I was working under the hood this weekend replacing my ignition wires and cracked the insulator on one of plugs, #2 right front to be exact. I have AC Delco R45TS plugs in there that are almost new with about 100 miles on them. I figure no big deal I'll just go to Autozone and pick up a new plug, throw it in and be done with it, simple enough. When I get back I put the new plug in, and when I go to put the plug wire back on I notice the the boot of the wire is now pressing against my header tube which it didn't do before. I pull the plug back out and compare it to the old one and I see that the shank is longer on the new one. I call AC Delco Tech Service and the Tech Rep informs me that they now only make the longer ones because it fits a wider application of cars than the shorter ones did. He said the newer will work on my car if it had the stock exhaust but not with the headers. I asked him if they had another plug with a shorter shank that would work with my application and He said no, either put my stock exhaust back on or try to find plugs from another manufacturer. Has anyone else run into this problem yet? If so what plugs did you go with to solve the problem? I was looking at NGK V power plugs, are they good or is there something better that is comparible to the AC Delco's ?

 

Now that sucks!!!!...................

 

Why don't you just swap that plug into another hole that doesn't interfere? Then replace them as a set next time?

Jay

 

That's exactly what I did. It will give me plenty of time to research what my options are for the next set.

 

Hello Jay-Dog
That was a good answer the question, and looking at it from a different point of view. I dont know that I would have considered it that quick, but once I read your answer it was obvious to me that this would solve the problem in the short run.

Good point.

KDF

 

 

Ran into the same problem on a angle plug alum. head 383 small block. I solved the problem with NGK or Accel short plugs. I also shortened them a little more by removing the screw on top cap and cutting about half of it off and rethreading it on plug. That shortened it approx. 3/16".

 

You can always cruise some car swap meets and see if you can find another set of the AC plugs in the shorter version like you have. Maybe you'll find several sets you can buy and keep. It costs nothing to feed them until needed.

 

Thanks for the kind words. So, have you figured out yet if NGK or Accel or someone makes a plug that works with your headers. I have Hookers and may need the same solution. I currently use something like AC44TS.

 

I am going over to Napa Auto Parts tomorrow to take a look at the NGK UR4 plugs and see if they are short enough to clear my header tubes. They are part #6630, I'll see how they look.

 

I Would look for old oem ones and buy a bunch when found

 

I will if I can find a set or two, however the tech rep at AC Delco told me that they have been making the long style for over a year now. If I can't find them and the NGK's fit the bill then that's what I will run in there. I'm sure they'll be fine, I've always heard good things about NGK plugs, just never used them.

 

Why not get some of the Accel Shorty plugs. Worked on my 350 with headers.

 

they are still available on ebay the originals with the gren stripes. these came with your car originally and the guy (seller) usually sold em in packs of 8. they are pretty sweet to see how they have evolved over the years got my set for $11.00 shipped

 

Thanks for the heads up, I'll check in to it.