Cold Spark Plug
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
I goofed on the spark plug number. You're right it's a R43S plug that I'm using. I'm getting extreme detonation, after installing a new distributor. I've got the timing down to 8 degree's, and have the plugs gapped to .045.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by Tpls 69
I goofed on the spark plug number. You're right it's a R43S plug that I'm using. I'm getting extreme detonation, after installing a new distributor. I've got the timing down to 8 degree's, and have the plugs gapped to .045.
Sounds like that "new" distributor needs some setup - those plugs should be fine. Try Lars' papers on distributors and timing. I wouldn't eliminate the carb/vacuum from the equasion either.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by PureSilver
Not to ask dumb questions, but did you change your wires? Had this problem with my GMC one-ton van after doing a 'tune-up'. Wires looked fine, but weren't.
Thread Starter
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 90
Likes: 0
From: Houston Texas
Originally Posted by pws69
Sounds like that "new" distributor needs some setup - those plugs should be fine. Try Lars' papers on distributors and timing. I wouldn't eliminate the carb/vacuum from the equasion either.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 2,135
Likes: 2
From: Dayton Oh
Originally Posted by pws69
Sounds like that "new" distributor needs some setup - those plugs should be fine. Try Lars' papers on distributors and timing. I wouldn't eliminate the carb/vacuum from the equasion either.
Pull and block the vacuum going to the distributor. Timing should'nt be more than 36* at 2500 RPM. If more then need to change the distributor springs or weights. Since most distributors are usually shipped setup on the conservative side, I wouldn't think this to be your problem unless you've adjusted it. However when you ask about a "colder" plug, it makes me think that you're seeing a plug looking like its getting too hot. This would sound like a possible vacuum leak screwing up you air/fuel mixture causing a lean condition.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by Tpls 69
I stayed with the larger springs on the distributor
One down...
Drifting
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 1,970
Likes: 91
May be a mute point ,but my 70 L-46 uses a R-44. I believe 69 is the same. Lt1 uses a R-43. I actually went the other way with a R-45.
Your timing should be 4 degrees, all else being equal. 1970 uses 8 degrees, but then there's no advance at idle. (Good old TCS system)
Your timing should be 4 degrees, all else being equal. 1970 uses 8 degrees, but then there's no advance at idle. (Good old TCS system)
