02 June 2010|
There are many who believe a spark plug is a spark plug. While that notion may have been true in the past, today’s technology has come a long way in a short period of time. Spark plug selection is becoming a very careful buying decision, especially in a time when engine displacement is no longer king. Modern high compression engines and forced induction motors are finicky beasts, and some spark plugs have trouble keeping up with the demands. E3 Spark Plugs, however, have been engineered to make the most of (almost) anything with a gasoline engine.
E3 integrates some tried and true design features but also uses patented new technology as well. The most innovative feature is the electrode design called the DiamondFire. Its name comes from the opening which is shaped like a diamond. According to E3, the shape has distinct benefits. “The spark plug electrode design we achieved combines the benefits of three types of known performance plugs” says Steve Joiner, Marketing Director at E3. “The design also applies some new science as well. The DiamondFire configuration outperformed all other spark plug designs available, including premium offerings from the other major manufacturers.”
That is a pretty bold statement considering it is one of the newer players on the block. E3 was more than content to walk us through the engineering theory that led to this superior design. Based in Florida, E3 had testing labs in Atlanta, Georgia and also conducted some of its more advanced research at the Michigan State University Engine Research Lab and at Georgia Tech. Scientists focused on the pressure rise from a single combustion event with different style spark plugs, called the Indicated Mean Effective Pressure (IMEP). E3 was bent on maximizing the peak pressure created by this innovative electrode design. E3 continues research in the testing labs of Michigan Tech University with recent test focusing on power, fuel and emissions benefits. E3 has done some innovative testing using a “combustion bomb” which show the speed and size of the flame front. In this testing it clearly showed that E3 has a faster and larger flame front that competitor plugs. A faster and larger flame improves combustion as it is all about the burn.
The science behind the DiamondFire patent breaks down into three main components. The first is an aspect that mimics surface gap spark plugs (the type used in rotary engines and others) which directs the flame core to the piston more directly, which reduces the travel time from the spark zone and takes the shortest route possible to the piston. Secondly, contrary to other designs, E3 designed the electrode to project forward into the combustion chamber. This brings the spark zone closer to areas of an ideal air/fuel mixture. The initial combustion leaves the spark area at supersonic speeds and aids in setting up the next ideal combustion area. Finally, the leading edge of the E3 electrode design is the forced edge-to-edge spark discharge, which enables the spark to leave the surface quickly. The DiamondFire design was inspired by race car teams that cut back the ordinary electrode spark plugs to increase the spark discharge. A spark occurs only when a surplus of electrons jumps from the two electrodes (anode to cathode) and the sharp edges are superior for initiating mass electron migrations. The DiamondFire design creates a channel through which the spark current flows more easily and effectively.
With an application for all popular makes and models, E3 has your ride covered. The extensive online catalogue is easy to search through and pertains to all kinds of cars and trucks. And if you’re looking for motorcycles, powersports and even lawn and garden applications, they’ve got what you need.
E3 Spark Plugs