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Spark Plug Type?

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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 10:52 AM
  #1  
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Default Spark Plug Type?

Stupid question, but what name brand spark plugs would best work on my 87. I went to the autoparts store and asked them this question and had about three different answers, from platinum to triple-platinum, and about four different brands. What would be the best plugs?

:confused:
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 12:30 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (My87)

I have tried many different plugs including Bosch Platinum +4's and I was not happy with any of them. Some gave me rough idle problems, some gave me starting and acceleration hesitation problems. In my opinion, the best plugs for my '86 L98 Iron Head are AC Delco RapidFires. My engine starts right up, runs smooth and my acceleration is always crisp and agressive. The only other plug that many Forum members highly recommend is NGK but I never tried them so I can't comment on them. Just my $.02.
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 12:58 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (CG77VETTE)

:iagree: I tried the regular Bosch platinum plugs and my '85 didn't like them at all (drivability problems, hard to start). Out of curiousity, I stuck a set of Champion spark plugs in it to see what would happen. It ran better and started normally again (one turn of the key). I posted this back in June on the forum and someone said the Champion's were junk plugs, but I haven't had any problems with them. They must not be too bad, Kenny Bernstein used Champions in his Top Fuel car. We all know how fast he's gone! (Yeah, I know the plugs aren't the same as the ones used in a passenger car, but they're made by the same manufacturer) :D
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 01:02 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (H P Bushrod)

I use Autolites only. Standard plug.
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 01:03 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (H P Bushrod)

I have always heard to stay away from the platinums for vettes. I'm running AC Delco right now, but am going to switch to NGK plugs after the 1st of the year. I'm also going to cut-back mine.
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 02:39 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (castivers)

well i dont know about using platinum in a vett but i have been using the bosch platinum +4 in my truck and love them. lot smoother running and less hesitation. just my two cents
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 02:42 PM
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Stay away from Bosch +4 or platinum for your car. I ran AC Delco Rapidfire #5 and they worked great.
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 03:29 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (My87)

AC Delco Rapid fires worked great in my 1991 stock vette. I could run 13.8 in that vette with no mods. So i can assure you the plugs worked fine. :D
Split fires are crap so dont' waste your money on them. Don't have personal experience with Bosch +4 but i have heard some having issues with them on vettes. Some people install different plugs and don't have teh experience to tell that the engine is not running at A+ status. So plug opinions can be slightly bias. :D
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 05:23 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (My87)

Thank you all, I think the majority vote is for the AC Delco RapidFire. I will try them next weekend.

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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 06:21 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (My87)

Thank you all, I think the majority vote is for the AC Delco RapidFire. I will try them next weekend.
Be sure to cross reference to the equivalent heat range. Heat range indexing on Rapidfires is a little confusing...
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 07:05 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (Lone Ranger)

:confused:

OK,, can I just go to Pepboys ask for the rapidfires that fit an 87?
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Old Dec 15, 2002 | 10:14 PM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (My87)

I have used split fires on on my cars , but must admit not on a vette yet! ;)
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Old Dec 17, 2002 | 01:27 AM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type?

Well I ran Bosch platinum 4's on my 1500, I was sod on them. put them in my vette 3 weeks ago :steering: platinum works fine for me. Maybe its just a x-fire thing ;) :steering:
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Old Dec 17, 2002 | 04:36 AM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (My87)

Interesting that this was brought up........I've been using the Bosch Platinum +4s and yes I did have a rough idle to begin with, but I never knew the platinums could be the prob. Never even occurred to me. Now, after a while running with em, I don't really have any roughness with the idle that I notice............? Maybe it takes time to work them in. Now I'm curious............cuz I was in fact told that the Plats give longer life, but are generally recommended for ZR1s. No one ever recommended them for non ZR1s.............which is kind of interesting now. Are they really that much worse? If so........why? :confused:
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Old Dec 17, 2002 | 11:30 AM
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OK,, can I just go to Pepboys ask for the rapidfires that fit an 87?
Yup... walk in and tell them you need a set of 8 rapidfire #5s.
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Old Dec 17, 2002 | 01:15 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

never put anything in a small block chevrolet other than ac plugs. i have always been told this. i have only used something else once and it was a mistake. i used the ac rapid fires in my tahoe and nearly stranded my family on vacation. i fouled 3 of them on the trip. i will never do that again. running only premium fuel i get 80k+ out of them.
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Old Dec 17, 2002 | 01:17 PM
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Default Re: (stillthere)

they come from the factory with ac delco.
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Old Dec 17, 2002 | 01:20 PM
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Default Re: (scorp508)

OK,, can I just go to Pepboys ask for the rapidfires that fit an 87?

Yup... walk in and tell them you need a set of 8 rapidfire #5s.
And open the box to make sure there are 8. They tried to give me 6 when I picked mine up. :rolleyes:
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 12:46 AM
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Default Re: (War Machine)

And open the box to make sure there are 8. They tried to give me 6 when I picked mine up. :rolleyes:
:lol:
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Old Dec 18, 2002 | 12:52 AM
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Default Re: Spark Plug Type? (My87)

From an email exchange I had with a tech guy at MSD. He said they see no real gains in the high priced spark plugs. He recommended staying with the factory issue plugs.
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