I am about to fit the new BKR8EIX plugs in my SC'd AP1 so I read up on several threads here by guys who did the job and gave torque figures for the plugs. The figures are usually 19lbf.ft or 27nm. Now the manual had this to say:



The official torque figures are substantially lower than pretty much everyone thought! Any thoughts on this? Have you perhaps torque'd yours to the common 19lbf.ft/27nm?

 

It is really a much to do about nothing. Could not read the posted image but if I remember right it is like 13 or something. Torquing to 20 is not a problem.

I think it was the most famous Billman who had a block laying around his house and decided to see how much torque he could apply before damage occurred. I think it was around some super high number around 75ft lbs the spark plug stripped, not the head.

If makes you feel better I just installed a set of BKR8EIX in my S/Ced AP2 at 19 LBS with no issues.

here is the thread if you have not seen this one

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/921...e/page__st__25

it says:

For the record, I did a torque test on a stock head and stock plug. Starting at 15 ft-lbs, I increased the torque by 5 ft-lbs each time to see what the threads could handle.

I reached 80 ft-lbs, and the spark plug threaded portion broken off the spark plug. The head suffered no damage at all.

This makes 24 ft-lbs a solid number you can take to the bank.

 

Honda replaced a number of '00 engines because of failure from loose plugs before they upped the ridiculous 13 number to something higher. The first time I checked I saw the low number and torqued mine to 20.

 

Right you are, 13 is the spec in imperial units. Well if that Billman example is anything to go by then I have nothing to fear as long as I stick to 2/3 of a turn like the book says

Nice! No need to adjust the gaps, right? How much of a difference do they make to your engine (response, feel, power/torque, fuel economy, etc)?
I know they're great in our cars as added defense against "knock"

 

Whoa, really?? I'll just make sure they're proper tight then. 20 it is.
I have an '01 but the torque figures are 13ft lbs/18nm in the manual

 

23 ft/lb. Don't frag an engine like I did because the spark plug backed itself out.

 

Honda's shop manual for S2000 says: "24Nm or 18 ft-lbs." Still seemed a little loose to me, when I first replaced the plugs. Glad this site posted more sane values like 20-24 ft-lbs.

 

A new manual will have the updated specs FYI for 00-09

 

I believe Billman posted 24lb-ft for the plugs a couple of years ago. He is one of the rare exceptions to my routine "ignore the internet and stick with the shop manual" comments.

-- Chuck

 

Honda dealers were SUPPOSED to put in a little sticker with the new torque figures during service/TSB/recalls years ago and punch a mark above your VIN in your owners manual, however.

Read the old threads on the spark plugs backing out and ruining engines. Stick to 21-24 ft-lb.