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


http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/txsman2930/BOSCH.jpg

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!:thumb:
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 :lol: You're right, Harpo. It was inexpensive and easy.

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?

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.

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.

I stand corrected:red:

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

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

Trey I have a 71 chevelle with a beefed small block and discussed this issue with a bosch guy at a car show one time and the reason for the multi fingers is incase one has a deffect or builds carbon (fouls) you still have 3 more with as you said less resistance. Just what i was told?

What size spark plug wrench is used? I have never changed plugs on any car made after 1975:red: :D
I could look it up, but asking here is funner :D

My SHO had Platinum tips and I had Ford do the tune up at 120,000. Never tweaked that car. It just ran great for over a decade. My only Ford too now that I reminisce.

Trey I have a 71 chevelle with a beefed small block and discussed this issue with a bosch guy at a car show one time and the reason for the multi fingers is incase one has a deffect or builds carbon (fouls) you still have 3 more with as you said less resistance. Just what i was told?

That sounds like a logical explanation.

Just for the hell of it I called a buddy who is a master electrician and asked about multiple sparks. He said that if the ground points were all the same distance and resistance, then the spark would arc from the center electode to a ground point and then between the mulitple ground points, creating more than one arc of energy in the chamber. Thus there would be improved efficiency.

I stand corrected:red:

Please don't feel I was getting on your case, just thinking out load and researching on the net at the same time.
It's all good and I appreciate everyone's input.

top right corner of the box and the plug is a 4482 and on the post right above the pic

If interested, it's part# 4482
http://i66.photobucket.com/albums/h269/txsman2930/BOSCH.jpg

Do you have to gap these plugs? Or do you just install with a little anti-seize? Thanks.............Regards

pre gapped
just a lil anti seize
i drove 2 times last night and really had fun
about to go out today and have some more fun

i belong to the cobalt forum and did some searching on it and alot of nice things said about the plugs

I just change my plugs to these Bosch and like CJ says you can feel it. I hope it helps with just little better gas milage.

i am getting no lag at all anymore and today i had to stop and then slam the gas to miss an idiot turning left in front of me and got scratch while rolling,,, it was a shock.

these are nice
mpg would be nice but i want the quick more.

i am getting no lag at all anymore and today i had to stop and then slam the gas to miss an idiot turning left in front of me and got scratch while rolling,,, it was a shock.

these are nice
mpg would be nice but i want the quick more.

I would think the MPG would not get any worse.:confused:
Would not the engine run more efficiently with plugs like these that may indeed be burning more of the gas in the chamber. The chamber only gets so much gas and with these platinum plugs the gas air mix should be burning more thoughoughly. Unless of course somehow the computer etc would send MORE gas to the chambers with these plugs?

I'm not sure what the sensors tell the brain. I'm old school where one sees the cause and effect and the path is understood imperically.

I'd get Platinum plugs but not if they cost MPG. Not with today's gas prices.

The performance gain would be nice and if I understand it, there is less midrange hesitation. That is good:thumb: As this is the area I find wanting in an automatic tranny HHR. My Buick V8 has no such inclination :lol:

A freind wants to ditch his PT Turbo and get an HHR . He does not like his MPG. I'm wondering if for him the HHR will be a huge letdown as he will be used to a car with real get up and go. Oh well, life is full of compromises:roll:

I told him to get the HHR. He gets at best 19 MPG. I told him I have to work real hard to get that low:D


Anyway, I guess I'll likely try the plugs as I have had them in several cars through the years. As I mentioned my Ford Taurus SHO came from the factory with platinum tipped plugs ( Not these though ). Ford changed them at 120,000 but I never knew how the car ran with anything else. It was real good on gas considering it was a performance car. About the same MPG as the HHR :confused: :lol:

if you read on the Bosch site, here is what it says

More pure platinum with four ground electrodes and the most powerful spark.

If you require the best in performance and the longest performance life, Platinum+4 is the spark plug for you. Platinum+4's unique revolutionary firing technology combines the advantages of surface air gap technology, four ground electrodes, and a heat-fused center electrode with more pure platinum, creating the most powerful

Revolutionary surface air gap firing technology featuring multiple spark paths Delivers the longest, most powerful spark for ultimate engine performance

More pure platinum vs. Bosch Platinum For smoother acceleration, peak fuel efficiency and maximum engine power

Four ground electrodes Provides optimum access to the air/fuel mixture for the most efficient combustion…plus a longer performance life

Electrode gap is factory set Provides ease of installation - never requires adjustment

http://www.boschautoparts.com/Products/SparkPlugs/Platinum4