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1968 Corvette L-89 spark plugs

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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 12:00 PM
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Default 1968 Corvette L-89 spark plugs

It looks like R43XL is the correct plug for the L-89 aluminum cylinder heads. I am looking for conformation of my findings. Can someone confirm this for me? Thank You.
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Old Jan 31, 2018 | 12:07 PM
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that is the correct plug for the aluminum head, but it is pretty cold, 43. How do the old ones look?
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Old Feb 1, 2018 | 10:34 AM
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Engine is fresh rebuild. It was broke in on dyno at machine shop. It had R43 plugs in it. I removed them for install into the car. Then I was talking with a guy (Mike) who said he thought it should have the XL plugs. I did some checking and that is what I found. Thanks for conformation.

We did lower the compression. Mike suggested running the R44XL. I got both from the parts store, R43XLS and R44XL (just to be sure they were the same). Would you recommend the R44XL as well? We are mostly concerned about the threads in the heads. The plug threads on the 43 are too short, most important that we get the correct length of the plug.

Thanks for responding to my question, Tim
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Old Feb 1, 2018 | 10:45 AM
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Originally Posted by Glassbowtie
It looks like R43XL is the correct plug for the L-89 aluminum cylinder heads. I am looking for conformation of my findings. Can someone confirm this for me? Thank You.
"XL" plugs are the plugs recommended for aluminum heads The are 3/4" reach, fully threaded. A "43" is only a 3/8" reach which is way too short. If you are just looking for an AC plug that will run well, a 45XL or R45XL would be a good choice. As stated above, a 3 heat range is pretty cold. Just to be accurate- I have no idea if you are looking for originality for judging or a good running plug but the plug that came in your '68 L89 was a 43XL. R43XL was from 1969. Hope this helps.
Jeff
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Old Feb 1, 2018 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by jeffstuarts
"XL" plugs are the plugs recommended for aluminum heads The are 3/4" reach, fully threaded. A "43" is only a 3/8" reach which is way too short. If you are just looking for an AC plug that will run well, a 45XL or R45XL would be a good choice. As stated above, a 3 heat range is pretty cold. Just to be accurate- I have no idea if you are looking for originality for judging or a good running plug but the plug that came in your '68 L89 was a 43XL. R43XL was from 1969. Hope this helps.
Jeff
Thanks Jeff. Exactly the type of information I am looking for.
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Old Feb 3, 2018 | 01:20 PM
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I select my plugs with the head off! With different chamber CCs, or Chamber bowl work, etc I thread one in and look at where it ends up depth wise! Then I index all of them!
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Old Feb 3, 2018 | 04:36 PM
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Originally Posted by TCracingCA
I select my plugs with the head off! With different chamber CCs, or Chamber bowl work, etc I thread one in and look at where it ends up depth wise! Then I index all of them!


that is getting it right
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