Cupra ST 290 2016 Stage 1 Spark Plug Recommendation?

[Cupracabra]

Hi,

I have recently done a custom stage 1 tune dynoed at 344hp with 1,55 bar peak boost. I want to replace my spark plugs and I was thinking about the OEM vs RS7 vs NKG.
Should I go with OEM spark plugs with stock gap or the NKG?
Any suggestion where I can get the OEM and NGK for a resonable price in Europe?

 

[H Rafiq]

I’ve got a stage 1 Cupra 280 hatch. Always had standard spark plugs.

 

[tracktoy]

I am on stage 3 and still using stock plugs with no problems, nobody yet has explained (scientifically) why I should upgrade to different more expensive plugs and then you need to look at the coil packs, this article just confirmed what i thought https://forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/37835/#post-314829

 

[DEAN0]

I am on stage 3 and still using stock plugs with no problems, nobody yet has explained (scientifically) why I should upgrade to different more expensive plugs and then you need to look at the coil packs, this article just confirmed what i thought https://forums.ross-tech.com/index.php?threads/37835/#post-314829

Generally - once cars get tuned ( stage 2 or 3 ) they get driven harder for longer.
This can take standard plugs out of their operating zone.
The alternate plugs recommended are usually a colder plug ( able to get the heat away faster )

 

[andylong]

If you drive hard take a plug out and have a look and see if the plug looks ok.
This is the only way to see if a plug is ok, unless there's a particular build know to get the plugs hot.
In the days of carburettor fueled engines fuelling could lean off higher up the rev range but this tends not to happen in a modern ECU equipped engine and combustion temps tend to be actively controlled.

 

[andylong]

Also colder plugs can foul at low or normal revs cos they can't get hot enough to burn off carbon. Check your existing plugs regularly if you fear plug overheating.

 

[queen]

For stage 1 or 2 up to about 400hp you can use the stock plugs. I'm stage 3 and use the stock ttrs plugs.

 

[tracktoy]

Generally - once cars get tuned ( stage 2 or 3 ) they get driven harder for longer.
This can take standard plugs out of their operating zone.
The alternate plugs recommended are usually a colder plug ( able to get the heat away faster )

Thanks that helps a lot. Personally do a lot of track days 20 minutes hard push and then in to cool down, don't go back out till oil temps in mid 70's Tuning company very happy with stock plugs and so far not had any issues but i do change everything (plugs, oil, filters etc0 more often

 

[andylong]

After your 20 min run, pull a plugand have look.

How to Read Your Spark Plugs | YourMechanic Advice

Car spark plugs create the spark necessary in the combustion cycle. Check your spark plugs to improve your engine efficiency and performance.

www.yourmechanic.com

 

[RUM4MO]

When considering OEM or NGK, in many or most cases, OEM are NGK, in fact I think that at this point in time, the OEM in VW Group brown packaging, also has the aftermarket NGK version/code number printed on the boxes, which is basically what they are but with the VW Group part number stamped around the base and VW AG on the body in place of NGK.

 

[mty12345]

After your 20 min run, pull a plugand have look.

How to Read Your Spark Plugs | YourMechanic Advice

Car spark plugs create the spark necessary in the combustion cycle. Check your spark plugs to improve your engine efficiency and performance.

www.yourmechanic.com

I don't think he'll see anything helpful, and high risk of damaging the threads in the cylinder head if it's super hot when removing and reinstalling a plug.

 

[andylong]

I don't think he'll see anything helpful, and high risk of damaging the threads in the cylinder head if it's super hot when removing and reinstalling a plug.

Why is that?

 

[tracktoy]

Thanks for the advise, I personally don't have the need to check as I say I change plugs more frequently, I have spoken with both my garage (they are a VAG Specialist) and Revo and they were all happy that stock plugs are fine and very happy with the way the car performs.

The only issue I had on stage 3 was down to low pressure fuel pump (since upgraded) and that was only on two specific tracks under specific conditions but now sorted.

 

[Cupracabra]

Thank you all!
I got the NGK 94833 which should be the NGK OEM plugs. Got 4 of them for around £45.

Had timing corrections on cylinder 4 after the tune.

 

[andylong]

PLFER7A8EG that's the one you are referring to. It's what NGK recommended.