Pulstar Plugs...and general Spark Plug info

[04QuattroTurbo]

Okay, guys, I remember a few weeks back one of our Audi brethren decided to take the leap of faith and ordered himself a set of these for his car. He posted here first to ask our community about our opinions. Aside from the usual skeptic banter about snake oils, etc. No one was provided some conclusive evidence to use these plugs or not. Seeing as it is 2:23am local time and I worked a full day today (side job) I am feeling a bit lazy to search for the thread. Also, mods, if you can find a better place for this in the section, I apologize for the clutter.

I was doing some plug research, because I acquired a set of E3 spark plugs, part number 3.64. A friend of mine got them for me, since he had nothing but nice things to say about them while trying them out on his Mini Cooper. Anyway, I was strolling late around the net when I happened on to this: Pulstar Plugs Melted Evo This unfortunate EVO owner had some pre-ignition which caused considerable damage to his exhaust valves and this head.

Like many communities, they have their issues, so weeding through all that, trying to disseminate the facts. I think I agree with the conclusion many of their members determined as the caused of his head damage. Bottomline: the Pulstar plug, being either too hot for the car, misfired, etc. In any case, one of their members have dyno proven results that he lost 10 BHP.

I understand that is a different kind of car from a different manufacturer, however, it maybe fair to note that spending $100 on a set of spark plugs, that may cause damage to your car, may be ill-advised. Especially since there are a few tried and true plugs that are available. No, they are not perfect, but we've yet to hear of one our members melting a valve by installing the Bosch, NGK or Denso plugs.

I also remember how much of a "dick", AoA is when trying to claim for warranty repairs, so with these plugs installed Magnusen-Moss, maybe easily upheld in their favor. So, I think I will be foregoing my initial plan to install my set of E3's until more people are using them and more Audi users are using them. I think the safest bet would be to stick with what we know works, works well and stay clear from gadget plugs.

Lastly, I think this thread from the EVO guys has taught me the invaluable lesson that choosing the "right" plug, heat range, resistor, etc. is crucial not only in the sense of performance, but for the longevity of our engine.

Addendum:

It is interesting to also note that the OP of the thread I linked from the EVO forum, has not pursued Pulstar Technologies for damages...maybe there is more to this story than is being said? To me this is irrelevant, it is not worth risking my/our cars to destruction for a little mileage and horsepower gain.

[317ssayzarc]

My Bosch spark plug melted/destroyed itself and I knew better than to go after them for money... Its just not going to happen, PERIOD... I had to re-ring my pistons, rehone my cylinders, get two new inconel exhaust valves, get a new ALT head gasket, ect... You cant prove the plug is at fault, it could be the motor running lean, some detonation, ect...