L98 folks - what are you using for ...
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,229
Likes: 8
L98 folks - what are you using for ...
... spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor? Is it best to stay with OEM parts, or have you found something that works better?
'89 vert 6-speed with 23K miles. Running an otherwise stock L98 except for new 22# injectors from FIC. Plugs/wires/cap/rotor are all original. Car recently developed a misfire, so starting with the least-expensive/easy-to-replace stuff.
So, suggestions?
'89 vert 6-speed with 23K miles. Running an otherwise stock L98 except for new 22# injectors from FIC. Plugs/wires/cap/rotor are all original. Car recently developed a misfire, so starting with the least-expensive/easy-to-replace stuff.
So, suggestions?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,065
Likes: 39
... spark plugs, plug wires, distributor cap and rotor? Is it best to stay with OEM parts, or have you found something that works better?
'89 vert 6-speed with 23K miles. Running an otherwise stock L98 except for new 22# injectors from FIC. Plugs/wires/cap/rotor are all original. Car recently developed a misfire, so starting with the least-expensive/easy-to-replace stuff.
So, suggestions?
'89 vert 6-speed with 23K miles. Running an otherwise stock L98 except for new 22# injectors from FIC. Plugs/wires/cap/rotor are all original. Car recently developed a misfire, so starting with the least-expensive/easy-to-replace stuff.
So, suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 765
I've had good luck with taylor wires, accel cap and rotor, and stock ac delco plugs on my L98/TPI. don't forget the timing - 6 BTDC is pretty much stock, but some guy have noted a slight performance gain at 8 degrees.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 3,660
Likes: 22
I'm not afraid of any caps and rotors out there as long as they are BRASS and NOT aluminum. That's a deal breaker ! the alumin caps and rotors burn away very fast and can cause random misfiring.
Wires...I got burned big time by some accel wires once....since then its been stock or the hi-dollar store brand equal.
Wires...I got burned big time by some accel wires once....since then its been stock or the hi-dollar store brand equal.
Safety Car
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 4,328
Likes: 15
From: Jacksonville FL
I'm not afraid of any caps and rotors out there as long as they are BRASS and NOT aluminum. That's a deal breaker ! the alumin caps and rotors burn away very fast and can cause random misfiring.
Wires...I got burned big time by some accel wires once....since then its been stock or the hi-dollar store brand equal.
Wires...I got burned big time by some accel wires once....since then its been stock or the hi-dollar store brand equal.
Always go with brass terminal cap and rotor. There are a few on the market like Ecklind (sp?) from NAPA or from Taylor. There are others at the chain auto parts as well. The AC/Delco has gone to aluminum so dont bother with that. Get a good set of wires from Taylor and you will be set for another 20 years. I would stick with plain old R43TS copper core plugs.
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Drifting
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: Delray beach FL
I have tried about everything. 8, 8.5, cheap, top of the line...
If you have stock exhaust, no problem.
If you have not coated 4/1, expect any kind to last about 1 year before being cooked.
if you have 4/1 coated, you have just earned a year.
Add some heat socks and you are good for 3 years.
Those apply whatever quality and size of wire plugs you use.
Regarding plugs, stick to the AC delco type. all fancy platinium stuff will only bring misses etc...
Of course all depends on the mileage you do.
If you have stock exhaust, no problem.
If you have not coated 4/1, expect any kind to last about 1 year before being cooked.
if you have 4/1 coated, you have just earned a year.
Add some heat socks and you are good for 3 years.
Those apply whatever quality and size of wire plugs you use.
Regarding plugs, stick to the AC delco type. all fancy platinium stuff will only bring misses etc...
Of course all depends on the mileage you do.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,502
Likes: 3,302
From: Hartford WI
What is it about the MSD that is supposed to be bad? I have run them for a few years with no issues. I do check it for leaks every year. I have even changed to the MSD cap and rotor and distributor (divorced coil) and coil.
For plugs I use NGK.
I got the MSD distributor to replace the stock one when I had to get the small cap unit to accommodate the Holley Stealth Ram. Jegs or Summit recommended (web site) that I look at them so I got the crimper and universal set and cut to length and crimped.
For plugs I use NGK.
I got the MSD distributor to replace the stock one when I had to get the small cap unit to accommodate the Holley Stealth Ram. Jegs or Summit recommended (web site) that I look at them so I got the crimper and universal set and cut to length and crimped.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 379
Likes: 7
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 28,502
Likes: 3,302
From: Hartford WI
How would you like get much rust? I toss mine every spring. Cap and rotor if there are boogers on the post.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 11,470
Likes: 765
I'm not afraid of any caps and rotors out there as long as they are BRASS and NOT aluminum. That's a deal breaker ! the alumin caps and rotors burn away very fast and can cause random misfiring.
Wires...I got burned big time by some accel wires once....since then its been stock or the hi-dollar store brand equal.
Wires...I got burned big time by some accel wires once....since then its been stock or the hi-dollar store brand equal.
Always go with brass terminal cap and rotor. There are a few on the market like Ecklind (sp?) from NAPA or from Taylor. There are others at the chain auto parts as well. The AC/Delco has gone to aluminum so dont bother with that. Get a good set of wires from Taylor and you will be set for another 20 years. I would stick with plain old R43TS copper core plugs.
Racer
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 373
Likes: 31
From: Albion, Indiana
R43TS Ac-Delco spark plugs and Ac-Delco OE wire set. Most premium aftermarket caps and rotors with the brass contacts work well. Been using this combination in my mostly stock '85 C4, and previously in my '81 Z28 for nearly 20 years flawlessly. Have tried other "spark plugs of the month" to experiment, never seems to run as well long term as the AC plugs 
Safety Car
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,759
Likes: 8
Though I don't think the AC/Delco Rapid Fire plugs rust though.