E3 Spark Plugs News

These days, automakers and drivers alike are looking for innovative ways to save fuel. If you drive a Ford, spark plugs by E3 Spark Plugs and a host of planned changes could make the future F-150 models among the most fuel efficient trucks on the road, officials say.

2011 Ford Harley Davidson F-150. The next generation of F-Series trucks may feature magnesium and aluminum in place of steel to lighten up on weight and fuel consumption.

Tough new federal regulations designed to boost fuel economy in vehicles nationwide mandate that light trucks and SUVs must operate at 30mpg by 2016. Ford designers and engineers are working to meet or beat that deadline with an F-150 that’s just as strong as today’s models. They’re focusing on the F-150 because of its staggering popularity. In fact, Ford’s F-Series has been the most popular vehicle sold in the U.S. nearly every year over the past three decades.

One strategy is to reduce the weight of the next-generation F-150 and other Ford vehicles by 250 to 750 pounds using aluminum and high-strength steel. Sources say that Ford is considering replacing the F-150′s convention steel-ladder frame with a new platform that uses magnesium-aluminum alloy. Magnesium is 36 percent lighter than aluminum and 78 percent lighter than iron. And considering that magnesium is the eighth-most common element on Earth, easy to procure and highly recyclable, it’s a potential money saver as well.

The use of magnesium in auto manufacturing has increased over the past decade. Ford previously shaved 22 pounds from the 2010 Lincoln MKT by using aluminum and magnesium panels rather than steel in the crossover’s lift gate. Magnesium has helped lighten BMW engine blocks and the Chevrolet Corvette’s front suspension, too. To ensure that the lighter-weight F-150 doesn’t compromise in towing and hauling strength, the next Ford F-150s likely will feature elements of unibody construction and aluminum body panels, though the cab and cargo box will be separate and interior of the cargo box will be made of steel for durability.

The 2011 F-150′s three new engines already give it class-leading fuel economy, and reducing the truck’s weight should add another gas-saving boost, says Ford. Spark plugs by E3 takes fuel efficiency even further with patented DiamondFire technology recognized by the EPA for its emissions control benefits. Got thoughts on Ford’s plans for the F-150? Leave us a comment.

Surfing the web recently, we came across something that really hit home with all of us here at E3 Spark Plugs. Honda’s “The Power of Dreams” documentary series celebrates those who found the courage to follow their dreams, even at steep costs, and to turn failures into successes. The series of short films, available online, features an array of individuals including automotive and robotics engineers, racers, athletes, feature filmmakers, astronauts, aquanauts and others. Many of their successes positively impact not just the lives of those featured in the series, but lives of tens of thousands of people nationwide, even worldwide.

Featured in the series are several famous names including Indy car racer Danica Patrick, skateboarding legend Tony Hawk and Robert Orci and Alex Kurtzman, screenwriters whose feature film credits include “Star Trek” and “Transformers.” Others featured are engineers whose names you’ll likely never hear, but whose work affects your life every minute that you or your family is on the road. These individuals spend their lives working to make your vehicles safer, stronger, more fuel efficient and environmentally sensitive.

Among the films, one titled “Failure: The Secret to Success” was of particular interest to us here at E3 Spark Plugs. Our founders and early partners remember well the trial-and-error period we endured while working to revolutionize spark plug technology, creating a product that would help drivers conserve fuel, save money and lighten the burden on our environment. Early on, it seemed an impossible feat to many, sometimes even to ourselves. How could one make such a big impact by changing something as simple as a spark plug design?

Well, after many failures and back-to-the-drawing-board experiences, we finally succeeded – in a big way. E3 Spark Plugs’ patented DiamondFire technology does everything it was designed to do. Developed and tested with help from scientists and engineers at several leading research and technology universities, our spark plugs are proven to help drivers conserve fuel and save money. And the E3 spark plug is the only spark plug deemed an environmental emissions control device by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

Two interviewees in Honda’s “Failure: The Secret to Success” documentary say it best:

“We can only make fantastic advances in technology through many failures.” – Takeo Fukui, former President and CEO of Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (2003-2009)

“Challenging the impossible is something only humans can do and it’s something we should do.” - Tatsuya Okabe, PhD, Chief Engineer of Brain Machine Interface at the Honda R&D Fundamental Technology Research Center.

