NGK TR6 plugs - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Cincy10SSRS · 02-06-2014, 12:02 PM

I recall reading somewhere that with the LS3 (maybe other engines too) replacing the stock plugs with NGK TR6 plugs was a good thing. Any thoughts on this? Also, if so, what gap?

2012LS3VERT · 02-06-2014, 02:25 PM

The TR6 is a colder plug, you don't want to do that unless you have to. Also, they are just a cheap copper core plug, they won't last long. The iridium version of the TR6 is ok, but too cold unless you are running a decent amount of boost. The stock ACDelcos are a good plug. If you prefer NGKs, the TR5 heat range plug is about stock, but get the iridium version of that also, not the copper (NGK 7243/TR5-1IX).

sutherlacd27 · 02-06-2014, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2012LS3VERT

The TR6 is a colder plug, you don't want to do that unless you have to. Also, they are just a cheap copper core plug, they won't last long. The iridium version of the TR6 is ok, but too cold unless you are running a decent amount of boost. The stock ACDelcos are a good plug. If you prefer NGKs, the TR5 heat range plug is about stock, but get the iridium version of that also, not the copper (NGK 7243/TR5-1IX).

There is nothing wrong with running a copper plug. Just have to change them out more frequently....good excuse to get under the hood.

Bo White · 02-06-2014, 03:01 PM

I put autolite coppers in my old LS3.

Rhino79 · 02-06-2014, 03:02 PM

Its a good plug for a cammed setup or lower boost levels. No nitrous use. For what its worth the LS7 comes with a #6 heat range plug stock, same as the zr1

Bad70supreme · 02-06-2014, 03:50 PM

Yes I am running the ls9 myself, a step colder then stock. They make a difference.

Anthony @ LG Motorsports · 02-06-2014, 05:46 PM

It isn't quite a full heat range colder...maybe 1/2 step but close.

I see zero issues with a copper plug in the cars other than having to change them every 15-20k miles. Honestly there isn't much better conductor of electricity than copper.

Sometimes a colder plug will allow you to run a little more timing, sometimes help prevent detonation when under a heavy load like towing or racing. For a daily driver...it isn't something you have to do...nor is it going to make 100000 more HP by changing the plugs.

SSDan · 02-06-2014, 06:33 PM

I'm running the NGK TR55 with my cam/bolt-on setup. So they are just a little colder than stock. I changed them out at 15000 - just because. They looked great and could have run longer. But a set of 8 only cost $24 so why not.

On a stock motor I don't think a plug one range colder is bad necessarily but I also don't see much advantage either.

skar · 02-06-2014, 06:36 PM

NGK TR6 plugs
That's what Livernois put in mine with only headers intake and tune.

So how many miles should you go between changes?

2012LS3VERT · 02-06-2014, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SSDan

I'm running the NGK TR55 with my cam/bolt-on setup. So they are just a little colder than stock. I changed them out at 15000 - just because. They looked great and could have run longer. But a set of 8 only cost $24 so why not.

On a stock motor I don't think a plug one range colder is bad necessarily but I also don't see much advantage either.

Oh, nothing wrong with a copper plug, I have them in my 99 Sierra with the 6.0L, but I have no problem changing them every 15k miles. In the cars though, I guess I am spoiled by not having to change them nearly as often since the platinum/iridium plugs have proven themselves. It is a lot easier to change them in my truck than in a Corvette, which I spend most of my time working on locally. However, the common misconception is that a tr55 is a little colder than stock. They are the same heat range as a TR5, the out of the box gap is larger. NGK created them for when GM spec'd a larger gap for the earlier LS1 motors, I think around .060 gap. GM actually changed the spec to the .040 gap that the tr5s and tr6s come out of the box with(+ or -, always gap them yourself).
NGKs tech literature say that for every 100 hp you modify over stock, to go one heat range colder. I personally just run the hotter plug, unless reading the plug indicates that I need a colder one (I.e. porcelain cracking). Less risk of fouling out, especially without a catch can.

2012LS3VERT · 02-06-2014, 08:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by skar

NGK TR6 plugs
That's what Livernois put in mine with only headers intake and tune.

So how many miles should you go between changes?

Read them at around 15k. They may go longer, but they are cheap, so you might as well change them. Or change to the iridium version of the TR6s, and you will need to change them less. I would stick with that range, they may have advanced the timing enough that it might knock with a stock heat range.
And, FWIW, I'm an NGK fan over delcos. I'll have TR6IX (iridium TR6) plugs in mine next week to go with the Maggie.

skar · 02-07-2014, 07:49 AM

[QUOTE=2012LS3VERT;7401352]Read them at around 15k.

Thanks

CrudeJewelSS · 05-24-2016, 12:27 PM

I was told to gap mine to .030 (tr6)
30 thou. Sound correct?

2012LS3VERT · 05-24-2016, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrudeJewelSS

I was told to gap mine to .030 (tr6)
30 thou. Sound correct?

Depends on boost level. At 6-8 psi, i gap to .035, 10-12 I gap to .030". For an N/A car, I generally gap to .038".

