Question on spark plug changes for Stage 2 and or 3

[OlyS6]

So, a few of us have been having an internal debate/line of questioning regarding spark plugs for our tuned cars.

Some conventional wisdom is that you should go a heat rating (or possibly even 2 heat ratings) colder when running tunes that provide more power.

I'd love to hear input on whether any folks running Stage 3 have changed their spark plugs and what they are running.

A shop near me that has installed Stage 3 has used Denso Iridium IHK24, (which equates to a heat rating of 8, one rating colder than our stock plugs) gapped to 0.024" (around the $8 range per plug on Amazon), so I've ordered those, but will need to change the gaps myself.

Also, any recommendations/thoughts on changing the gaps (or the necessity to do this) would be appreciated.

[Dasquade]

Curious aswell. Stage 2 and starting to have some minor missfires...mostly on cil6 but the other a few misfires (vcds only, no MIL's/display). If i recall good, stock spark plugs only last around 20.000km. Especially went the car still needs to warm up or if i go manual the engine sometimes holds back (like it is hitting limiter).
Any info on what sparks are recommanded and maybe gaps like OlyS6 mentioned would be nice.

[Ze_Nardo6]

The general rule is a step colder for 100hp added over stock, correct? So by that logic, those at stage 3 levels should be 2 steps colder than stock plugs. I ordered the Denso Iridium IKH24 for now. Will do some logging and see how they perform then make a judgment call for the next ones after.

[nefkntym]

Just ordered a set of Denso plugs as well. I will likely be installing them before I put the RS turbos on.

[OlyS6]

Anybody have tips on the best way to change the gap on a spark plug without hosing the Center electrode? From what I’ve been able to read so far, using a pair of needle nose pliers on the outer edges of the ground electrode to move it up or down as needed seems reasonable.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[DGVR6]

Get a spark gap coin from Auto Zone.. you won’t have to touch the center tip.

[hmuller]

APR's software is designed for use with NGK heat range 8 spark plugs gapped to 0.024" ±0.002" or 0.6mm ±0.05mm with a change interval of 10-15,000 mi or 16-24,000 km (see http://www.goapr.com/products/turbo_...si_c7s6s7.html).

[OlyS6]

APR's software is designed for use with NGK heat range 8 spark plugs gapped to 0.024" ±0.002" or 0.6mm ±0.05mm with a change interval of 10-15,000 mi or 16-24,000 km (see http://www.goapr.com/products/turbo_...si_c7s6s7.html).

Correct, which is why I chose the Denso IKH24 (corresponds to an NGK heat range of 8). I'm curious if anyone has been running a different brand of spark plug, or a different heat range, or a different gap, or if they've had good success with the Denso IKH24 gapped to 0.024"
I've found a similar set of NGK plugs online, but they sell for roughly $35 a plug on Amazon and elsewhere.

[nefkntym]

I saw those as well. I called and talked to APR earlier today about the plugs, they recommended the Densos and the $35 NGK plugs.

[brian_216]

With my spark plug issue today I talked to EPL and was told the RS7 plugs are the same. Today at the dealer I did learn the plugs have been revised for the S6. The ground post / electrode is different looking.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G935A using Tapatalk

[paulmc]

Correct, which is why I chose the Denso IKH24 (corresponds to an NGK heat range of 8). I'm curious if anyone has been running a different brand of spark plug, or a different heat range, or a different gap, or if they've had good success with the Denso IKH24 gapped to 0.024"
I've found a similar set of NGK plugs online, but they sell for roughly $35 a plug on Amazon and elsewhere.

I ran Denso 24's in my EVO 5 years ago, running over 1.7 bar of boost. Great plug, just don't re-gap them. Search google for failures there are quite a few but I believe in every case the guys have re-gapped the plug. Not a goo idea with iridium plugs. I did around 10k miles with no issues.

[sonjh81]

Curious aswell. Stage 2 and starting to have some minor missfires...mostly on cil6 but the other a few misfires (vcds only, no MIL's/display). If i recall good, stock spark plugs only last around 20.000km. Especially went the car still needs to warm up or if i go manual the engine sometimes holds back (like it is hitting limiter).
Any info on what sparks are recommanded and maybe gaps like OlyS6 mentioned would be nice.

Same here. Until the engine warms up, it feels like holding back a bit. Is it some misfires? I changed to stock spark plugs at 35,400 miles and now it is at 43,400 miles.

Other than stock plugs, what do we have alternatives?

[Marc R]

Using oem plugs on my stg 3 for now.... no issues

[dudley123]

Sounds like it's not a bad idea to go down one heat range or two for Stage 2

[Ze_Nardo6]

Using oem plugs on my stg 3 for now.... no issues

I've done the same thus far, but for only 250 miles. I'm not wanting to risk that much longer so the Densos mentioned above arrive tomorrow. Running the same heat range plugs on a car with 200+ more hp than stock doesn't seem like a solid long term play.

