Sparks Key Safe with Pump Premium?

[tywebb3]

I am debating the 6* sparks key mod and wanted to see if anyone is running one in a stock engine and using pump premium gas (91-93 octane)? I talked to a guy at C&D a couple weeks ago and he said I would have to run 100 octane plus in a stock engine with the 6* sparks key. I hadn't read any of that in the searching I did so figured I would ask for some opinions.

The other option I was looking at was going with the 3* key board member Wheelie sells. He said that would work in a stock engine on pump premium. The 3* sounds safer. Do you think there I would feel much difference between the 3* and 6* key?

At this point my bike is stock except for a UNI airfilter, 450r front shocks, and Holeshot HD's.

[honda400ex2003]

you should be ok with the 6 degree with 93 i would invest in one if it was me. steve

[bkelley]

Wheelie told me that a stock motor would benefit more from a 6° key than his 3°. Also, I've never heard of having to run 100 with the Sparks key. I usually run straight 92 or a 92/100 mix with mine.

[rcatvrider]

I have actually run 89 through mine with a 6 degree key before with no ill effects. Besides that once I always use 91, though.

[tywebb3]

That's good to hear. I heard the 6* key makes the engine run hotter. Would you recommend installing a SPAL fan or would that be overkill?

[honda400ex2003]

it depends on where you are and how hot it gets outside while riding. if you are in an area that does not see over 90 then i would not worry about it. if you ride dunes and it is hot all the time then get one for sure just for reliablity if anything. it is not needed but there is about a 20-30 degree increase in some circumstances. steve

[tywebb3]

I am in Maryland and it can get hot and humid here in the summer time but nothing like what I imagine the southwest US is like. For an extra $35 I may eventually add the fan.

[bean2080]

i run the 6* key in mine with 87 fuel and mine runs great. i have never had a heat problem and i ride alot of xc with it too.

[grassman]

I run premium in mine with the key, live in NC and never have any heat issues. Ill run it hard for hrs through the trails and it all works great. I wouldnt worry about problems... its a great mod

[tywebb3]

I just ordered one. The guy at Sparks said pump premium will be fine with a stock engine.

I think I remember reading in some old posts that guys were using red high temp RTV to seal the cover to the engine....instead of a new OEM gasket. Can anyone confirm if this is ok? I already have some in my toolbox and it would be nice to not have to order a new gasket.

[honda400ex2003]

just get a gasket kit, then you will have everything for the rebuild you will want to do in the future. lol :devil: steve

[Ryan'07400ex]

Originally posted by tywebb3
I just ordered one. The guy at Sparks said pump premium will be fine with a stock engine.

I think I remember reading in some old posts that guys were using red high temp RTV to seal the cover to the engine....instead of a new OEM gasket. Can anyone confirm if this is ok? I already have some in my toolbox and it would be nice to not have to order a new gasket.

both would be best but that by itself would prolly work.

[tywebb3]

$15 at my local Honda dealer and they stock them. I guess I will just pick one up.

[rcatvrider]

Buy the oem gasket. I made the mistake of making my own gasket and had to tear it town and scrape it all off again.