Glow plugs are an integral part of nitro engines. Their role in the engine mechanism determines the performance to a large extent. That is why choosing the right plug for your nitro engine is essential. Otherwise, you would not be able to fulfill the potential of your RC car.
For 20% nitro engine, hot glow plugs are usually recommended. As there are many models with different price tags, it is easy to get confused. That’s why I will present a few of the best glow plugs for 20 nitro engines.
Our Recommendations On Best Glow Plugs For 20 Nitro:
- Traxxas 3232X Super Duty Long Glow Plug – Best Overall
- Hobbypark 70117H Hot Glow Plug – Runner Up
- Hobbypark RC Igniter & Hot Glow – Best Budget
- Traxxas 3232X Super Duty Long Medium Glow Plug – Heavy Duty
- Globact 4pcs 70117 Hot Glow Plug – Great Compatibility
Type of Glow Plugs
There are three types of glow plugs to choose from. These are hot, medium, and cold glow plugs. Which one suits which fuel depends on the fuel mix ratio.
The rule of thumb is that the higher the methanol content, the glow plug should be less reactive.
The hot glow plugs are far more reactive than the cold glow plugs. That is why hot ones are recommended for lower methanol concentration.
On the other hand, if the ratio is higher, then hot plugs will cause explosion too early. In that can you can use cold plugs or balance out using medium glow plugs.
For the engine to produce power efficiently the glow plug should generate enough heat. The produced heat should be enough for the mixture to reach its ignition point just when the piston approaches the top dead center.
The fuel mixture will explode early if the glow plug is too hot, and it will explode before the piston reaches the TDC (Top Dead Center). In both cases, you will experience subpar performance.
The hot glow plug is recommended if the fuel mixture is up to 20 percent. A medium plug would be enough too. For a higher-level mixture like 30 percent, a cold glow plug will perform relatively well.
Top 5 Glow Plugs For 20 Nitro:
1. Traxxas 3232X Super Duty Long Glow Plug – Best Overall
Specifications:
- Material: Platinum
- Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Dimension: 3.57 x 0.57 x 453 inches
- Pieces in a set: 1
Traxxas 3232x glow plug is one of the recommended plugs to run in Traxxas 20% nitro engines. It is a direct replacement for TRX 2.5, 2.5R, 3.3 engines.
This glow plug can withstand temperatures that exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. So, you run it with a higher compression rate or with a high nitro content. On top of that, it is made from high-quality materials for long-lasting performance.
It is a stock replacement that will fit the engine perfectly. That is why this glow plug should be the first option in your list when you change the previous one. Considering the features and price, it is easy to that it is one of the best nitro glow plug.
Pros:
- Gives a performance boost to motors
- A great option for stock replacement
- Very easy to install
Cons:
- There is only one piece in a set
2. Hobbypark 70117H Hot Glow Plug – Runner Up
Specifications:
- Material: Platinum/Iridium
- Weight: 0.32 ounces
- Dimension: 3.4 x 0.3 x 3 inches
- Pieces in a set: 6
The best thing about these glow plugs is that you can use them with different fuel concentrations. It will allow you to have different playing experiences with different mixture ratios.
These glow plugs are designed in a way that improves idle and transition states. They are not only long-lasting but also come in a pack of 6. So you will be saving a few bucks as they cost less in bulk.
You can use this plugin 4c engines to ensure maximum performance. Its 8mm hex size makes it easier to plug or unplug from the engine.
Pros:
- 6 pieces in a pack
- Works with 5%-40% nitro fuel
- Helps transition and idle state
Cons:
- Does not fit all the models
3. Hobbypark RC Igniter & Hot Glow – Best Budget
Specifications:
- Material: Platinum/Iridium
- Weight: 2.39 ounces
- Dimension: 6.9 x 4.1 x 0.9 inches
- Pieces in a set: 2
Considering these units ship with an igniter, they are one of the budget-friendly packages you will get. These plugs are made from super-duty materials. So, you will get the optimal performance.
As the runner-up, you can also use these plugs with different nitro concentrations. They can handle methanol concentration from 5% to 40%. You can also use them with 43 engines.
Another interesting thing is that they are available for both 1/8 and 1/10 scales. So, you will have options in your hand if you own different scale RC cars glow plugs.