Do you have an inspiring failure-to-success story? We want to hear it. Leave us a comment here on our blog.

If you live in a state that requires annual or biannual smog and emissions tests on your vehicle, E3 Spark Plugs has your automotive cheat sheet. Failing or dodging your mandated emissions test can result in your being denied registration of your vehicle and rack up legal infractions and fines. But a few simple steps can help assure your ride passes with flying colors.

A few simple steps, including installing a new set of E3 spark plugs, can help assure your vehicle passes emissions testing.

1. Get an oil & filter change: Dirty oil results in dirty emissions. Be sure to get your oil changed in the days just before you vehicle undergoes testing. Don’t forget to change the oil and air filters while you’re at it. If your fuel filter is five years old or older, it will need changing, too.
2. Check for leaks: These include any potential leaks in the hoses of your engine compartment (especially vacuum lines). Replace any hoses that show signs of leaks or are simply beginning to wear out. Give the engine a look look-over. If you see oil residue, your vehicle likely is losing oil pressure and the culprit may be a blown gasket. Also check for exhaust leak. The simplest way? Just start up and rev your engine. If your muffler hollers, you might have an exhaust leak.
3. Check the positive crankcase valve: Another easy check. Just give it a quick shake and listen for a clicking sound. That will be your cue that it’s working fine. If you don’t hear a click, head to the mechanic’s shop or auto parts store.
4. Test your battery: A weak battery can affect your fuel injector’s performance and alter the outcome of your smog test.
5. Change your spark plugs and check your spark plug wires: Worn or fouled spark plugs, as well as worn spark plug wires can result in less-than-stellar results on your emissions test. Of course, we recommend E3 spark plugs. Our DiamondFire Technology allows your vehicle to create more power using less fuel than conventional spark plug designs. And it’s the only spark plug recognized by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) as an emissions control device. Also be sure to check your spark plug wires and replace any that look worn.
6. Fill up with premium gasoline: We know, we know – gas prices are crazy these days. But premium gasoline is cleaner and more environmentally friendly. So one fill-up just before your test will be worth the extra cost.
7. Bring your vehicle in warm: Ideally, run it for 10 to 15 minutes each on the highway and on city streets. This will help burn off any emissions you don’t want showing up on your test. And if possible, check the weather forecasts and schedule your test on a sunny day. Rainy and cool weather require you or your emissions testing mechanic to run your vehicle’s engine for a longer period of time before administering the test.

Even if your state doesn’t require emissions or smog testing, we at E3 Spark Plugs encourage you to keep your vehicle in its cleanest running condition possible. Dirty emissions pollute the environment and put you and your family at risk of cardiac and respiratory ailments.

GrowFL, ACG Florida and the Edward Lowe Foundation named E3 Spark Plugs in their inaugural list of 50 “Florida Companies to Watch.” The list recognizes Florida companies that are flourishing despite the nation’s financial downturn and helping to buoy Florida’s economy.

‘Firms like these named ‘Companies to Watch’ continue to be the catalyst that is fueling Florida’s emergence from a turbulent national economy,” said Randy Berridge, president of the Florida High Tech Corridor Council.

Florida Companies To Watch Program from Florida Technology Journal on Vimeo.

Each of the privately held companies employs up to 99 workers and reports between $750,000 to $50 million in annual revenue or capital. Their combined impact is $419 million in total annual revenue and 1,972 full-time equivalent employees. For the five year period 2006-2010, the companies generated a combined $1.4 billion in revenue and hired 1,153 new employees in and outside of Florida. This reflects a 162 percent increase in revenue and a 141 percent increase in jobs for the five year period; a 32 percent revenue growth and 28 percent annual growth in employment annually.

The “Florida Companies to Companies to Watch” program was developed by the Michigan-based Edward Lowe Foundation, which supports entrepreneurship with a focus on second-stage companies. Funding support comes from the Governor’s Office of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development. Sponsors include: The Florida High Tech Corridor Council; the Florida Business Incubation Association; Fowler White Boggs; the University of Central Florida; the University of South Florida; the Osceola County Economic Development Department; Nperspective; and Gulf Power Co.

