Side Gapping, any one done it yet?

[Darren]

Just finished reading this article, and thinking very heavily of doing this tomorrow. Just wondering if anyone else has done it yet?

I think this might add to the lower end in addition to the other mods in this forum.

With these fuel prices, i'm willing to try anything!! 2-3mpg is 2-3 mpg

 

 

http://performanceunlimited.com/documents/plugsidegapping.html

[FuzzyRSTD]

Interesting .......... Like you, more per gallon is a good thing. As long as it does not promote some other type damage or long range harm. Would like to hear V7Goose opinion on this.

 

Fuzzy

[Darren]

Other then changing plugs a little sooner then normal.... Can't see have it can hurt anything.

But, my only concern is, timing. IF the spark is quicker (by how much ) Can the system compensate?

[BuddyRich]

Snake oil if you ask me. Its not going to make the spark any hotter and once ignition commences spark has little to do with it. A slower burn produces more heat therefore more power. Its more about air to fuel mix and compression than how hot the spark is unless your running in top fueler class and such. It is different, I just don't think its going to make a lot of difference. Anybody trying it report back and lets see how it goes.

[Seaking]

Kinda makes you wonder that if these remedies and quick fixes are such a great idea, why hasn't mainstream manufacturers jumped onto this band wagon?

 

I read the article and how it's explained would indeed lead you to want to try it, what 'harm' could it do? Like the OP mentioned, 2-3 mph saved is good indeed here and there.. but... still makes ya wonder.. If the manufacturers of spark plugs haven't heard of this or haven't jumped on this idea and marketed a new fangled dangled spark plug featuring this new idea, is it really any good?

 

I dunno.. Curious though..

[twigg]

lol ... get out your crayons and color me skeptical.

 

To start with .... that diagram of the "new" spark is nonsense. The spark will jump the smallest gap, not go around a corner.

 

I would think that there are more improvements to gas mileage that could be made in other ways. Cutting down the screen springs to mind.

 

You can improve spark performance by "indexing" the plugs. Beyond that I would be very suspicious of ideas like this.

 

Spend the time riding.

[flb_78]

Try it, it'll only cost ya $10 in spark plugs.

[muaymendez1]

I have heard of this before . The days when i wante dto make my 86 cutlass a hot rod. High flow exhaust , low drag fans, remove the ac compressor, side gap the plugs, stronger coils.

All for nothing I still didnt have a hot rod and dont remember caring about fuel consumption.

My plugs are working great, the bike runs like a top. i ll leave well enough alone.

[Old Miner]

Aren't side electrode and multi-electrode plugs commercially available for more modern vehicles? Or did I dream it?

 

Neil.

Old Miner.

[Hobscotch]

I went the route of loud pipes, re-jetting, etc. on almost all of my motorcycles and race cars over the years. It is almost always experimental and costly. Just depended on what I was after on the particular vehicle in the end.

 

Having worked with both piston and turbine aircraft engines for a number of years, the one thing that I learned was how important designed precision adjustments were to engine performance.

 

These RSV engines are engineered and built to run on a selected air/fuel mixture at a specified temperature range by the manufacturer. That would suggest that fuel/air mixtures, ignition and exhaust back pressures designated are the most efficient for producing the power necessary for good performance and fuel mileage given the intended use. Any adjustment to those specifications changes that process. The total fuel burn process is the key to performance.

 

Good maintenance of specified air filters, spark plugs, and exhaust system should produce the desired mileage rates and performance one would expect from the engine.

 

On my RSV, which I bought as a touring machine, I am back to the stock operating profile. I simply maintain a good tune up profile on my 2000 RSV MM. There is plenty of power available, and I average 40 mpg consistently. I can still hear the radio, too.

 

My two cents...

[Darren]

Try it, it'll only cost ya $10 in spark plugs.

 

Yup, only ten bucks. Me thinks what the he77.

 

Well, first i'll cut a plug to check for spark arc, then if the arcs are notable, i'll cut the ones on the bike. If they don't make a difference, it's almost time for new arcers anyway.

 

Read alot of articles regarding side gapping, most were for HP gain with considerable amount of other changes. not in it for the HP, 2 mpg yup, worth a try at least. Ride night for me is tomorrow, we`ll see if it makes a difference.