02-06-2014, 12:02 PM	#1
Cincy10SSRS Drives: 2010 2SS RS M6 Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Cincinnati area Posts: 1,522	NGK TR6 plugs I recall reading somewhere that with the LS3 (maybe other engines too) replacing the stock plugs with NGK TR6 plugs was a good thing. Any thoughts on this? Also, if so, what gap? __________________ Traded-in car: K&N Typhoon intake, JBA Shorty headers, Solo mid-pipes/hi-flow cats, GMPP Track Pack axle-back, Vmax ported TB, Billet Custom catch can, billet tensioner pulley, Hines Hex Vents, Z/TA rear spoiler, ProCustom headlight covers, Drake black/riveted quarter window covers, GM satin fuel door, chrome and brushed caps/covers under the hood, EmblemPros underhood bowtie & fuel rail "Camaro" plates, chrome "SS" door kick-panels, chrome trunk latch plate & strut rods, Street Scene lower grille ducts w/LED lights, front bowtie-delete, Yates Performance pedals, 35% tint, etc.

02-06-2014, 03:01 PM	#4
Bo White Drives: 2015 Summit White 2SS 1LE Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Vance Alabama Posts: 8,019	I put autolite coppers in my old LS3. __________________ Retired wanna be cylinder head porter 2015 2SS 1LE Clutch reservoir, Vararam DRX, ported TB, TSP 2" headers, MGW shifter Totalled: 2010 1SS Wilkes Performance/Eagle 416 shortblock, TSP custom valvetrain, PRC 260 heads, Edelbrock Pro Flo 102, th400 swap, 8" PTC 5500 stall= 535/435 at the wheels tuned Gen 3 Performance and Dyno 10.97 @ 124 full weight in 3100 DA CamaroFest X

02-06-2014, 06:33 PM	#8
SSDan Drives: 2016 1SS 6MT NPP Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Lake Murray, SC Posts: 2,245 View My Garage	I'm running the NGK TR55 with my cam/bolt-on setup. So they are just a little colder than stock. I changed them out at 15000 - just because. They looked great and could have run longer. But a set of 8 only cost $24 so why not. On a stock motor I don't think a plug one range colder is bad necessarily but I also don't see much advantage either. __________________ 2016 Camaro 1SS Hyper Blue 6MT NPP 2010 Camaro 2SS Cam/Headers/CAI/3.91 gears 476 rwhp/440 rwtq (sold)

02-06-2014, 06:36 PM	#9
skar Drives: 2010 2SSRS headers/CAI/tune/corsa, Join Date: May 2010 Location: Commerce twp Michigan Posts: 1,413	NGK TR6 plugs That's what Livernois put in mine with only headers intake and tune. So how many miles should you go between changes? __________________ Stainless works headers/cats Roto fab CAI / Corsa install and tune Livernois TSW Nuburgring 9 &10" x 20 on Invos (315 & 275 ) JL Audio XD400/4 amp Pfadt trailing arms & tie rods sway bars. pedders street 1 package. ,Hurst short throw shifter With bronze bushings .

02-07-2014, 07:49 AM	#12
skar Drives: 2010 2SSRS headers/CAI/tune/corsa, Join Date: May 2010 Location: Commerce twp Michigan Posts: 1,413	[QUOTE=2012LS3VERT;7401352]Read them at around 15k. Thanks __________________ Stainless works headers/cats Roto fab CAI / Corsa install and tune Livernois TSW Nuburgring 9 &10" x 20 on Invos (315 & 275 ) JL Audio XD400/4 amp Pfadt trailing arms & tie rods sway bars. pedders street 1 package. ,Hurst short throw shifter With bronze bushings . Last edited by skar; 02-07-2014 at 06:18 PM.

02-06-2014, 02:25 PM	#2
2012LS3VERT Drives: 2012 2SSRS Vert, Black w/M6 Join Date: Jan 2013 Location: Montgomery, AL Posts: 1,265	The TR6 is a colder plug, you don't want to do that unless you have to. Also, they are just a cheap copper core plug, they won't last long. The iridium version of the TR6 is ok, but too cold unless you are running a decent amount of boost. The stock ACDelcos are a good plug. If you prefer NGKs, the TR5 heat range plug is about stock, but get the iridium version of that also, not the copper (NGK 7243/TR5-1IX).

02-06-2014, 03:02 PM	#5
Rhino79 Drives: 2010 Camaro SS L99/Auto Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Cabot, AR Posts: 2,827 View My Garage	Its a good plug for a cammed setup or lower boost levels. No nitrous use. For what its worth the LS7 comes with a #6 heat range plug stock, same as the zr1

02-06-2014, 03:50 PM	#6
Bad70supreme Drives: 2010 aqua blue SS/RS M6 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: plainfield, IL Posts: 2,706	Yes I am running the ls9 myself, a step colder then stock. They make a difference. __________________ 10.91 at 122 H/C stock block N/A

02-06-2014, 05:46 PM	#7
Anthony @ LG Motorsports Drives: 1994 1LE / 2006 Z51 Corvette Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Plano, TX Posts: 2,829	It isn't quite a full heat range colder...maybe 1/2 step but close. I see zero issues with a copper plug in the cars other than having to change them every 15-20k miles. Honestly there isn't much better conductor of electricity than copper. Sometimes a colder plug will allow you to run a little more timing, sometimes help prevent detonation when under a heavy load like towing or racing. For a daily driver...it isn't something you have to do...nor is it going to make 100000 more HP by changing the plugs.

05-24-2016, 12:27 PM	#13
CrudeJewelSS Build,Race,Break,Repeat Drives: 2010 Red Jewel Camaro 2SS 6M Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Kelowna British Columbia, Canada Posts: 301 View My Garage	I was told to gap mine to .030 (tr6) 30 thou. Sound correct?