Take a look at these pics of my #2 piston. Not only wasn't detonation a problem, I think they held up extremely well. I would even go as far as to say if the head gasket hadn't let go I might not have even known there was a problem (car still ran fine - just overheated) I am amazed at the abuse this piston took and didn't come apart.

The plug on the other hand is my #1 suspect at this moment. I think the plug came apart, took out the piston and cylinder head to the point the rear side of the head gasket was compromised, which in turn created my overheating problem. Now I'm sure if I complain to NGK (or their importer) I'll get the "your car is modified", "these plugs aren't for turbo engines", "tough shit", but I might try it anyway. So far I'm out $500 for pistons and rings, $50 for valve cover gasket and head gasket, plus my time, oil, etc. What's a couple of long distance phone calls gonna hurt?

The piston doesn't look bad at all, considering the plug was shattered. Good luck if you're going to contact the spark plug manufacturer/distributor. You could just write them a letter and see how they'll respond. You really can't loose anything for trying, right?

all hail JE pistons, before glancing at the pics after I read everything I expected one to be shattered on your first "boost junkie cut cold turkey" post. sucks that your engine is ripped apart now though.

I don't think NGK will do anything about it. They have no idea wheather you used the plugs for 20 miles or 20,000 miles. I'd call them and see what they have to say though... maybe they can recommend a better plug for your application.

BTW- what plugs were you using? I'd assume BKR7E-11

Forget about suing the spark plug manufacturer, especially on a modified engine. I couldn't even get Denso to talk to me or replace their spark plug. My wastegate hose came off and it blew the porcelin insulater on the spark plug into peices. When I pulled the plug it was just the center electrode and a few smatterings of porcelin left on the spark plug. All hail Ross pistons. I thought I blew the engine cause it ran like it was on 3cylinders sporatically. A bell rang in my head to check the plugs about 11:30 that night. I changed the plug and boosted for another 3 months. Engine still runs good now and that had to be a yr ago.

Well, I agree Stan but I'll make the call anyway. I didn't have anything come off or let go. I made 20+ passes the weekend before spiking to 20psi on ND plugs. 8 passes at 20psi on the NGK's bought that morning (still have the receipt). It just pisses me off that I've got to pay for all that damage because of a faulty plug.

BTW, I don't really want to sue them, just vent at them.

I thought about it and if you have the resources($50 and time) and the where-with-all, I'd sue them. It appears to me that it was their faulty plug that failed, and since their plug caused the damage to your engine, it certainly WAS the proximate cause of your "injury." I suggest you acquire an affadavit, have your mechanic state such facts as his employment, his role as your mechanic, the dates he inspected your car, and finally, his opinion that the spark plug caused the damage to your car.

Better yet, have him show up to Court with you.

It shouldn't cost more than $50 or so to file a small claims complaint. Typically the threshold for amounts sued for in small claims court can be anywhere from $5000 to $10000, well above what you require. I say go for it. If anything, at least it might get you some satisfaction. I might think the spark plug mfr would offer you a settlement beforehand though.

I don't have a mechanic.... I don't even know one well enough to get involved. I am going to try and contact them and see where it goes from there.

Thats a bummer, spark plugs suck. I am always messing them up and replacing them, the porcelean has cracked on me before... but my compression is fine... I just run the best gas I can find and pray ;-) Put me on the stand, I swear I am your mechanic and that plug caused everything, your block is so bad off, your only choice now is a $2400 race block and a new bottom end kit :-) j/k

if a guy can sue fast food resorts for "making him unhealthy" I'm sure you could at least get your engine replaced.

I think the fast foods consumer "assumed the risk" from eating a commonly known unhealthy food.

However, I think the situation is different for Greg. He certainly would not have assumed the spark plug would shatter, nor should he ever have reasonably foreseen such an occurence from happening. It's really a very good case IMO.

Well guys, I hate to burst your bubble but...... If you wanna play like a racer, you gotta pay like a racer.:(

Jason is right. I am currently taking a Law class that is discussing these sort of topics. They will probably tell you that they have a clause that prevents people with modified cars from litigating against them. That does shy away quite a few people, but the fact of the matter is that they cannot waive negligence, period. The question in court would be "What is the reasonable amount of performance that a car can produce and not destroy an NGK plug and for what period of time?" You have a very good case because most people would say that they should perform without failure in an engine producing say 600 HP or more or for 5 years or more (the average person I'm guessing). I would consult a lawyer if I were you. By the way, I actually went up to my professor at class today and described your situation and he said that you should definately see a lawyer (he is also a practicing lawyer). I was pretty curious as to what he would say about it and he said that theres a good chance that you could get some or all of yer money back. Good luck if you do give it a shot!

Jason is also a lawyer :)