C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:49 AM
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So I know I’m gonna get different answers on this, but what is the best spark plug for my 77 vette 350 motor? And is there a spark plug? That would give me more torque? Probably not, but I figured I’d ask.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 12:15 PM
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Stock engine, stock plug. No plug by itself increases power.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 12:35 PM
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Originally Posted by garykuter
So I know I’m gonna get different answers on this, but what is the best spark plug for my 77 vette 350 motor?
NGK..
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 12:47 PM
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I have been using Accel plugs for 40 years with good results. Had some bad experiences with Champion many years ago, and their aviation plugs are notoriously bad so I avoid them. I've had good luck with NGK in most of my other toys but I've never tried them in a SBC.
And no, spark plugs won't affect power output, assuming they are in good condition.

Last edited by drwet; Feb 19, 2024 at 01:29 PM.
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 01:13 PM
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I think the consensus (at least among car guys) is that no brand or style of plug will increase power or torque in anything less than a high rpm race-only engine.
For street cars, the difference comes in how each brand or style of plug performs under less than ideal combustion chamber conditions (too rich, too lean, oil fouled, carbon fouled, etc.)
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 01:37 PM
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you have hei .045 gap system, only thing you should do is get proper heat range.
how are the ones in it now looking>
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:42 PM
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Originally Posted by calwldlife
you have hei .045 gap system, only thing you should do is get proper heat range.
how are the ones in it now looking>
i’m not sure I haven’t pulled the plugs yet
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:45 PM
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As mentioned above: If the engine has the CORRECT plugs for the engine build, different plugs won't make more power. However, depending on the ignition system you have (points / electronic) plug GAP can make one heckuva difference.

I put NGK irridiums in my SB car...because they last a LLLOOOONNNGGG time...and I didn't want to mess with the spark shielding stuff any more than absolutely necessary. If you don't have to deal with that, any good brand of plug will do the job.

P.S. I am no longer a fan of ANYTHING sold in a GM labeled box.....
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 06:53 PM
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Originally Posted by 7T1vette
As mentioned above: If the engine has the CORRECT plugs for the engine build, different plugs won't make more power. However, depending on the ignition system you have (points / electronic) plug GAP can make one heckuva difference.

I put NGK irridiums in my SB car...because they last a LLLOOOONNNGGG time...and I didn't want to mess with the spark shielding stuff any more than absolutely necessary. If you don't have to deal with that, any good brand of plug will do the job.

P.S. I am no longer a fan of ANYTHING sold in a GM labeled box.....
I have an electronic ignition. I was thinking about doing the NGK plugs anyway. Do you gap them them at 0.45?
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 07:37 PM
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Originally Posted by garykuter
I have an electronic ignition. I was thinking about doing the NGK plugs anyway. Do you gap them them at 0.45?
Yes, you have HEI, .045
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Old Feb 19, 2024 | 07:40 PM
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Originally Posted by MelWff
Yes, you have HEI, .045
OK thank you
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Old Feb 20, 2024 | 12:18 PM
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One thing I noticed when I switched to NGK.....the smoothest idle I've ever had..
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Old Feb 24, 2024 | 08:05 AM
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I have tried many different plugs. Champion (the worst), Accel Yellow jackets, the Bosch 4 electrode plugs, AC Delco (second best), and NGK (Best).

One thing I noticed was after I tracked the car (Time Trials) the car had issues. NGK was the only plug I could street, track and then drive home with no issues.

BTW: NGK has excellent technical service dept. Call them up and tell them about your engine, how you use it and they can recommend the right plug and the correct heat range for you.
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