Removed The Direct Hits

wombat · May 26, 2003

OK. Removed the Direct Hits this weekend. I replaced them with NGK TR55ix plugs and the stock leads (have ThunderVolt 50's on back order).

I've had the Direct Hits on for about 6000 miles now and while I didn't notice any issues with running them I did notice the plugs had quite a bit of carbon build up on them. I also made a 470 mile trip with the NGK's and saw the best gas mileage I've ever seen on this trip (I make this same trip regularly and have never seen over 18.5 mpg - I saw 19.2 mpg with the NGK's).

I have more mods going on the Av this week so I won't be able to see if the averages improve any but just that one tank has shown me that the Direct Hits may not be all they're touted to be.

If anyone really wants to check out the Direct Hits I'm willing to pass these on to someone dirt cheap.

LRNerd · May 26, 2003

I too have had the Direct Hits installed in my Av for a while but I believe that they show some benefit. ?I think the Av is a little quicker to respond when you put the pedal down. ?The only issue with mine is that they horribly distort my TV tuner. ?It doesn't have any effect on the Radio though. I'm thinking about removing mine as well.

kwinsor · May 27, 2003

I did notice the plugs had quite a bit of carbon build up on them.

Hi Wombat,

Check your PCV valve. Some 2002 Avs have a slight problem sucking excess oil through the PCV valve. Look for oil in the hose. I had a lot of carbon on my plugs as well, this was the cause.

GM has a service bulletin 01-06-01-029B that covers this. There is a new PCV valve #12572717.

kw

wombat · May 27, 2003

Redshift said:
Check your PCV valve. Some 2002 Avs have a slight problem sucking excess oil through the PCV valve. Look for oil in the hose. I had a lot of carbon on my plugs as well, this was the cause.

The stock plugs before the Direct Hits were fine. You think this may have started since then? I may check anyway when I get a chance...

kwinsor · May 27, 2003

I can't think how the Direct Hits would make carbon unless they were misfiring. You'd notice that or get an engine code.

My plugs were carboned up. I changed the PCV valve and they cleaned right up.

kw

zeeya2000 · Jun 2, 2003

Have about 15,000 on the direct hits so far with no problems. Just wish they would have come out with the 8.5mm wire mod before i spent 200+ on the direct hits. I would have definetly tried those first.
zeeya

sparky · Jun 5, 2003

It looks like I'm going to have a set of direct hits kicking around. Turns out the plugs cannot be used with the whipple :8:

So, I'll likely post them up for sale shortly. Too bad, I liked the effect they had.

danlwil · Jun 5, 2003

I appreciate the heads up on the NGK's.

I've concidered the direct hits... but figured I could never get my money's worth out of them... so the NGK's become a viable alternative with some hotter wires.

This combo fits my needs much better
Thanks