Plugs
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
Plugs
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.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Omaha NE
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,233
Likes: 657
From: Thunder Bay
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.
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.
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2020
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 578
From: Wisconsin
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.)
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.)
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
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 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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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 331
Likes: 15
From: Las Vegas
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 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.....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 8,026
Likes: 3,343
From: Omaha NE
2025 c3 ('74-'82) of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
One thing I noticed when I switched to NGK.....the smoothest idle I've ever had..
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,716
Likes: 281
From: New York
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.
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.