Admittedly, I'm a novice in this department but from the research I've done and the conversations I've had with those who are more versed, a colder plug seems like the right move at stage 3 levels

[OlyS6]

I've done the same thus far, but for only 250 miles. I'm not wanting to risk that much longer so the Densos mentioned above arrive tomorrow. Running the same heat range plugs on a car with 200+ more hp than stock doesn't seem like a solid long term play.

Admittedly, I'm a novice in this department but from the research I've done and the conversations I've had with those who are more versed, a colder plug seems like the right move at stage 3 levels

Mickey, do you plan on changing the gap on the plugs to 0.024" ? I was going to, but not sure if that will just give me more potential for problems or not.

[limeypride]

Mickey, do you plan on changing the gap on the plugs to 0.024" ? I was going to, but not sure if that will just give me more potential for problems or not.

I'm curious, are the RS7 plugs different to the S-model cars? Presumably so since I've read nothing that indicates they need replacing due to the power increase--does anyone know if there's reason to replace/upgrade them on a stage 1.9ish RS7?

[Ze_Nardo6]

Mickey, do you plan on changing the gap on the plugs to 0.024" ? I was going to, but not sure if that will just give me more potential for problems or not.

Yes I do

[vman932]

I'm curious, are the RS7 plugs different to the S-model cars? Presumably so since I've read nothing that indicates they need replacing due to the power increase--does anyone know if there's reason to replace/upgrade them on a stage 1.9ish RS7?

Yes. The RS7 plugs are different than the S6/S7 plugs. I am running RS7 plugs on my APR stage 2 S6 with no issues.

[lnferno]

I'm curious, are the RS7 plugs different to the S-model cars? Presumably so since I've read nothing that indicates they need replacing due to the power increase--does anyone know if there's reason to replace/upgrade them on a stage 1.9ish RS7?

I’m running the factory plugs on my RS7, but have them gapped .024 per APR’s recommendation for Stage 2. Runs like a top.

[limeypride]

Likewise. Thanks.

[lnferno]

Likewise. Thanks.

Why is yours 1.9? Lol

[Ze_Nardo6]

Why is yours 1.9? Lol

Stage 2 software but no downpipes

[limeypride]

Stage 2 software but no downpipes

Errr, yah--like Mickey said (why am I here again?).

[dudley123]

Wow.. No issues running Stg2 map without downpipes?

[limeypride]

Wow.. No issues running Stg2 map without downpipes?

// For transparency's sake, let me first say I have roughly zero specific knowledge/experience on this topic.

That said, I was advised by APR indirectly as well as by my local shop and local tuner that giving APR stage II a shot on a car equipped with Audi's Sport (Akrapovic) exhaust wasn't a bad idea... so I did. The gains (via my albeit subjective seat-of-the-pants dyno) in torque were palpable almost immediately... so I've stuck with it and, thus far, have no reason to revert to stage 1. Only time (or a dragrace or two) will tell I guess...

[dudley123]

Nice! I think Kelly was referring to your car then when I was being flashed Monday at ACH. I had asked the question about running stg2 without Downpipes and he mentioned your RS7. I'd bet it would sound glorious if you added DP's with your Akra setup!! Noticed your in Snohomish, I'm in Newcastle!

Cheers,

Chris

[limeypride]

Hi Chris,

I suspect he was since we recently did the upgrade.

Honestly, the car already sounds fantastic and I just can't bring myself to take a scalpel to the Akra. I'm told I can get downpipes that fit the existing setup without any hackery but, again based on what I'm being told, there's very little or no predictable power-gain to be had so I'm going to leave it stock (stock! ... haha).

I work in Redmond--if you'd like to meet up over lunch or something, PM me.

/Dean

[Dasquade]

Going to check if we can get those Denso sparks here (Europe). Since my previous ones where changed around 15.000k (normally afaik by previous owner as he had complained of minor misfires but it was fixed with new sparks).
Considering some injector cleaner aswell (if i can find seafoam or something simular) and maybe some oil cleaner aswell (almost near my oil change).
Oddly i feel i have the 'misfires' (engine rpms hangs) mostly when in manual. D and S almost never issues...also kinda have a feeling it often happens when the car was in 4 cylinder mode and it is like management isn't sure if it should already switch back to 8 cylinder.
My tuner forgot to remove the COD, sadely my tuner is located pretty far (might ask around if any other tuner or even dealer can write COD out). Something tells me COD isn't that super for the engine. Anybody knows what cylinders gets shut off in 4 cylinder mode?

Also, does anybody has a DYI or workshop print for changing sparks? The spaghetti wiring and coolant box kinda scares me but :).

[RAF_S7]

Going to check if we can get those Denso sparks here (Europe). Since my previous ones where changed around 15.000k (normally afaik by previous owner as he had complained of minor misfires but it was fixed with new sparks).
Considering some injector cleaner aswell (if i can find seafoam or something simular) and maybe some oil cleaner aswell (almost near my oil change).
Oddly i feel i have the 'misfires' (engine rpms hangs) mostly when in manual. D and S almost never issues...also kinda have a feeling it often happens when the car was in 4 cylinder mode and it is like management isn't sure if it should already switch back to 8 cylinder.
My tuner forgot to remove the COD, sadely my tuner is located pretty far (might ask around if any other tuner or even dealer can write COD out). Something tells me COD isn't that super for the engine. Anybody knows what cylinders gets shut off in 4 cylinder mode?