Pros:
- Available for both 1/8 and 1/10 scale vehicles
- The package includes an igniter
- Fits 4C engines
Cons:
- The igniter comes without a battery
4. Traxxas 3232X Super Duty Long Medium Glow Plug – Heavy Duty
Specifications:
- Material: Platinum/Iridium
- Weight: 1.12 ounces
- Dimension: 4.2 x 3 x 0.7 inches
- Pieces in a set: 4
If you intend to use a concentration of nitro from 10% to 20% range, then this is the most suitable glow plug for your RC car.
As this plug is designed and made by Traxxas, it will fit right in. Also, you will get long-lasting performance as these are made keeping the Traxxas engine in mind.
This medium heat range glow plug is very well suited for off-road racing. The package includes a gasket alongside the plugs. It is ideal for 2.5, 2.5R, 3.3 Traxxas engines.
Pros:
- Ideal for Traxxas engine
- Medium heat range
- Last for a long time
Cons:
- Recommended to use with 10% to 20% nitro content only
5. Globact 4pcs 70117 Hot Glow Plug – Great Compatibility
Specifications:
- Material: Steel
- Weight: 0.7 ounces
- Dimension: 4.69 x 2.99 x 0.55 inches
- Pieces in a set: 4
You can pick these plugs if you are worried about compatibility. They will fit most Traxxas models including Tsunami, Tornado, Volcano, and many more.
As this plug is made from steel, you will get excellent performance. Steel is a great conductor of heat. So, this plug will heat up very efficiently. For this reason, it also performs well even in off-road trucks.
This one should be your top choice if you are not sure which plugs will be compatible with your RC car or truck.
Pros:
- Works great in engines too
- Compatible with many models
- Available in 1/8 and 1/10 scale
Cons:
- Burns very hot
Buying Guide
Type: Although there are three types of the plug to choose from, hot plug is the best glow plug for 20 nitro engine. Because this type of engine has only 20% methanol content. So, they need plugs that can produce high temperatures to start combustion reactions. The best course of action is to use a hotplug if you are using a 20% intro engine, and go for medium or cold plugs if you intend to use around 25-30% nitro engine.
Temperature limit: The amount of temperature a plug can handle limits the driving duration. Usually, the 200F to 275F is considered the operating limit. But when driving for a long time, the engine can get hotter as well as the glow plug. If you intend to drive for long regularly then you should pick a plug that has a higher temperature limit.
Platinum/iridium: Platinum and iridium glow plugs are the most available ones. As iridium is harder than platinum, it offers better value for money. Due to the hardness, it can produce heat more easily. You will get better performance from iridium. But, iridium glow plugs tend to be a little pricey than its counterpart.
Compatibility: It is the most important field to check when getting a glow plug. These plugs don’t have universal compatibility. They are designed differently for different models of engines. For this reason, a compatibility check has the utmost importance. Otherwise, when you get your hands on them they might not fit your engine.
Sets in a pack: You could save some bucks buying a pack instead of one. There are 2/4/6 set packs available of some glow plugs. If you frequently require these plugs then buying in the pack would make more sense.
FAQs.
what glow plug to use with 20% nitro?
Hot glow plugs would offer the best performance with 20% nitro fuel. You can use medium glow plugs too.
How do I choose a nitro glow plug?
The general rule is that the higher concentration of nitro the fuel has, the colder plug you should use.
How long do glow plugs last Nitro RC?
Usually, they last about 20 to 30 tanks refill. It also depends on how long they sit idle and how you mostly drive.
Do better glow plugs affect performance?
Yes, with a better glow plug you will get better performance. Glow plugs not only cause the mixture to explode but also produce additional heat to complete combustion efficiently.
How do I know if my RC glow plugs are bad?
The sign to look for is if the coils are deformed or appear grey instead of silver. The engine will also die if the ignitor is removed.
Our glow plugs worth cleaning?
Glow plugs get dirty if the fuel is impure. Cleaning them regularly will keep the performance from deteriorating.
Verdict
There are a ton of choices when you look for the best glow plug for 20 nitro engine. But most of the plugs out there are made of low-quality materials, that is why they last only a few rounds. This list only includes the tested and proven glow plug brands. You can pick any from this list as they fit your requirement.
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