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
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)
Joe Kucinski
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!
Brett Foote
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)
Joe Kucinski
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!
Michael S. Palmer
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!
Joe Kucinski
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)
