TomT wrote ...
What's wrong with the present batch of plugs?

I think the main issue here is we're trying to push every last millivolt into whatever plug is being installed and hence the blown plug.
>>>>

I don't think there's anything wrong with any of the alternatives. The challenge lies in getting into the ballpark on an optimum drive level for each flavor of alternative. If that information were validated and presented in one place it would be great. I did prep an MC9 and punched in a drive level of 028 and everything's great. However - and I'm splitting hairs here - the plug end of the wire seems happiest (i.e., more solid/better retention) when it's plugged on to a Rossi R8 which has a "nub" on the end (the MC9s and others don't have a nub).

Right now, having crept up on an alternate plug solution, my '500' is happy. It starts, ramps, and runs like a champ. There may be some room for tweaking or optimizing the Start PW number but I think even that would be along the lines of "season to taste ... "

All we need now is some rainfall (of Biblical proportions) to address the tinderbox conditions surrounding club fields where we fly here in CO Until that happens we've pretty much grounded ourselves in deference to the potential fire hazard.

Thanks, all, for the info/tips.

Mike