Spark Plugs, performance, and engine life question

Anytime your engine is able to generate more horsepower, for whatever
reason, you are putting more stress on other components such as connecting
rods, bearings, journals, etc. Obviously this will reduce engine longevity.

With a sparkplug change though it is a miniscule amount and like the other
poster said, the better your engine is tuned and the more efficient it is
operating, the longer it will likely last.

The change in performance you experience is most likely due to the
replacement of plugs as opposed to the type of plug you changed to.

CaptainKrunch

 

I have a '95 Accord LX, and recently installed the Bosch Pro2 plugs.
The guys at the auto store convinced me they would be worth the extra money
$4/each and I think they are beacause my car's acceleration is much quicker
and smoother now...anyway, my question is this:
Does improved performance have a point of diminishing returns when
considering the overall life expectancy of the engine ? In other words, if
the performance is too good, does the engine wear out faster ?
Thanks,

 

If you noticed anything, it was probably just because your old plugs were
worn out. You'd likely have been just as happy with the NGK plugs for $2.

As far as wearing out the engine sooner, you don't have anything to worry
about spark plugs. If anything, the engine will last longer when properly
tuned up and running smoother.

 

if you want a smidge more boost, change your plug wires as well. i changed
my wires when i changed my plugs and saw a small boost, but i had done other
mods to my car aside from the plugs and plug wires...


-agent smith

 

Changing from bad wires to good will certainly give you a boost.

Honda wires are top quality.

 

I agree with the other posters but would like to add something that I read
in relation to spark plug wires. It's from a book entitled, "Honda and
Acura Performance Handbook". I purchased it at Barnes and Nobel
On page 81--it states:
"...a set of high quality 8 mm wires can help boost spark better than
conventional wires."

 

Wires, properly selected, have no serious effect on
performance. Wires are and must be high resistance
conductors. Better conductive wires are actually bad for the
overall car. Only significant difference between cheap wires
and quality wires: quality wires use materials that do not
degrade over time. If better wires caused a significant
performance improvement, then automakers would simply increase
power output from ignition system. Better performance for
almost no cost.

Standard wires and ignition system provided by Honda are
about as good as it is going to get. Even GM products finally
conceded to using those better quality wires.

The old, low power, point and condenser ignition system was
sufficient. Only sufficient. Electronic ignition systems so
increased that power that 'better wires' will bring 'nothing
to the table'. Better wires last longer. That increased life
expectancy is the difference in ignition wires.