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Topic: Spark Plugs for Big Block?

in Forum: C3 Engines

Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/5/09 9:49am Message 1 of 13
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Oklahoma City, OK - USA
Joined: 4/1/2007
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Vette(s): 1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.
I'm finding conflicting info in my books as to Spark Plug choice in my 454. Most say to use the AC43T but I've also seen recommending AC 44T. My Engine is stock. Am I correct in thinking the AC43T is a colder plug. What about the plugs that have the extended electrode or the split-fire? Any recommendations would be appreciated.


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Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/5/09 2:33pm Message 2 of 13
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sonoma, CA - USA
Joined: 8/9/2002
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Vette(s): 72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe
Iv'e heard good things from ex Chevrolet old school Mech.s and parts guys about GM's version of the Split-fire called the Rapid Fire plugs, haven't tryed a set yet, yes the 43 is the colder of the  two, 44 would be used if your car or truck did alot of stop and go city driving, and 43 would be used if you did alot of "rough service" type of on the job type driving.  anips2009-09-05 14:42:21


Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/5/09 3:16pm Message 3 of 13
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Frederick, MD - USA
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Vette(s): 1969 convertible L71 427/435 4-speed black interior
Don't go with expensive plugs like Split-Fire.  I tried them once and two of them cracked their ceramics within a very short time.  After I installed standard Champions (this was a big block Mopar, not a Vette), I had no more troubles.

Unless you've done some high performance modifications to the engine or to address a specific problem, I can't see where you need anything beyond an original equipment or equivalent brand spark plug.  Just get the proper heat range.  All exotic spark plugs do is lighten your wallet and add nothing to your engine's performance.  If the car manufacturer calls for an exotic plug, use that...if the car manufacturer calls for a standard grade plug...use that.  Of course most have their favorite brands...just like motor oil, car wax, etc.

That being said, AC Rapid Fire plugs are excellent.  They're different from Split Fire.  The tip design is supposed to last linger without eroding like a standard tip...true or not I can't say, but I use them in my 427/435 and so far they've worked well.



Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/5/09 6:15pm Message 4 of 13
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Oklahoma City, OK - USA
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Vette(s): 1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.
I had a set of 44T plugs in it when I first started it. I switched to the 43T after seeing that they where recommended in one of my Manuel's. I think it idled better with the 44's, but it's hard to tell. My #6 cylinder seams to want to foul a little. That plug looks a little oily. The others look fine. Maybe a set of the rapid fires would help a little.


Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/5/09 6:44pm Message 5 of 13
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sonoma, CA - USA
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Vette(s): 72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe
if your motor is original and not rebuilt and has some miles on it then problem with# six might be the valve seals being dried up or torn, you can replace them without pulling the head, but its a project if you do one you should do em all, a good winter job, if # 6 bugs you do do a compression and leak down test on that cylinder.


Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/5/09 7:26pm Message 6 of 13
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I checked compression about a week ago, all cylinders are at or within 1 or 2 lbs of 150lbs. So could be the valve seals. I should have done the leak down at the same time. What about plug gap...right now I gap them at 32...but i see some use 35. Would this help with fouling?


Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/6/09 7:24am Message 7 of 13
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sonoma, CA - USA
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Vette(s): 72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe
35 is standard for a point type ign. the smaller the gap the smaller the spark, the comp. looks good, think about maybe a hotter ign., Pertronic, HEI, MSD, where you can open the plug gap up to as much as 50 or more for now?anips2009-09-06 07:27:55


Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/6/09 8:13am Message 8 of 13
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Duncanville, TX - USA
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Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/ Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight" #2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
If it runs/idles better with the hotter 44s in it, that's what you should use. The slightly colder 43s might be allowing the #6 cyl. to load up. You may indeed have a bad valve seal on that cylinder. The hotter plug will keep the oil from fouling the plug like the 43 is doing.
I've always gapped my point-type Chebby plugs at a tight .30"...just too old school to change.
 A hotter ignition system would allow a wider gap, which helps greatly to increase the spark across the electrodes.
Definitely change all of the valve seals if you decide to do it. Lots of folks only put the seals on the exhaust valves, but I prefer to put them on both intake and exhaust. I also only use the "umbrella" type seals...not the goofy little o-ring types...those are pretty much useless, imho.



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Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/6/09 9:30am Message 9 of 13
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Oklahoma City, OK - USA
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Vette(s): 1972 LS5 Convertible,Auto.Targa Blue with Black Interior.
Messing around with it this morning....I had a set of 44t's in the cabinet, so i put those in and increased my idle from 600 up to 700. Drove it 5 or 6 miles...stopped a few times to let it idle a while to see if it was going to try and drop that cylinder and it never did. Got back to the house and tried to idle it back down some but it tried to miss a little so set idle back up to 700. I'll see what happens the next day or so. I'll try to put a few miles on it and see how it does and also keep an eye on oil consumption. Joel would the smaller gap help this problem?


Spark Plugs for Big Block?

Posted: 9/6/09 12:57pm Message 10 of 13
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sonoma, CA - USA
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Vette(s): 72 LT-1 AC coupe,69 l-36 coupe
another problem is with the stock stamped rocker arms is when the valve opens the rocker it pulls the valve stem  against the valve guide and eggs out the guide causeing more stem to guide clearance allowing more oil  to run down the guide, worn intake guides and seals cause oil consumsion, because the incoming air charge pulls the oil into the combustion chamber through the guide.


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