Topic: Sparkplugs
in Forum: C3 Engines
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I have a 79 L-48, added camb, intake, long tube headers etc. 
I have been using ACDelco R45TS, runs OK getting good burn.
What do you all think about stepping up to E-3 or even new Pulstar?
Pulstar very expensive, do they do what they clame?
Or do I not fix what is not broken? 
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My personal opinion is to stick with the AC/Delco plugs....they've been working fine for many years in GM engines...
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In my ZZ4 engine I'm using Denso Iridium IQ16 plugs, here is a link about them: http://www.shopwiki.com/detail/d=DENSO_IQ16_IRIDIUM_POWER_SPARK_PLUG:_IQ16/jumpToFirst=t/
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It's been my experience to use oe spec spark plugs of whichever brand you prefer. I've tried the exotic plugs and they simply do nothing but lighten your wallet.
I had a brand X car several years back and tried Splitfire plugs...they made no difference and within a few months two of them had broken their ceramic insulators. I guess that's where the "Split" came from in their name. I replaced them with oe spec plugs and no more problem.
A built-up engine might benefit from something different, but a stock or near stock engine gains nothing from the exotic plugs. New engines require platinum or other expensive materials in their design, and they should be replaced with the same. You're simply not gaining anything adding them to an older engine that never required them to start with.
I had a brand X car several years back and tried Splitfire plugs...they made no difference and within a few months two of them had broken their ceramic insulators. I guess that's where the "Split" came from in their name. I replaced them with oe spec plugs and no more problem.
A built-up engine might benefit from something different, but a stock or near stock engine gains nothing from the exotic plugs. New engines require platinum or other expensive materials in their design, and they should be replaced with the same. You're simply not gaining anything adding them to an older engine that never required them to start with.
Each brand of spark plug has a different internal resistance.
When you look up applications, the different brands will comply with thread, thread depth, tip, heat range, seal, etc. All those thing match, but the resistance does not.
Most of the resistance in domestic ignition systems is in the plugs. In European cars, it is in the secondary ignition, wires etc. In Asian cars it is a bit inbetween.
Therefore, when you mix spark plug brands you create havoc within the cylinder and can cause preignition, ping, carbon fouling, poor response, idle problems, hesitations, etc.
Custom ignition systems change things. Some MSD systems like Nippondenso plugs for example.
By in large unless it's customized a bit the OEM is the best bet. GM - A/C Delco. Ford - Motorcraft, Autolite. Chrysler - Champion. European most of the time, Bosch. Asian cars - Nippondenso (Denso) or NGK.
Keep in mind there are exceptions, but most of the time this works the best.
[QUOTE=F4Gary]Last I heard, AC Delco was made by .............NGK. [/QUOTE]
Originally called Champion Ignition after its founder, Albert Champion, this operation was acquired by General Motors in 1909 and was re-named AC Spark Plug Company in 1922 and then AC Spark Plug Division in 1933. By then, it had become one of the best-known automotive aftermarket brands. In 1974, it became part of AC-Delco Division. In 1988, it was merged with Rochester Products to form the AC Rochester Division, which became part of AC Delco Systems in 1994. In 1995, it became part of Delphi Automotive Systems, which was spun off from GM in 1999.
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in Forum: C3 Engines
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