday 28th July 12:56

Hi guys.

Yes manifolds are available and in good condition. Happy to negotiate the price. Collection preferred but I could send at cost.

Rob

[indigochim]

PabloGee said:

Does that mean your car has different manifolds on it?

Yes I have what I believe to be peninsular manifolds. These are the ones I have.

ChimpOnGas said:

Its highly likely the above are 'Peninsular TVR'

I bought them off this forum 2nd hand so I do have my original's which are in good condition but I'd sooner not go back to those if I possibly can as I like the sound of these and I've committed a lot of time and effort to get them sorted and fitted.

I did find the Accel shorty spark plugs listed but not in a fitment for the Rover V8 I was wondering if any alternatives.

[Belle427]

I wonder if something like this would work to angle it away, cant comment on the resistance part of it though and if it would make that much difference to the spark intensity. Maybe a straight version if you can find one.
https://www.gsparkplug.com/electrical/ignition/spa...

[indigochim]

Funny you post that as I've bought a slightly different version of that in the past from that seller. They where tiny I spoke with the company and they're for motorbikes. I think I'll give them a call as they where very knowledgeable and great to deal with. Guy even remarked he'd thought it odd for someone to by 8 of them.

[Belle427]

Accel used to do a set of leads with bendy ends that may have been a better bet really, difficult to find in the uk though.

[PabloGee]

indigochim said:

PabloGee said:

Does that mean your car has different manifolds on it?

Yes I have what I believe to be peninsular manifolds. These are the ones I have.

ChimpOnGas said:

Its highly likely the above are 'Peninsular TVR'

I bought them off this forum 2nd hand so I do have my original's which are in good condition but I'd sooner not go back to those if I possibly can as I like the sound of these and I've committed a lot of time and effort to get them sorted and fitted.

I did find the Accel shorty spark plugs listed but not in a fitment for the Rover V8 I was wondering if any alternatives.

I hadn't realised your journey had started with the originals, in which case I hope you can find a solution, and please tell us all, because frankly even the original manifolds are an absolute sod to get around when changing spark plugs.
@Clive are your manifolds more forgiving for the spark plug changes?

[Sardonicus]

Belle427 said:

Accel used to do a set of leads with bendy ends that may have been a better bet really, difficult to find in the uk though.

10 years in no bother I did get them from the states however , if its any help the OP'er 16mm bodied plugs are 8/10mm approx shorter than the standard TVR fitted style 18mm bodied plugs and the benefit of easier installation available in more heat ranges and styles than the old school plug too , no down sides just benefits been using this style for 15 years plus

Edited by Sardonicus on Tuesday 29th July 11:11

[indigochim]

That sounds interesting but I'm not finding much info on my search for a 16mm bodied plug for a rover v8. Do you happen to have a make and model? that fits?

[Sardonicus]

NGK BCP6E (v groove) BCP6ES (standard) if you need resistor type just add the R e.g BCPR6E BCPR6ES , I use 7's but thats another story and you wont

[PabloGee]

Wish I'd seen this two weeks ago - I've just replaced my BP6ES plugs, and my knuckles know it.

https://ebay.us/m/Ugbg9N

Basically the same thing, but with a slightly narrower and slightly shorter insulated end, and 16mm socket instead of 21mm, which might make it easier.

specs on here:
https://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/ngk-spark-plug-bcp6es...
https://www.sparkplugs.co.uk/ngk-spark-plug-bp6es-...

[indigochim]

Thanks for that I'll give those a try. I'm not able to for a few weeks but will update once I'm done. I may even try the iridium equivalent which looks like it's BCPR6EIX

The smaller socket size will be a bonus too as my socket set is too wide for starting the plugs as it sits at the wrong angle due to the width of the pipes.

Edited by indigochim on Tuesday 29th July 15:24

[Sardonicus]

indigochim said:

Thanks for that I'll give those a try. I'm not able to for a few weeks but will update once I'm done. I may even try the iridium equivalent which looks like it's BCPR6EIX

The smaller socket size will be a bonus too as my socket set is too wide for starting the plugs as it sits at the wrong angle due to the width of the pipes.

Edited by indigochim on Tuesday 29th July 15:24

Anytime Dont bother with iridium plugs best left to pencil coil energy outputs to exploit the RV8 wont appreciate or run any better on em

[indigochim]

Having seen the price of the iridium ones I think I'll not bother especially as there's no guarantee the lead will go on even with these. I may just by a couple initially to test them before replacing the lot.

[PabloGee]

That was my thought too - I was thinking when I come to change the plugs at the next service (in a year now), I might buy one and see if it fits in the plug ends - but if you do try them, let us know.
I've got the Mr Retro leads, very happy with them, and I believe the boots are the same inner diameter as any other lead for the RV8.