E3 Spark Plugs is proud to be recognized among Florida’s most enterprising young companies. We set out to develop a simple way to make America’s vehicles run cleaner, stronger and more economically. And we knew we were onto something when the Environmental Protection Agency recognized our product, with its patented DiamondFire technology, as the only spark plug considered a “supplemental emissions control device.”

Many thanks go out to the evaluators who chose E3 Spark Plugs to be included on the list, and to our customers who care enough about the environment to try something new. We hope you’ll join us for the “Florida Companies to Watch” awards celebration February 17 at the Rosen Shingle Creek Resort in Orlando.

E3 Spark Plugs make a great gift for the tree hugger on your Christmas list. In fact, EarthGarage.com has named E3 Spark Plugs among their Top 10 Green Automotive Gift Picks for 2010. A division of New York-based Green Automotive Alliance, LLC, EarthGarage.com is an online resource that offers mainstream consumers tips for making their automobiles greener by using current technology, products and services – all while saving money.

E3 Spark Plugs make a great gift for the eco-minded driver on your Christmas list.

Says EarthGarage.com: “E3 spark plugs’ advanced Diamond Fire design translates into increased power output, fuel economy and reduced emissions in gasoline engines.” They’re right. Tests show that E3 spark plugs increase combustion pressure in the engine, allowing for faster flame speed and directional flame front improvements that result in a stronger, cleaner burn. And E3 is the only spark plug recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a “supplemental emissions control device.”

“When we considered the hundreds of items that are currently on the market, the main criteria for being part of the EarthGarage Team Gift List was that the product would make a car greener, it would be widely available to the public and it ultimately would save the consumer money,” says Bob Leonard, CEO of Green Automotive Alliance and founder of EarthGarage.com. “These products offer simple but meaningful ways to make a difference while having a positive impact on the environment.”

Other eco-friendly automotive gift ideas on EarthGarage.com’s list include a range of items from eco-friendly wiper blades and floor mats, to a crankcase additive that reduces friction and wear, to electrical gadgets designed to help improve gas mileage, diagnose check engine light warnings, analyze and optimize driving behaviors and more.

E3 Spark Plugs sends a big “Thank You” to EarthGarage.com for recognizing our product as a great holiday gift for the environmentally conscious driver. Visit E3′s online catalog to find out which automotive or power sports spark plug is best for your ride.

E3 Spark Plugs racing fans attending Oktoberfest will get a real treat tonight as the Project G.R.E.E.N. racecar – touted as the world’s first environmentally responsible oval track race car – makes its track debut at Oktoberfest Racing Weekend.  G.R.E.E.N. is an acronym for Green Racing Experimental Engine Narrative and it’s a project of Circle Track Magazine, Argonne National Laboratory and the U.S. Department of Energy. Their goal: “To bring creativity back to short track racing,” Circle Track Editor Rob Fisher says.  “In the past racing was a proving ground for OEMs to test new parts and products that would eventually end up on passenger cars.  Lately, racing has become a quest for the level playing field which has hurt the racer’s creativity and created a chasm between what comes out of Detroit and what we use to power our cars.”

Racing fans first read about Project G.R.E.E.N. in the April 2010 issue of Circle Track and have followed its progress since. Project leaders and partners, including E3 Spark Plugs focused their efforts on jettisoning conventional thinking about what makes a great oval racetrack car and proving that fuel injection coupled with alternative fuels could make for a strong competitor on the oval track. Thus far, they’ve reported a significant increase in torque over 85% of the time the engine operates on track testing. And the Project G.R.E.E.N. Camaro’s GM Performance Parts CT525 engine is a bargain at well under $10,000. Researchers also have been testing the car with E-85 fuel, a domestically produced fuel that averages 60% less expensive and is easier on parts than racing methanol.

Tonight, the Project G.R.E.E.N. Camaro will undergo its first major test under race conditions in the 41st Annual Oktoberfest Race Weekend’s Dick Trickle “99″ piloted by Dalton Zehr and carrying a data acquisition system created by Argonne National Laboratory. The system will collect real time data to evaluate how the car performs under race conditions and to characterize the petroleum displacement and greenhouse gas reduction potential (Note that the car’s performance won’t be officially scored or listed in the results). Tonight’s race takes place at the La Crosse Fairgrounds Speedway in West Salem, WI.

