Spark plugs gap

[ganda1f]

I have a question about spark plugs. Specifically using plugs with smaller gap. 3SFE engine in this particular case, totally stock.

The manual says Denso plugs K20R-U11 which are 1.1 mm gap. The dealer was trying to convince me that K20R-U work fine, but they have 0.8 mm gap and I'd rather use what is exactly right and not just about right. Unless, of course, it makes no difference whatsoever.

The car will certainly run, but I wonder if smaller gap has some side-effects like putting more stress on other components etc. Having the gap larger than recommended loads the ignition system more than necessary and eventually the spark will not jump if the gap is way too large, that's pretty obvious. But what if the gap is somewhat smaller? I thought about maybe inefficient combustion and thus more mess to clean up for the emission control system. But on the other hand, it does not seem that the spark should have any significant impact on combustion efficiency. Wouldn't the fuel just either fire or not? Does this make any sense?

Guess I could probably regap the plugs as well, but why not just get the right ones to begin with.

[Flashmn]

Smaller gaps are generally used in high RPM applications and turbocharged applications, when the spark jumps the gap quickly. Longer spark gap, the easier it is to have the spark blow out.

Also do remember that in modern spark plugs, gap sensitivity isnt as high as it was during yesteryear, bosch has stopped making alot of plugs with various ranges and replaced it with one plug that provides to wide gap range.

However in a stock application I'd say the 0.8mm wont induce missfiring compared to a 1.1mm plug.