Do race type sparkplug and sparkplug wires actually make a difference in hp/tq and fuel economy? If they are worth it, what are good types?

 

Plugs and wires don't add power, but worn plugs/wires can rob power. Also as you increase your car's power through modifications (i.e. heads/cam, blowers, nitrous, turbos) the combustion chambers will run hotter and a stock plug can cause pre-ignition. Most guys run colder, non-platium plugs to prevent pre-ignition and an after market ignition box (MSD, Crane) for a hotter spark as higher combustion pressures tend to blow out the stock spark. After market wires tend to have lower resistance, helping the after market ignition boxes delivery the hotter spark to the plugs.