Joining E3 Spark Plugs in supporting the development of Project G.R.E.E.N. are Sensors Inc., American Speed Association, GM Performance Parts, Mast Motorsports, AR Bodies, VP Race Fuel, Holley, Schoenfeld Headers, Hoosier Racing Tires, Coleman Racing Products, Jones Racing Products, AMSOIL, Comp Cams, Quartermaster, Speedway Motors, ATL Fuel Cells, Quick Fuel Technology, Random Technology, and Phillips Racing Wires. E3 Spark Plugs’ patented DiamondFire technology makes them a natural choice to partner with Project G.R.E.E.N. In fact, E3 is the only spark plug to be deemed a “supplemental emissions control device” by the EPA. But you don’t have to be a race car driver to take advantage. Install E3 performance spark plugs in your vehicle for cleaner, stronger drive.

(Video by Chicago’s WLS-TV ABC-7.)

The E3 Spark Plugs Racing fans turned out in record numbers for Round 9 of the Lucas Oil Off Road Truck National Championship at Glen Helen Raceway. Located at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains in Southern California, Glen Helen Raceway has hosted some of the best off road races in history in both two-wheel and four-wheel categories. This year was no exception as sold-out crowds watched the best drivers in the world end up on their roof trying to find the fastest lines around one of the roughest tracks on the national circuit.

Josh Merrell thought he was racing down under when the #22 Hart and Huntington Ford took a tumble in front of a sold-out crowd at Glen Helen Raceway. Photo courtesy of Lucas Oil Racing http://www.flickr.com/photos/lucasoil/

As the truly standing room crowd awaited the start of the Pro 4 Unlimited class, the top two qualifiers, Rick Huseman and Carl Renezeder, were sent to the back row having missed the mandatory driver’s meeting early in the day. That would put the #99 Rockstar/Circle K Ford truck of Kyle LeDuc on the front row alongside Adrian Cenni in the #11 BF Goodrich Tires Chevrolet. LeDuc took an early lead as the Traxxas/Monster Energy Toyota of Huseman was heading to the front.

Renezeder would bring out a full course caution after putting his #1 Lucas Oil/General Tire Ford on its side after the un-rhythm section before turn three. On the restart, local fan favorite Huseman charged to third place behind LeDuc and Cenni. He would later get by Cenni and took advantage of a LeDuc mistake that saw the Rockstar Ford truck land on all four after rolling over in the deep ruts. LeDuc would rally late to pressure the Toyota truck of Huseman for the lead but Huseman would claim his seventh victory in nine races. LeDuc held on for second ahead of Cenni in third.

If you are looking for peak performance from your truck, insist upon E3 truck spark plugs for the road or the track. E3 plugs are the only spark plugs named by the Environmental Protection Agency as an eco-friendly device. The E3 technology offers a clear advantage in Hydrocarbon and Carbon emissions control while at the same time improving your truck’s power and fuel economy. E3 spark plugs burn fuel more completely in the cylinder and put less pollution into the air. Let our patented DiamondFire Technology deliver the Energy, Efficiency and Ecology that you need.

E3 Motorcycle Spark Plugs fans love an upset win especially when the winner is one of the legends of the sport. Red Bull Honda rider Kevin Windham had the 450cc MX field covered at the Steel City Raceway for Round 11 of the Lucas Oil AMA Pro MX National Championship. The veteran motocross racer, who had not won an AMA outdoor national since 2007, has always been a fan favorite. After having retired from outdoor competition, Windham got “the call” from the factory Honda team to replace injured Red Bull rider Davi Milsaps. Some thought Red Bull’s move was just an easy way to add a popular rider under the tent to sign autographs for loyal motocross fans. Undoubtedly, Windham had different aspirations.

Veteran Honda rider Kevin Windham (and daughter) hold a post-race press conference. Windham showed the same speed at Delmont that won him the AMA National at Steel City Raceway back 2001 Photo courtesy of Geico Powersports http://powersports.honda.com/

The biggest news came earlier in the week when Rockstar Makita Suzuki team manager Roger DeCoster announced that he would be leaving after 15 years at the helm of the factory’s MX racing program. The shocking press release appeared just days after Ryan Dungey became the first rookie motocross racer in history to capture the AMA Supercross and Motocross national championships in an inaugural season. DeCoster hasn’t confirmed his plans for the 2011 AMA Lucas Oil season but rumors have it that the former multi-time World Motocross Champion may be headed to KTM. In keeping with “Silly Season” news, it was also rumored that Dungey may want out of his 2011 contract with Suzuki to take a long-term deal with another team.

