Specifications
Q: Why are Silverstone spark plugs the best spark plugs in the world?
A: A spark plug has only one function. Deliver a spark to the combustion chamber to initiate combustion. A hotter spark means
improved combustion. If the metal used for the center electrode is a poor electrical conductor, such as platinum or nickel-
alloy, some of the energy is lost and the spark is weaker. A weaker spark could mean lost performance. Silver is by far the best
electrical conductor of any metal. Using a, large diameter silver center electrode, like the one in Silverstone, can mean up to
137% more spark power and therefore increased engine performance. Silverstone spark plugs out-perform all other spark
plugs and deliver the most powerful spark. Thats why Silver stone spark plugs are the best spark plugs in the world.
Q: Arent platinum spark plugs the best?
A: No. As a matter of fact, platinum is one of the worst conductors. The reason why platinum spark plugs are used is for
longevity only. Platinum spark plugs can last up to 100,000 miles. If you are looking for longevity, platinum is for you. If you
are looking for performance, choose silver.
Q: Isnt copper a good conductor?
A: Yes, but not the best. Silver is the best. Also, the electrodes of spark plugs with so called copper electrodes are not solid
copper, they are copper core. The electrode is usually made out of nickel-alloy, with a copper core. This only benefits heat
dissipation, not performance.
Q: Doesnt a silver electrode melt?
A: No. Just like conventional spark plugs, Silverstone spark plugs are available in different heat ranges. If the correct heatrange
is chosen, thermal problems wont arise.
Q: Why is heatrange so important?
A: A spark plug that is too cold wont reach optimum operating temperature and could experience carbon build-up or fouling. A
spark plug that is too hot can overheat and melt the electrode.
Q: Wont a hotter spark plug make a hotter spark?
A: No. A hotter, or colder spark plug refers only to the ability of the spark plug to dissipate heat. A colder spark plug dissipates
heat faster than a hotter spark plug.
Q: Do I need to change spark plug heatrange when I use Silverstone?
A: No. Spark plug heatrange stays the same.
Q: I noticed that Silverstone spark plugs are only available in a few heatranges?
A: Yes, thats correct. Silver is also the best thermal conductor of any metal. In managing the ever changing combustion chamber
temperatures, caused by different engine and load conditions, silver is unsurpassed. To prevent plug fouling, optimum
operating temperature is reached shortly after start up, yet under full throttle, heat is dissipated rapidly. Silverstone
spark
plugs provide the widest heatrange latitude and therefore cover all heatranges with fewer models.
Q: The Silverstone spark plugs recommended for my engine look like they are a much hotter heatrange than the
spark plugs I normally use?
A: Because the thermal conductivity of silver is so much better than that of any other metal, the physical appearance of
Silverstone spark plugs will be different.
Q: Isnt a split electrode or a fine wire electrode better?
A: It depends on the application. Since the ionization voltage with split electrodes or fine wire electrodes is lower, they are perfect
for older vehicles with weak ignition systems. But since spark voltage is lower, they are not desired for performance
applications. In addition, electrical energy travels on the outside of a conductor and not through the middle as commonly
assumed, and since a large diameter center electrode offers a larger surface area, spark carrying ability is increased when the
center electrode has a large diameter. To put it simply, you cant fit a big spark through a tiny electrode.
© 2004 Nology Engineering, Inc
Silverstone
™
Frequently Asked Questions
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