Also, does anybody has a DYI or workshop print for changing sparks? The spaghetti wiring and coolant box kinda scares me but :).

See here for COD write up.

I use Wynns Fuel Injectoor cleaning (available in Europe) appears to work ok, but l guess that’s subjective.

You can order the Densos from any decent auto shop, or eBay in Europe, but they’re not cheap (around $15ea)

I’m sure I seen a write-up on here for a 4.0TT plug change......

[RAF_S7]

Yes. The RS7 plugs are different than the S6/S7 plugs. I am running RS7 plugs on my APR stage 2 S6 with no issues.

S7 & RS7 plugs are the same. I looked at this a few months back when l had a misfire issue and changed my plugs out.
I believe the current type are issue “N”

[Dasquade]

@RAF_S7: thanks, will call around and start checking.
Just for clearification, as for the NGK's are those NGK Race Plug 4901 R7437-8 (pulled that from ECS site)?

Nevermind about the DIY, found the S6 C7 workshop pdf had the spark plug part :) (pretty big job, but with the right tools and patience it should be doable :) ).

[Hauk]

I just changed my spark plugs and coil packs this past weekend. I had 20k miles on the plugs, and the original coils had 55k on them. This made a huge difference, the car feels alot more aggressive under full boost now. I am EPL stage 1. The job isn't that bad once you get in there. The drivers (lhd) side is a bit more involved, but doable in about 2 hours, the passenger side is about an hour job I'd estimate.

[Dasquade]

Maybe silly question (and sorry for derailing from the sparks topic), but how long to coils stay good? Like mentioned getting minor global misfires on all cilinder but cilinder 6 is much prone to misfires so like somebody pm'ed me, i might better change the coil on that cilinder while i'm at it. Altough coils are pricey, how can one determine if coil is is starting to go (on the other cilinders) or if it is just sparks on the other cilinders.

[OlyS6]

Maybe silly question (and sorry for derailing from the sparks topic), but how long to coils stay good? Like mentioned getting minor global misfires on all cilinder but cilinder 6 is much prone to misfires so like somebody pm'ed me, i might better change the coil on that cilinder while i'm at it. Altough coils are pricey, how can one determine if coil is is starting to go (on the other cilinders) or if it is just sparks on the other cilinders.

Depending on your mileage, I’d change all the spark plugs, and then either replace the coil pack on cylinder 6, or simply swap it with another coil pack on a different cylinder to see if the misfire follows that coil pack
They are a bit of a hassle to get to on our cars, so if it were me I’d just install a new coil pack- not really worth it to go back in a 2nd time if the coil pack is actually faulty, imho

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Hauk]

From my past experiences, Audi ignition coils are definitely a maintenance item, so I wanted to change them all out while I was in there. One tip to save some money, the RS7 coils are actually a lot cheaper and they worked just fine(maybe better for tuned cars). Part number: 079-905-110-N. I would recommend changing them just for peace of mind.

[ehofmann]

S7 & RS7 plugs are the same. I looked at this a few months back when l had a misfire issue and changed my plugs out.
I believe the current type are issue “N”

I thought rs7 are 1 range colder than the s6 plugs. Just bought the ngk listed for rs7. They are not cheap.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ehofmann]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Dasquade]

From my past experiences, Audi ignition coils are definitely a maintenance item, so I wanted to change them all out while I was in there. One tip to save some money, the RS7 coils are actually a lot cheaper and they worked just fine(maybe better for tuned cars). Part number: 079-905-110-N. I would recommend changing them just for peace of mind.

Thanks for the heads up on the coils and price difference of the rs coils. Guess for peace of mind and like you said and since everything need to come out anyway, i better upgrade and replace all the coils (and dont mix s6 prefacelift coils with 1 rs coil).
Offtopic: but starting to believe there is a link between the 'hidden/logged' missfires i'm having and the active COD cylinders. Getting more missfires on these then the non active cylinders. I dont rule out the general stuttering but think some missfires slip in on the activation/deactivation of COD (as i do feel some lack of power in the transition aswell). For that and other reasons, making appointment with my tuner to fully deactivate COD.

[Dasquade]

Starting to have mixed reports about the denso plugs. Read in some cases the ceramic tip started to puverase with damage to cilinders as a result. The 'power' plugs do have a sort(er) life range then most other 'long life' plugs.
Anyway, apperently my plugs were replaced by previous owner at 60.000km. 78500km now, OEM plugs so normally they should still be more then good enough.
Thinking i might go for coils only (and maybe at least check the plugs from cylinder 1 & 6 that were giving me the most misfires).
Injector cleaning and intake cleaning will be done soon, together with COD deactivation.
*Still trying to source the RS coils, stealer mentioned they cost 61€/piece :s, that is double the price you guy in the US are paying!