To nobody’s surprise, Honda/Red Bull rider Andrew Short pulled the holeshot in Moto One with Geico Powersports’s Brett Metcalfe close behind. However, the other Red Bull rider, Kevin Windham, was already working his way to the front. Windham left no doubt in the fans’ mind as to why he was Honda’s first choice as the replacement for the factory ride. After Dungey crashed on the opening lap, Windham would pass Short and Metcalfe on his way to one of the most popular wins of his stellar career. Metcalfe would hold on for second place and his hard-charging teammate and fellow Aussie, Ben Townley, would finish in third place ahead of Short. Yamaha’s Justin Brayton continued to show improvement finishing fifth in the opening moto at Steel City Raceway.

In Moto Two, all eyes would be on the newly-crowned national champion Dungey (who had finished 40th in Moto One after breaking a brake rotor and retiring early). Andrew Short would again put his Red Bull factory Honda out front at the start. However, this day belonged to Windham who passed his teammate Short to take the lead in Moto Two. Around mid-race, Dungey would pass Windham for the moto win. But, Windham’s second place was good enough to claim the overall win ahead of Metcalfe, Brayton and Short. Eighteen-year old Nick Paluzzi, was given an opportunity to race the last two AMA outdoor nationals with the Muscle Milk/Toyota Team (after Josh Grant elected to have season-ending shoulder surgery) and finished a respectable seventh overall in his debut aboard the Joe Gibbs Racing Yamaha.

The 450cc MX teams travel to the west coast for next weekend’s final round of the 2010 outdoor season at Pala Raceway. Located just east of San Deigo, CA, the Pala motocross facility features one of the first tracks in the nation that was built to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) standards. As E3 Spark Plugs Racing fans know, the EPA lists E3 car spark plugs as an eco-friendly option. If you are looking for a greener alternative for your car, truck or motorcycle engine, insist upon E3 replacement spark plugs for your favorite ride. Our patented DiamondFire Technology will deliver the Energy, Efficiency and Ecology that you need.

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Here at E3 Spark Plugs, we’re passionate about providing spark plug products designed to help customers increase power, improve fuel efficiency, and reduce engine emissions that contribute to global warming. It was those three goals that first got us excited about developing something revolutionary. After years toiling away in our tiny independent laboratory, then working with some of the nation’s top experts in the fields of combustion and engine dynamics at two leading engineering universities, our patented DiamondFire technology emerged. Not only were testers and customers impressed, but our technology was recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency as one that offers “clear advantages in HC and CO emissions control while at the same time improving power and fuel economy.” I fact, the E3 spark plug is the only one to be included in EPA rulings and cited as a “supplemental emissions control device.”

E3 Spark Plugs are the only spark plugs recognized by the EPA as "supplemental emissions control devices."

But don’t take our word for it. A quick Internet search turned up these comments by happy E3 Spark Plugs customers – car owners and enthusiasts just like you:

From truckcampershells.blogspot.com
“I purchased these plugs to use in my 98 Saturn SL2. I just installed the plugs yesterday. The car seems to start up faster and has more pep when you hit the throttle. The old plugs that were removed were relatively new (5,000 miles on them) and in good condition so I don’t think the improvements were a matter of worn plugs being replaced with new plugs. Even so, those things are hard to measure and open to the power of suggestion. The real test will be the miles per gallon, which I will be evaluating and reporting on after driving for approx. one month. Stay tuned!!!

“Update:  It’s one month and 1,200 miles later and the numbers are in. First, some driving impressions. The car does run smoother and has more power. The car maintains 65 mph on the freeway with less effort than it used to take. Before, I could feel the engine ‘working’ to maintain 65 mph. Now it cruises at 65 and I need to keep an eye on the speedometer. Now the good stuff. My SL2 averaged 25.75 mpg versus 23.02 mpg for the month prior to installing the E3 spark plugs. I have to admit that because of the increased performance, my foot has been heavier on the gas pedal than normal so the mileage could possibly have been even a little better. All in all, I would say these spark plugs are a worthwhile purchase that will eventually pay for themselves.”

