Spark plugs and Power Programmer
 

I've got a 1998 Z28 (A4) with 30k miles and the following mods...airbox lid, K&N, Granatelli MAF, Power Programmer, 160* thermo, Fast Toyz Ram Air, SLP strut tower brace, Flowmaster Cat-back exhaust, gutted cat, and Richmond 3.42's (from stock 2.73's).

My first question is about how often should I change my spark plugs? I've heard from 25k - 100k miles.

Next question is in regard to the Power Programmer. I already adjusted for the gear ratio, cooling fan temp, and shift firmness. What have you guys with automatic transmissions and Power Programmers found best as far as shift points? I know all cars are different, I'm just lookin' to see what combinations other people have found most beneficial.

Thank you.

Hypertech dialed mine during a dyno session in as follows:

Rev limit - 6400
Shift Firmness - 50%
Shift points:
1-2 = +2
2-3 = +2
3-4 = +3



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2001 Z28, A4 2.73
Navy Blue Metallic, T-tops, no badges
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FRA; MTI lid; Holly PowerShot; TBB; HPP3; Exhaust "bridge"; 160* Thermostat; descreen MAF; Port/Polish MAF

If those are stock plugs in there now, I recommend getting them out. The stock ones in my '99 were not correctly gapped and a couple of the platinum "wafers" were gone.

The general opinion is NGK TR-55 plugs. These should last 15-20K miles.

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Mark T.
'99 T/A FireHawk A4 #397 -PI3200 Converter, B1 Cam, Stage II Heads, LT Headers, LS6 Intake, 8pt Roll Bar, BMR Suspension, Hal Shocks, DS Loop, DTS Custom Rear with 373 Gears
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'01 NBM T/A Hawk Convertible #313 Stock And Stay'n That Way!

I changed my plugs at 37k miles to NGK TR-55's. It was an all day event. The last plug on the passenger side took about 4 hours - good luck. http://web.camaross.com/bb/smile.gif

I have 4.10s in my '98Z, auto, and this is what I have programed:

6400 Rev
25% firmness
1-2 shift = 0
2-3 shift = +2
3-4 shift = +3

...I'm pretty sure that is were I am at with the programmer. It helps, but I still get no traction with my gear set up, that is why I am currently re-doing all of the suspension.

I've heard that the HPP tricks the tranny into thinking its always at Wide Open Throttle, and that is why your shifts are firmer. Some people say that it will shorten your life of the tranny. They also point out that when you are racing, you are at WOT, the shift firmness won't help.

I use it at 25% because I can't go WOT until 3rd gear, as I will just sit and spin. This helps the car get there faster when I am racing and have to go easy on the throttle.

Good luck.
Milo

see sig for mods.

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'98 Camaro Z28

-MODS:

• Auto
• 4.10 Gears
• HPP +
• 180* Thermostat
• FTRA
• Whisper Lid
• K&N Filter
• MSD 8MM Wires
• NGK55 Plugs
• MAC Panhard Rod (red)
• MAC Lower Control Arms (red)
• T Byrne Sub-Frame Connectors (red)
• Eibach Lowering Springs (red)
• KYB AGX 5 Way Adj. Shocks (red)
• BMR Relocation Brackets (red)
• BMR Strut Tower Brace (red)
• ! Air conditioning
• ! Cruise Control
• ! CAT
• ! Front Steel Bumper
• '98 SS Single outlet Exhaust
• Clear Turn Signals

..no track times yet.

Thanks a lot for your help, I just have one more question. Since I'm going to get the new plugs now, should I also get new wires as well? And if so, which kind?

Thanks again.

Since you're going to be under the hood anyways, I would suggest getting the wires as well. I bought some MSD 8MM Wires and installed them. I believe they cost somewhere around $40-60 bucks.

Milo

You and I have basicially the exact same mods and car and question about the programmer. Im also looking for somewhere to start programing my shift points, even hypertech tells me to just 'try something'. (shrug) How do you like the 3.42s over the 2.73s? Pulls alot harder, but it changes the 'sweet spots'...

I used my HPP3 for the following.

1) Maximum Shift Firmness
2) Adjusted for the 3.42 gear ratio
3) Turn on cooling fans at 195 degrees
4) Rev Limiter at 6400
5) Removed Top Speed Limiter

As for your other question, gp ahead and get different wires. I prefer the MSD 8.5s. I have always used them. Then NGK and AC Delco plugs tend to work best on our cars. I prefer AC Delco, unless you got the gas, then get NGK TR6s....

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Arctic White 1998 Z28 Camaro LS1 A4 3.42s
Lid, Exhaust, Gears.
5% tint and black outs..

301.3rwhp
311.0torque

[This message has been edited by KamaroL98 (edited June 10, 2002).]

[This message has been edited by KamaroL98 (edited June 10, 2002).]