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I am going to be purchasing a set of AFR heads and Thorley headers. Should I get the straight, angled, or L98 angled plugs? Is there any performance difference and do any of them need the special plugs to clear the headers?
It depends on what headers you've got. My Canfields have angled plugs and my Hedmans wouldn't work with them. I had to switch to Dynomax. I think that the angle is supposed to put the spark in a more optimum space in the combustion chamber. I'm sure someone will chime in and tell us exactly what the angled heads do.
I've got DT headers and a couple of the plugs you cant get socket on and have to use wrench on my stock heads. If angled down much better. I can check which one exactly.
Seems most guys are buying headers that about dont fit a vette too well,,...can't do steeroids, or much else, will not fit angled plug heads....whatall....allways some excuse....
I highly recommend the Schoenfeld Headers #151, as they fit the car, take any mods in mind, fit any plug/angle....and the WORK....
they cheap too at about 150 bux at your door....
I have Thorely headers on my '64 with straight plug camel hump heads and no problems with fit or plug removal. Can't offer advise on angle-plug fitment.
The marginal performance gains of angled plugs can be simulated with straight plugs by triming the plug end a little and then bending the remaining portion to gap specs. This mod lets the spark arc to the side of the plug tip instead of to the top.
The whole idea of angling is to expose more of the spark to the A/F mixture. :cheers:
I only use angle plug heads. Yes they only work with certian headers. Most quality headers are fine, but if in doubt call your manufacturer first.
Angle plugs have quite a few good points: The plug is placed in the cylinder for better flame travel. So you can use less octane with a given compression ratio. Faster more complete fuel burn. They use the deep 3/4 inch reach plugs for more correct plug heat and positive thread seal.
"The marginal performance gains of angled plugs can be simulated with straight plugs by triming the plug end a little and then bending the remaining portion to gap specs. This mod lets the spark arc to the side of the plug tip instead of to the top. "
I don't think that I would go quite this far. Small gains can be made by indexing standard spark plugs. I also believe that 4 tip spark plugs are the best. For that matter I only use platium plugs. I never worry about them.
I have Doug Thorley's and they would not work with Trick Flow angle plug heads without cutting a bunch of metal from the flange. Not all angle plug heads are the same though so your best bet is to ask AFR what works and doesn't work with theirs.
Most cars I've seen at the Vette shows that had headers were running either stock heads or had straight plug aftermarket heads.When I baught my AFR 195's I went straight plug because of this,and the fact I couldn't get a straight answer from anyone.Lots of Hooker sidemounts also running straight plug heads too,which is where I may be headed with mine some day.