E3 Spark Plugs

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bearda

Member
A couple years back there was a group buy for the E3 plugs on the Mazda3 forums. Results ranged from mediocre to awful once everybody tried them out. A couple people felt they saw some small gains, but anybody that dynoed either saw no gains or gains that were within run variance. On the downside a LOT of people had quality control problems. Cracked insulators, bent electrodes, plugs burning out within a few weeks. The company replaced the plugs for anyone that had a problem, but overall I think most members went back to using NGKs.

I'll stick to normal Iridiums, thanks.
 
H

HOYS

New member
New around these parts but I figured I'd chime in on this topic.

Do not use E3 spark plugs or any plug not recommended by the manufacturer. The plugs used are very specific to the type of ignition system used on the vehicle. With the 1.4L T and 1.8L engines used in the Sonic the gap between the electrode is very small, only 0.028 in the 1.4L and .035 in the 1.8. How do you gap an E3 plug? An improperly gaped spark plug will cause lots of misfires.

With GM's waste-spark system, the longer the distance between the electrodes, the longer it takes for the spark plug to properly ignite the fuel air mixture. With E3 plugs being almost twice the cost as a factory plug, it is not worth it at all in any shape or form. The only engines I know of that require E3 plugs are the V8s in Audi S4's...

Don't waste your money.
 
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BRNZY

BRNZY

New member
HOYS said:
New around these parts but I figured I'd chime in on this topic.

An improperly gaped spark plug will cause lots of misfires.

Don't waste your money.
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Those who know what they are doing, should know to check the gap before installing any plug. The E3's are supposed to be pre-gapped and have always been correct in past applications for me. If not, then they should be returned.

As far as a waste of money ... that really is a matter of opinion, as is any other mod that one chooses to do.
 
G

GeneralZod

New member
sx sonic said:
Throttle response or MPG could see a measurable improvement. Personally when it comes to plugs, wire, coils unless the system comes from the factory inadequate (not too common) then no measurable gain will be had as long as all those components are in good working order/not worn out.

Once the engine starts getting leaned on and making more power or revving high some gains can be had. Or from my viewpoint+expierences, loses can be prevented.


Genreralzod- it wouldn't be a bad idea to check your plug gaps. Many members, myself included got plugs improperly gapped (some close, some way off). Some have reported better drivability and/or mpg after regapping. .28" for the 1.4T. .32-.35" 1.8

-tyler
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I have been meaning to check the plug gaps and index them. The weather has not been good.
 
H

HOYS

New member
BRNZY said:
Those who know what they are doing, should know to check the gap before installing any plug. The E3's are supposed to be pre-gapped and have always been correct in past applications for me. If not, then they should be returned.

As far as a waste of money ... that really is a matter of opinion, as is any other mod that one chooses to do.
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I'm not fully acquainted with newer GM ignition systems (I come from the GM 3800/3400 world) but E3s almost always are bad or not large enough of an improvement to offset replacing already brand new plugs that came with the vehicle.

Like I said I'm new here, just trying to imbue some knowledge :)
 
K

klb1.8

New member
How the hell do you get the cover off the ignition coils? The part that says ecotec does it slide or pop off the 1.8? You have actually installed these plugs?
 
$ub$onic

$ub$onic

The Sticker Guy
Be careful with the coil pack plug... I broke the connector getting it off now its zip tied so it can't come off
 
sx sonic

sx sonic

New member
Getting the coil pack off the plugs can be a little tricky as well. Lots of wiggling, tugging, and prying from end to end will get it off
 
K

klb1.8

New member
It cant be harder than a 4.7 magnum or any ford engine. Looks like one big piece that is expensive to replace.
 
BRNZY

BRNZY

New member
I installed the E3's yesterady morning and cannot believe how freaking clean, accessible and simple the plugs these cars have are to get to. It was tricky for a second getting to them. But after I figured it out it was a piece of cake. The plastic ECOTEC cover does just pop off. Then the 2 torx head screws come out. Then wiggle the coil pack from the right and carefully work your way to the left. I would say leave the wire harness connected and just allow to coil pack to flop over gently to the side. Took out the stock plugs and put in the E3's. Reassembled and she fired right up. It was not obvious though, there was a problem until I started to drive. When ever I tried to put any load on the engine, it would start to cut out like it was not getting fuel or something. In cruise or idle it was fine. I got home and removed the E3's and something just seemed to not look right as far as gapping. Plus they are not adjustable. I carefully gapped my stock plugs from .026 to .028 and re-installed them. Car runs perfect again. I do not know if I had a bad plug or what, but something was wrong and I took them back and got a refund. They all appeared to have been firing, but for some reason, something was not stirring the kool-aid.

As I have mentioned before, I have used them happily in the past. This time, not so good.
 
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Eric Smit

Eric Smit

Enforcer
did you happen to check the gap on the E3 plugs? I just threw in some new plugs, gapped them, and runs fine. I know it's a waste of money with today's iridium plugs, but for 8 bucks and 10 minutes of my time, why not? excuses to work on my car are getting slim.
 
K

klb1.8

New member
So did you get new e3s? I kinda want to try pulstars but im hearing the porcelain is extra brittle. I remember when i tried champion, autolite, ac delco and ngk on my old 95husband silverado the only ones that had issue was the champions and autolites
 
BRNZY

BRNZY

New member
Eric Smit said:
did you happen to check the gap on the E3 plugs? I just threw in some new plugs, gapped them, and runs fine. I know it's a waste of money with today's iridium plugs, but for 8 bucks and 10 minutes of my time, why not? excuses to work on my car are getting slim.
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Not with a gauge I didn't. It is a bit difficult to do because of their design. But visually, I could tell there was a difference. As exact as the gap should be when it comes to spark plugs, if visually there is a difference, then I am sure that the amount they are off is enough to cause a problem.
 
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