ByThaBay

So okay, everyone knows that in CA we have crappy 91 octane fuel which causes most (if not all) Zs to ping until the knock sensor retards the timing. I've confirmed this with nissan dealerships and there is nothing that can be done about it... however, has anyone tried using copper plugs? My understanding is that the copper plugs will create a better spark, so this has nothing to do with pinging.. but what about using copper plugs AND having them be one step colder?

Or maybe just stick with one step colder platinums?

So I was thinking of installing LFR6A-11 plugs (copper, one step colder) to solve my pinging problem.. but could I use the PLFR6A-11 plugs to achieve the same effect?

fyi, I'm N/A

My main question is:

has anyone used a one step-colder plug on an N/A vq35 motor to cure the pinging?

Black_Sunshine

You're confusing detonation with pre-ignition. Using a colder plug may only result in fouled plugs.

On the subject of copper vs. platinum: platinum plugs are used because they have a longer service life. So again, you won't see any benefit from switching.

The only solution I can think of is globally retarding the timing n degrees, using a UTEC (or similar) or having the ECU reflashed.

ByThaBay

Very informative reading on this subject here.

i8acobra

iTrader: (6)

Double post.

i8acobra

iTrader: (6)

They both have the same effect (pinging).

ByThaBay

This is incorrect. Detonation can be heard but pre-ignition cannot be heard (at least I think that's what the above article states).

Z1 Performance

iTrader: (564)

the real question is why is your car pinging? The car is tuned for 91 octane - you should have ping at all

Wired 24/7

iTrader: (2)

I doubt his car is actually pinging. As mentioned the stock ECU pulls timing nicely if it detects pinging. Nissan would not and did not put a car out that can't run properly on 91 octane. It might not be as nice or as powerful running on 91 as compared to those who can get 93 octane, but the difference is minimal.

My opinion, if you want to have complete control over knock/ping, timing, etc. the answer is not to get spark plugs. The answer is to get tuned or reflashed. (remember you can prevent ping by richening up the mixture...)

Is this worth it? It depends on your goals, if you have any mods, how much you're willing to spend, etc.

ByThaBay

here's a section right out of the owner's manual.. what do you think of this?

Wired 24/7

iTrader: (2)

Meh, stop worrying so much.

Black_Sunshine

You obviously don't live in California.

Black_Sunshine

I can assure you that they are two very different things.

Wired 24/7

iTrader: (2)

Actually I do, and my car runs fine on 91 and if you knew how the ECU worked you would know it doesn't just allow severe pre-ignition to continue. It has knock sensors and pulls timing accordingly.

Want to prove me wrong? Be my guest.

Enron Exec

You need to find out whats causing the pinging. It could be from a number of sources. First of all, is your car stock? If not, what mobs do you have? What is the history of the car?

97supratt

iTrader: (61)

Pinging is normal, it happens all the time and you just aren't aware of it. The ecu advances timing until it detects knock, then it retards timing. Light pinging is perfectly fine, the engine isn't made of 1mm thick ice people. These are alloys that withstand high temps and stress.

If you actually hear pinging it might be really light, and the knock sensor should retard timing. If it isn't then it isn't as strong as you think. I dont think putting copper plugs would help prevent knock. Lowering the gap might help a bit, but very little.

As long as you pump 91 octane you should be fine. These engines aren't too sensative and can take quite a beating. Good luck.

Kiamo

FYI, if you get UpRev Cipher (or a buddy at a Nissan dealer with access to a Consult II) you can globally retard the stock ECU timing by 1 or 2 degrees or advance by the same amount.

rfinkle2

I have the same problem on my 06, and have had the timing retarded by 2 degrees. The car still pings in the 2500 to 3000 rpm range.

I have used nothing but 93 octane in the car since i bought it new this year.

97supratt

iTrader: (61)

Do you have a lot of oil blow by? Oil vapor increases chances of detonation so if you can bypass the PCV or install a catch can it might help.

Black_Sunshine

Well, mine doesn't. As a matter of fact, I do know how the ECU works. Further, the problem is detonation, not pre-ignition.

I'd be happy to prove you wrong - come take a ride in my car.

Black_Sunshine

Pretty much the same here, anything under 3000 RPM, even at light loads. I'm talking all the lower gears, 5-20% throttle opening. I've had to modify my driving habits in an attempt to limit it.

One thing that did help was my (expensive) experiment mixing in some 100 octane. That solved the problem, albeit temporarily.