[ZiggyM5]

It only sputters when the RC is activated. Without the RC, it works just fine. However, I do miss the performance, which is a lot less.

I'm seriously considering replacing the coils, but the alternator? Wow, I hope it's not that. Since the car works okay without the RC, it won't be covered under warranty. Nevertheless, if I can fix the problem, I will also consider replacing it.

 

[ZiggyM5]

** UPDATE INFORMATION ON MY RaceChip GTS5 **

I contacted customer service and tested all their recommendations, including replacing the spark plugs (BOSCH and now HKS 50003-M45XL M). The car has no problems except when the RC is connected. They sent me a free FedEx return label, and I sent my RC back to Germany. A couple of weeks later (most of that time spent in German customs), they sent me a new one (it might have been refurbished), and I tried it out. Although the Bluetooth connection fails (even after setting the app with the new serial number), I was able to set it manually, and it still has the same problem. Is it possible that my car suffered damage after driving it for over three years? Should I replace the coils as well, according to 2023BD recommendations? Any recommendations from the tech-savvy guys in the forum?

By the way, they charge me nothing for replacing my almost four years RC device.

Pictures of the three replacement spark plugs.

1. Factory Original: NGK 97080 SILZKR8E8G - used for about a month
2. First time replacement: HKS M45XL - used for 4 years
3. Second replacement: BOSCH R6 242140515000 - used for about two months
4: Third replacement. Now: HKS M45XL - Since April 2025

Actual milage: 22,700

I didn't check the new HKS before installation, but I could see a noticeable difference from the former HKS after 4 years of use. The center electrode is a lot thinner than the other two, which were used a lot less time.

 

[Steve g]

How big are those gaps?

 

[ZiggyM5]

How big are those gaps?

Don't know. Can get a gap tool, but if they were incorrect, why might it be that they only fail when the RC is connected?

 

[Steve g]

From here they look big… I could be wrong though

 

[ForteGT2]

Owners using the JB4 set gaps at .024"-.028". Burger/JB4 recommends a smaller gap.

 

[Intruder]

From here they look big… I could be wrong though

I would agree. Looks like they may be in the upper .030s

 

[ZiggyM5]

I would agree. Looks like they may be in the upper .030s

What are your recommendations? Still, the fact that it fails only when RC is installed.

 

[2023BD]

Well I still stand by what has worked so well for myself and others using Racechip or even stock. NGK 1402 (SILKR8A-S) gapped to .028 to .031

Should be able to get those for $50-60 a set.

 

[2023BD]

Don't know. Can get a gap tool, but if they were incorrect, why might it be that they only fail when the RC is connected?

too much pressure in the cylinder for the spark to fire correct with too large a gap. Center electrode also affects the spark strength. If the alternator is related could be due to lack of power needed for a strong enough spark. Lots of guessing here.

 

[Steve g]

too much pressure in the cylinder for the spark to fire correct with too large a gap. Center electrode also affects the spark strength. If the alternator is related could be due to lack of power needed for a strong enough spark. Lots of guessing here.

HKS plugs have proven to be troublesome and even worse with large gaps.
I would go NGK1402 and go from there. If a cylinder starts misfiring then swap coils around to see what happens.

 

[Intruder]

What are your recommendations? Still, the fact that it fails only when RC is installed.

This

NGK 1402 (SILKR8A-S) gapped to .028 to .031