Ok...Here's the story. I was on my way to lunch today when my "check engine" light came on. So luckily there was an Autozone close by work and I dropped by to do a quick diagnostic check. It stated that there was a misfire in cylinder 2. It ended up basically being a faulty spark plug. Well, I decided to do a little upgrade. I bought a set of Bosch Platinum 4 spark plugs. I dropped by CJ's house this evening and helped me replace the spark plugs. Well, I started her up after we were done, and it sounded fine. Figured no biggie, but as soon as I stepped on the gas pedal, I could REALLY feel the difference. Before when I had the A/C on there was some struggle taking off before. This time, however, there was no struggle. She had some serious giddyup in her step. Better acceleration, better power. Just better overall performance. I am really impressed with these new spark plugs. If interested, it's part# 4482

 

I use Bosche Platinum tips in my Corvairs. I have a hotter coil, and added electronic ignitions too and give them a larger gap. They work well for years.

Hmm, I wonder if there is any downside to changing them in a stock HHR? I mean, you did not change anything else in the ignition system and you fell the plugs make a difference. This is cool!
Another inexpensive and easy mod. Would this affect the warrantee? I doubt it.
Thanks for the reminding us of these great plugs.

 

What I never understood is why spark plug companies made multiple tips on the end of the plug?
Electricity follows the path of least resistance, so the one tip that is closer will mostly get the spark...

Am I wrong here?

 

I don't believe the warranty will be effected by this. It shouldn't. It's not an extreme modification. It's just changing plugs. Just better plugs You're right, Harpo. It was inexpensive and easy.

 

Trey,

I think the idea with the multiple ground electrodes is to create multiple arc paths...ie better chance of igniting the fuel/air mixture. But this is just one of many techniques that are being used all in the quest of better ignition. I'm waiting for one of the aftermarket companies to comeup w/CARB legal ignition system. I had a 94 Formula with A MSD module, which helped with smoothing the idle out. ..certainly seemed to improve the acceration as well.

 

The fuel/air mixture is going to ignite in the chamber if there is a hot enough spark. There are variances in operating temp, compression, F/A ratio, but the fact still remains, shortest path to ground will always be taken. No getting around that fact.
Even if all tips were exactly the same distance from the center electrode, the spark would only jump to one ground point at a time. It will not arc over multiple ground points at the same time.
I don't think there is any real benifit to having them, but there will always be those who swear by them, and those, like me, who are skeptical of such claims.

 

Pat/CJ,

How long does it take to change out the plugs and any tips/tricks learned about the motor?

 

I put in a set and it runs better. 23150 miles on Shaggy and it is better, how much, who knows. pick up is better for sure and Pat was on the phone when i did a Low Gear start, nice long scratch running Goodyear H rated tires at 35 LBs.

for $24, who cares. i can feel it and i drive a ton every day.

 

I stand corrected

 

on the 2.2 with the CGS set up it is easy. take off the 4 bolts holding the coil and plug wires. pull the top off that covers the plugs.

remove and replace. we used boog lube and antiseize from Auto Zone.

runs great