Spark Plugs--Which ones?

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Aug 9, 2001 | 05:26 PM

DADS8T2

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From: Chester NY

Spark Plugs--Which ones?

Getting ready for the pilgrimage to Carlilse, I figured I'd tune the car. All these years I've used only ACs in my "babies" . . . sometime Autolites in the others.
Just had a problem with my daughter's Cavalier, where It just started running like @#$%. Found an arc in one of the wires, so I replaced all 4. The car ran slightly better but was backfiring through the TBI. Checked one of the Bosch Platinum plugs and it looked OK--but my trusted mechanic checked the other three to find that they had "self-destructed":smash:. After only 20K!! Put the standard ACs in and the car once again runs perfecto. Prior to this I thought maybe Platinum was the way to go for the vette ('82). Now . . . never again. Any body had similar problems with Platinum plugs? What about the AC Rapidfires--any body recommend them?

[Modified by DADS8T2, 4:28 PM 8/9/2001]

Aug 9, 2001 | 05:41 PM

john's '81 mouse

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From: Des Moines Iowa

Re: Spark Plugs--Which ones? (DADS8T2)

This question comes up on forum every month or two, with most responding that they use AC Rapid Fires. I have used them for three years in my '81, and they have performed great. I recall several forum members saying don't use the platium plugs, don't know why, but as I understand it, greastest advantage of platium is simply that they last longer, not that they perform better...........I don't need a plug to last 100,000 miles in my vette.

Aug 9, 2001 | 05:41 PM

Jvette73

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From: Severna Park Md

Re: Spark Plugs--Which ones? (DADS8T2)

I too had problems with Bosch Platinum plugs. The electrode tip was burning out up into the insulator. Since then I've been running AC plugs. I run CR43TS. Same plug as the standard R43TS, but the C stands for commercial grade. Ask to see them at your parts counter and compare them to the standard. The CR's have a thicker electrode and grounding bridge. Just take you standard AC plug # and add a C to the front. IE: R44T...CR44T. Compare the two. The difference is clearly visible. I also heard many people are running AC Rapid Fire plugs. I have not yet tried them yet myself.

[Modified by Jvette73, 3:43 PM 8/9/2001]

Aug 9, 2001 | 05:44 PM

Sharky80

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From: Quebec Canada

Re: Spark Plugs--Which ones? (DADS8T2)

I just change mine for AC DELCO RAPID FIRE. The best change that I ever done to my car. Engine run smoother, more responsive and more economic.
Don't waist your money on V plug or platinium!
Just my .02$
Jim
:seeya

Aug 9, 2001 | 05:48 PM

Sharky80

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From: Quebec Canada

Re: Spark Plugs--Which ones? (DADS8T2)

Don't forget to check the gap of your new spark plug before installation.
:cheers:
Jim

Aug 9, 2001 | 05:54 PM

DADS8T2

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From: Chester NY

Re: Spark Plugs--Which ones? (Jvette73)

Yes . . . the electrode "self-destructed" into the insulator.

Now, to further complicate things, my understanding is the new Rapidfires are Platinum--at least that's what my AutoZone guy told me.

Aug 9, 2001 | 09:59 PM

Wrecked82

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From: Texas

Re: Spark Plugs--Which ones? (DADS8T2)

Rapidfires are now out in a platinum rapidfire. Released in the last six months. Try it, you'll like it.

Aug 10, 2001 | 03:23 PM

Brutal64

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From: Thornton Co

Re: Spark Plugs--Which ones? (Larry82)

Last time I changed plugs I used the Rapidfires. Couldn't believe a plug would make that much difference in how my car ran. The only drawback is they are kind of expensive.