The new E3.116 spark plug.

Despite what Capital One commercials tell you, when it comes to power, it’s not so much “what’s in your wallet” as it is “What’s in your combustion chamber.”

E3 Spark Plugs proves that point by designing and releasing a new spark plug for race engines using nitromethane as fuel. According to E3 Vice President of Motorsports Rob Fisher; “Our new E3.116 spark plug is a specially designed spark plug for use in nitromethane fueled engines. These engines are normally found in NHRA drag racing competition as well as selected other forms of racing, especially nostalgia drag racing.”

Why It Works

The oxygen content of nitromethane fuel enables it to burn with much less atmospheric oxygen than conventional fuels. The amount of air required to burn 2.2 pounds of gasoline is 32 pounds. Nitromethane only requires 3.7 pounds of air for the same amount of fuel.   

Each cylinder in the engine can only contain a limited amount of air on each stroke. Given the ratio listed above, each cylinder can hold 8.6 times more nitromethane fuel per stroke. More fuel = more power.

The last element in the fire triangle is heat. This is where E3’s new spark plug comes in. “For the past year we have tested this new plug design with our friends at Don Schumacher Racing with some great results such as Matt Hagan’s 2020 Funny Car Championship,” said Rob Fisher. “With so much proven success, it’s time to release it to the masses.”

Features

The plug features an Inconel ground wire design that is specially tailored for the extremely harsh environment found in nitromethane fueled motors. Inconel is part of a family of austenitic nickel-chromium-based superalloys.

Inconel alloys are oxidation-corrosion-resistant materials well suited for service in extreme environments subjected to pressure and heat. And there is nothing more extreme than the 30,000 pounds of cylinder pressure that a Top Fuel motor puts out.

In addition to the Inconel, E3.116 boasts a proprietary porcelain formulation that ensures that the insulator will not crack even under those extreme circumstances. The retail price for E3.116 is $5.99. At that price tag, you can keep more in your wallet [tip of the hat to Capital One again].

For more information about E3 Spark Plugs, visit www.e3sparkplugs.com.