From Jared L.’s HubPages.com page
“The E3 Spark Plugs saved me. My wallet at least. The day that I installed the E3 Spark Plugs, I immediately felt an instant performance increase. My big fat car started to run smoother, a quieter idle and the throttle response become quicker on the foot. No more delay in response! I have gone through about one month of trying out the E3 spark plugs. With about 5 tank changes, my mileage is reflected as 25 MPG (11km/litre). This is a huge savings for me! I am saving about US$50+ dollars per top up. This is a life saver for me.”

From online purchaser T. Swensen
“I noticed a difference right away after installing these plugs in my truck. The plugs I took out had only 5000 miles on them so they were not worn. After installing the E3′s I noticed the idle smoothed out and the truck is running better. Gas mileage has went up 1 mpg. Well worth the price.”

From another online purchaser
“These Spark Plugs really work! They are delivering excellent gas mileage in hot or cold weather. Starting is better as well. I have gone ahead and purchased these plugs for my 4-cycle lawn mower engine, 4-cycle snow blower engine, 2-cycle string trimmer engine, with excellent results in all. Highly recommended! They are made out of conventional materials and yet last forever. They are much cheaper than the Iridium or Platinum types. Check out their web-site and other reviews. You don’t even have to worry about gapping these plugs ever. Two thumbs up.”

From E3 Spark Plugs blog reader Richard Delaney
My son and I have just upgraded from the conventional EKG plug in our competition Trials motorcycles, to the E3.38 plug. The bikes start easier and run smoother on the bottom end of the power range, which is exactly what we need for Trials competition. The E3 spark plug is even less expensive than the NGK! Thanks, E3!

Not exactly but attach a big asterisk to that statement. In recent years, there has been a rise in consumer complaints of poor running engines and sluggish motors that won’t idle properly. Most drivers naturally associate an engine’s spits and sputters with ignition problems. But, the truth is today’s drivers are filling their tanks with gasoline that has a reduced shelf life. Since the signing of the Renewable Fuel Standard Program in September of 2006, the majority of fuel pumped at gasoline stations contains around 10% of Ethanol and is often referred to as E10 gas. The problem is ethanol is not the most stable oxygenator, especially in sub-tropical or tropical climates.

Ethanol, a corn-based alternative fuel, comes with pros and cons.

Ethanol is an alcohol and alcohol separates from gasoline (called Phase Separation) in a relatively short time. In doing so, the alcohol attracts water molecules and gasoline sitting in holding tanks, gas cans or your car can become diluted. As the contaminated fuel mixes with the same amount of air as before, your engine is forced to operate at a lean condition. Running lean means hotter operating temperatures which can cause an increased wear factor for your car spark plugs. In addition, the diluted fuel has a reduced octane rating that may cause your engine to “knock” due to predestination. Some common engine problems associated with E10 Gasoline include:

• Lack of Performance
• Loss of Power
• Hard to Start
• Doesn’t Want to Idle
• Hesitates on Acceleration
• Stall at Slow Speeds

On a positive note, Ethanol is a leading alternative to fossil fuels and is considered to be a “green alternative”. Prior to the mid-1970s, most gasoline contained lead which was replaced by another oxygenating agent called MTBE (or Methyl-Tertiary-Butyl-Ether). Although oxygenates were found to reduce the carbon monoxide emissions from car engines, MTBE would later be scrutinized as a ground water contaminate. So, over 150 years after ethanol was first used to power a motor, the grain or sugarcane based fuel additive was back.

If your engine doesn’t run as well as it once did or if you’ve noticed a drop in gas mileage, it might be a good time to install new E3 car spark plugs. Our patented DiamondFire technology is proven to provide a cleaner, more thorough an engine’s combustion cycle. After extensive tests, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) reported that E3′s “… technology offered clear advantages in HC and CO emissions control while at the same time improving power and fuel economy.” Plus, E3 is the ONLY car spark plug to be included in rulings by the EPA, cited as a “supplemental emissions control device.”