If Only It Was That Easy...

[demech23]

Recently saw someone request Pulstar plugs when getting a tune-up for their new body style silverado. I wondered what made the plugs so special, espeically for someone to request them like that. Supposedly these high wattage plugs produce more hp, torque, fuel econemy , and also reduce emissions. At first I was like now thats sorta impressive, but then remembered how other manufatures claim similar gains for thier products, similar to TB spacers. But hay now, if power block says they work, they must then right?!? http://blog.powerblocktv.com/?p=419

[Stevens03]

I can't imagine that they throw anymore spark than a stock plug unless you have something behind it like an msd box to boost the spark. Powerblock also did a test on the E3 spark plugs proving they lower emissions and burn more efficient, but it was on an old school motor not a new LS style motor. I've heard people who tried them in their trucks without much luck and ended up going back to the stock plugs.

[Doug_Scott]

In my grade 9 physics class the first thing I heard was "you cannot create energy or mass". You have to wonder how they can convert 30000 volts to 300000 volts. The spark plug is about the simplest item in the ignition system, and has not changed very much in the last 120 years or so. I would imagine if there was any truth to any of that hype, the manufacturers would be all over it. A very cheap way to help their CAFE numbers.

[SparkySparks]

I've seen a few test proving that the E3 plugs do what they claim but they have always been on old school motors. Everything I have seen referring to new cars said they made them run worst, not just GM but on some Dodge and Toyota forums also.

[GMstrong]

How much could you really gain 2-3hp.You could get that from new plugs and wires from any brand EXCEPT bosch.E3 who needs em.Get NGK.

[dlstewart01]

Just another way to separate you from your money. Electricity travels through the least resistance. No matter how many electrodes there are, there will be only ONE spark.

 

These gimmick plugs have been around for decades in one form or another. As soon as people wised up they changed the design and name and fooled the public again.

 

These plugs called fire injectors were around in the late 50s early sixties. They claimed every thing from increased power and mileage to a higher rpm at idle. Wonder what happened to them, Oh they call then E3 or pulstar. What will they call them next...

 

[kdixer]

In my grade 9 physics class the first thing I heard was "you cannot create energy or mass". You have to wonder how they can convert 30000 volts to 300000 volts. The spark plug is about the simplest item in the ignition system, and has not changed very much in the last 120 years or so. I would imagine if there was any truth to any of that hype, the manufacturers would be all over it. A very cheap way to help their CAFE numbers.

 

 

The ignition system converts 12v DC to more than 30000v AC so voltage can be created.

 

The idea behind the capacitor inside the spark plug is that it would store energy to compensate for voltage lost due to resistance. Just like a capacitor on a sound system with some hard hitting sub woofers. If you have ever seen someones headlights dim as the sub hits you have seen what they are talking about. The cure for this is to install a capacitor on the positive wire feeding the amplifier driving the sub. When the cureent demands are high, the amp pulls additional current from the capacitor to compensate for the deficiencies in the cars electrical system. The lights no longer dim when the bass hits. A capcitor acts as a temporary battery, comparable to an accumulator in a hydraulic system. It is also comparable to a bladder or expansion tank in a water sytem hooked to a well.

 

But while the theory behind them is sound, I still do not think they make a huge difference. I am not convinced the discharge time is fast enough to be suitable for a spark plug application. And the main thing to be noted, there is not much wrong with most OEM ignition systems to start with. So there is just not much room for improvement.

[Willshire]

HEI ignition is and has been great for many years. Besides, how much resistance is in a 5" long ignition wire? The spark plug, IMO is not the weakest link in the chain, especially with platinum plugs. Coils would be the weakest link IMO or perhaps the supply voltage. Gimmic plugs are just that.