putting new plugs in this weekend (I think) anyway, I have seen some people on here side gap them. Is the gain worth the pain on this? I cant seriously think you can see/feel any performance gains. In a race car, where every little gain can potentially mean winning or losing, I can understand that, just like indexing the plugs, but for a street driver, especially a truck, is side gapping worth it? I have used splitfire, I have used Bosch platinum +4 plugs, and to be honest couldnt tell a bit of difference. Side gapping doesnt seem much different from those. Any real world tests that anyone has a link to with test results?
for the first time I went with just the standard copper core, Motorcraft plugs this time around...

 

Won't it burn away the center electrode at a faster rate?, increasing the gap reducing efficiency? and...
There must be a reason they don't do it at the factory.

 

Yep, it will, but I know people do it. And thats exactly my thought as well. I cant think there is really any noticeable improvement worth the time to gap them that way, and the constant replacement.

 

The side electrode burns away over time so more electrode, more plug life

 

See Link: https://www.f150forum.com/f10/timing...ap-info-44854/

Personally, I''ve been running w/ Upgraded Ignition system, 16BTDC Base Time & Side Gap for 4 year's now. Very happy w/ performance & MPG.

That being said, I don't recommend Side Gap, or even increasing a stock plug's gap from factory recommended specs, w/o the ignition system upgrade, which includes stepping up to a higher output Coil.

 

Niether are a good idea to use in this generation of truck engine. Plat's increase Combustion chamber Temps, promoting a possible Ping condition, Split fires, just a waste for money. These trucks love the Motorcraft copper cores.

 

16 BTDC? Im running 12, havent tried any higher. Wouldnt mind more power... at the same time, Ford set it at 10, and I have had over a quarter million trouble free miles... hate to do something I may regret..but with that said, how is the power? Just a little more responsive? More mid-range? Give the details man!

 

A little more..."everything"! However, most should call it a day at 14BTDC. A good number for a daily driver. 16BTDC demands a little more dedication than most care to endeavor.

See Link: https://www.f150forum.com/f10/about-...ng-bump-53159/

I'll be glad to answer any questions after the link is read.