Spark Plug 101
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 15
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Spark Plug 101
What spark plugs do you all run in your 360/390's? What gap do you run?
I just changed mine. I installed a set of Autolite 45's and gapped them to .044. I am asking what you all do because the plugs I pulled out were Autolite 35's and were gapped to about .030. I have no idea how long they were in there since I just purchased the truck but from looking at Autolite's web site I cannot even find a 35 plug. I am wondering what the difference is and why they were gapped so close. Looking at there number system I think the 35's were a non-resistor plug with the same heat range as the 45 but I don't know for sure since they don't even seem to carry them anymore.
I just changed mine. I installed a set of Autolite 45's and gapped them to .044. I am asking what you all do because the plugs I pulled out were Autolite 35's and were gapped to about .030. I have no idea how long they were in there since I just purchased the truck but from looking at Autolite's web site I cannot even find a 35 plug. I am wondering what the difference is and why they were gapped so close. Looking at there number system I think the 35's were a non-resistor plug with the same heat range as the 45 but I don't know for sure since they don't even seem to carry them anymore.
Lead Driver
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 9,893
Likes: 12
From: Ohio
.044 might be a stretch for a stock coil.
If you have starting problems or running rough, it may be from trying to jump such a large gap with a small "stock" voltage coil.
Usually if you run a MSD they tell you to open the gap to .045.
Larry
If you have starting problems or running rough, it may be from trying to jump such a large gap with a small "stock" voltage coil.
Usually if you run a MSD they tell you to open the gap to .045.
Larry
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More Turbo
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 632
Likes: 15
From: Fairbanks, Alaska
Well it looks like Autolite 45's are the most popular.
I am experiencing a little bit of ping when accelerating. Could it be from the .044 gap? The book calls for a .044 gap but would I maybe do better with about .040 or something since I am running the stock ignition?
I am experiencing a little bit of ping when accelerating. Could it be from the .044 gap? The book calls for a .044 gap but would I maybe do better with about .040 or something since I am running the stock ignition?
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Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
sparkplugs
Crumm, for plugs I like to run BF42s in the summer and BF82s in the winter. I know those numbers are out of date, maybe someone can translate for us. I also run a .080 plug gap, but I have a very healthy ignition. The bigger gap won't make it ping, but too warm of a plug might. There used to be a BF32 that some guys ran in the summertime...is there a new number for those ? DF
Post Fiend
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 8,600
Likes: 4
From: Iowa
I'm running .45 on Bosch Platinum plugs, an Accel Super Stock coil, and high energy 8mm plug wires (I cant remember the brand). And I'm still running points! This setup seems to work good, but it eats up dist caps and rotors. Maybe if I didn't get the cheap ones it'd help. 
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 12
From: SW Michigan
spark plugs, wires
Rat, I'm running moroso blue max spiral core at this moment. It does seem like the plug wires don't last as long as they ought. I don't think I would use any wires from autozone on anything. I had my best luck with some stranded copper wires, also from moroso, but they did strange things to my neighbors TV and radios, so I changed them. DF