Miata Mailing List: June 1992, Message #43
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   From: (none)
Subject: Re:  spark plug wires and K&
   Date: (none)

> I am very interested in some real life experience with [Splitfire plugs].

I have had Splitfire plugs in my Miata since 15K miles (it now has 34K).  As
far as I can tell they have had no effect, positive or negative.  I have
heard, as I have about lots of aftermarket products, differing opinions:
some say they see gas mileage increases, others see reductions; some say
they feel more power, others less; some say they see no changes.  Perhaps
(this is a wild guess) these plugs are extremely sensitive to being gapped
correctly and the differing results are due to differing precision when
gapping their plugs?

> >  2.  K&N FilterCharger air filter - Heard nothing but good about this
> product.

>From people who have installed these, I have heard only positive reviews.
However, from my (trusted) mechanic I have heard that these sometimes filter
less efficiently than the stock filter and so can cause engine damage.  I'm
very curious about these air filters but I haven't tried one yet.  Sorta
like (dare I mention it?) Slick 50 -- I have heard good things from people
who have used it but the reliable tests show either no appreciable
difference or damage from some side-effect like clogging oil filters.  I
want to use Slick 50 but not until someone proves beyond a shadow of a doubt
that it doesn't harm anything.

> > 2.  Replace tires with Yokohama AVS Intermediates or the Dunlop D40
> Bridgestone RE-71 are just awesome.

Ahh, the Great Tire Debate.  I shall try to be brief.  I replaced my stock
Bridgestone SF-325's not too long ago, after lots of (but not quite enough)
research.  There is no debate that the SF-325 sucks in rain and snow.  I
replaced mine with BFGoodrich Comp T/A HR4's in the stock size.  They are
much better but, I understand, not as good as the Bridgestone RE-71 and
Yokohama AVS Intermediate.  Unfortunately, last I checked, the RE-71 was not
available in the Miata size (185/60-14, and neither is the Dunlop D40, just
the D60).  Had I known then what I know now, I would have bought the AVS
Intermediates instead of the BFG's.  I think I will next time, unless
someone introduces a new tire that blows them away, or unless Bridgestone
makes the RE-71 in the right size.
--
Michael J. Abbott		mja@kpc.com
Kubota Pacific Computer Inc.	Santa Clara, CA		408-987-3303