Choosing The Correct Spark Plug For Your MINI
Intended to give a brief summary and aid selection of the correct spark plug for the MINI Generation 1, 2 and 3.
When selecting a spark plug it’s important to consider the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) specification, the current power output of the MINI and the intended application. Remember that the OEM will have specified the spark plug for around 100-120 bhp or 170 - 210 bhp, depending on the model of MINI, for regular road driving and also to a price point.
So when we tune a MINI and add more power we are moving the window for optimal operation, often driving toward the top end of a cars rev range, increasing boost and heat generation which increase engine cylinder pressures so the environment of a tuned, well-driven engine can be quite different to that of a MINI used for regular road driving.
What is available?
Spark plug electrodes can be made from different metals. Each carries a differing cost and performance level.
Some materials that spark plug electrodes are made from include:
- Copper
- Nickel
- Platinium
- Iridium
Iridium is considered to offer the best compromise of performance level and durability. An electrode made from iridium requires less energy to ignite than the likes of copper which helps to improve spark generation, ultimately improves combustion, efficiency and power.
Including differing materials, spark plugs are also available with different heat ranges.
What is heat range?
Selecting the correct spark plug can be confusing. There are several numbers and letters on a spark plug, each marking tells us something about the spark plug and ultimately it’s application but different manufacturers have different ways of marking these main points making it more complicated again.
The heat rating of a spark plug, in short, displays the spark plugs ability to resist or disperse heat. The greater the cylinder heat (which increases with increasing boost pressure and heavier driving) the greater the requirement for insulation on the plug.
A colder rated spark plug or put differently a higher heat range of spark plug is specified as vehicle performance increases.
MINI Generation 1 (2000 - 2007)
For the generation 1 MINI we recommend Denso Iridium spark plugs or similar brands such as NGK who provide a high-quality electrode and spark you can rely on when tuning your MINI.
For the MINI R50, R52 and R53 we stock Denso Iridium IK20, IK22, IK24 and IK27 spark plugs depending on the power of your MINI and application. So what do these numbers mean?
IK20 - I = electrode material , K = thread details, 20 = heat range of the spark plug
See Table 1
IK20
For the standard or lightly tuned MINI R50 /R52 One, Cooper or standard R52/53Cooper S, JCW or GP. For example, standard cars looking for a better quality longer last spark plug and/or MINIs with the following upgrades, a cat-back exhaust, induction kit or panel filter, an intercooler, or a One/Cooper with a Superchips Bluefin ECU tune.
IK22
For a lightly tuned MINI R52/ R53 Cooper S, JCW or GP where supercharger boost levels have been increased such as when running a reduced size supercharger pulley or being used for more spirited driving. Power outputs tend to be around 200-240 bhp.
IK24
For a tuned MINI Cooper S, JCW or GP running a reduced supercharger pulley and performance camshaft. You may also require this spark plug when using a ported big valve cylinder head. Power out tends to be 240 - 260 bhp
IK27
For heavily tuned MINI Cooper S, JCW or GP that is run hard on the circuit. Power outputs tend to be 250 - 300 bhp.
MINI Generation 2 (2006 - 2014)
For the MINI generation, 2 Cooper S and JCW (N14 and N18 engines) Lohen recommend 2 variants of spark plug depending on if your MINI is stock or remapped.
MINI JCW NGK Spark Plugs
The NGK JCW equivalent spark plug is recommended for MINI models that do not have a remap. MINI models that have engine modifications such as induction kits and performance exhausts, should still opt for this spark plug.
NGK Performance Spark Plugs
The Lohen NGK performance spark plug is recommended for all gen 2 petrol remapped MINI Cooper S and JCW models. With a much higher heat range than stock, this performance spark plug provides the heat range required when asking for more power from your N14 or N18 engine. Tested and used in remapped Lohen MINI models up to 400 bhp.
MINI Generation 3 (2014-2022)
On the F-series MINI models, there are three main types of spark plugs you may come across. Typically found on the One, Cooper, Cooper S and some JCW models is a Champion spark plug. This stock spark plug is a budget spark plug designed for use with lower-powered MINI models and not suited for performance use. The other two spark plugs are the NGK spark plug found in the JCW (John Cooper Works) variants and the Champion spark plug found in the MINI GP3 models.
MINI JCW NGK Spark Plugs
Lohen recommends this NGK JCW spark plug for all stock and tuned F-series MINI models apart from the GP3 and 306 bhp F54/F60 JCW.
MINI GP3 Champion Spark Plugs
The spark plug is provided as stock for the GP3 and recommended as the only spark plug to use with your stock or tuned GP3 or 306 bhp F54/F60 JCW.