Spark Plug's Brands Hints
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 299
Likes: 5
From: East Haven, Ct
Spark Plug's Brands Hints
I'm thinking of changing my plugs. 96 41,000 miles running fine. I'm concerned they have been in the car fifteen years. What does everyone recomend. The Dealer suggested wires at the same time? Is this nescessary. My engine is very clean the wires look fine. I was going to have the dealer do it but I changed my mind. 
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 16,839
Likes: 341
From: Database Error Indiana
I'm thinking of changing my plugs. 96 41,000 miles running fine. I'm concerned they have been in the car fifteen years. What does everyone recomend. The Dealer suggested wires at the same time? Is this nescessary. My engine is very clean the wires look fine. I was going to have the dealer do it but I changed my mind.
Good decision on not letting the dealer do it. You should do a thread in C4 Tech. Lots of traffic in Tech, not so much in scan and tune.
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 132
Likes: 3
From: Springfield Ohio
I made my choice after doing some research here at the forum and have been very happy with the results:
NGK TR55GP
gapped at .050" (as recommended by NGK)
Reasonably priced and available at your local parts store. Check the gap before installation (they should already be gapped correctly), but DO NOT re-gap these plugs using traditional methods. The center electrode can be damaged if force is applied to it.
You can double check your application and gap here:
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_fi...t.asp?mode=nml
(choose V8 P FI for engine)
Also plan on spending a couple of hours swapping them out your first time. A little patience will serve you well.
NGK TR55GP
gapped at .050" (as recommended by NGK)
Reasonably priced and available at your local parts store. Check the gap before installation (they should already be gapped correctly), but DO NOT re-gap these plugs using traditional methods. The center electrode can be damaged if force is applied to it.
You can double check your application and gap here:
http://www.ngksparkplugs.com/part_fi...t.asp?mode=nml
(choose V8 P FI for engine)
Also plan on spending a couple of hours swapping them out your first time. A little patience will serve you well.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 5,866
Likes: 60
From: Hellinois
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Modified
This is a good chance to give a heads up about AC spark plugs. AC plugs are no longer made by AC Delco, they are now made by Autolite. I got this from a NAPA manager. I have had too much trouble with Autolite plugs in the past so I presently have Champions in the engine but I am looking at the NGKs since I have heard nothing but good about them. For now the Champions are keeping the fire lit just fine.
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 1,341
Likes: 2
From: Perth Western Australia
St. Jude Donor '10
I just ordered the ac delcos supplied by Mid America in their tune up kit.
However, it would be good to know if there are advantages in running different plugs. I read somewhere about cut-down plugs being good. My club mechanic was recommending to install platinum plugs.
However, it would be good to know if there are advantages in running different plugs. I read somewhere about cut-down plugs being good. My club mechanic was recommending to install platinum plugs.
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Instructor
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 225
Likes: 1
From: Lake Hughes Ca.
St. Jude Donor '10
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
You could try the AC Delco Rapidfire plugs. They look different than the regular plugs. So they may be made by someone other than Autolite.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 828
Likes: 104
From: Olney MD
Bosch Plugs
I've heard others say bad things about Bosch plugs (but no specifics). I've used them for years in many cars with great results. Usually when I take them out at the recommended interval they look clean enough to go many more miles.
As for the OP, I'd never leave plugs in a car more than 4 years without at least removing them for inspection and to apply anti-seize compound. I would rather do the work myself, knowing that I'd be more careful with the removal than most dealers. Damage to the threads couldn't be blamed on the dealer due to the time elapsed, but if you're doing it yourself, you can judge the torque required to remove them and apply penetrating oil and patience if they seem stuck.
As for the OP, I'd never leave plugs in a car more than 4 years without at least removing them for inspection and to apply anti-seize compound. I would rather do the work myself, knowing that I'd be more careful with the removal than most dealers. Damage to the threads couldn't be blamed on the dealer due to the time elapsed, but if you're doing it yourself, you can judge the torque required to remove them and apply penetrating oil and patience if they seem stuck.