C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Spark plug reccomendation please.

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Old Mar 17, 2004 | 10:15 PM
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Default Spark plug reccomendation please.

I have always liked Autolite plugs. I use them in my L98, Honda, truck (Olds 425 ), Jimmy and my lawnmower. I have tried so many brands and have had the best luck with Autolite for performance. I tried platinum and didn't like them. So I think I am going to try the Autolite 106 plugs in my LT4. Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks,
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 10:40 AM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (VAHROOM)

I just replaced my stock AC Delco's for Bosch Platinums... don't know much about long term use but it sure made a difference when I first started the Vette up!!! :smash: :reddevil
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 11:12 AM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (VAHROOM)

Here's my personal experience.

I replaced the original plugs and wires at 37k miles. I put in AC Delco Rapidfire #14, a single platinum plug, and Taylor 8mm Sprio Pro wires. Car ran better than it did before (original plugs were all missing their platinum pucks), but still felt a little rough. And for the last 6 months I've been fighting a high rpm vibration which may or may not be ignition related. So a couple of weeks ago, I pulled the Rapidfires and replaced with NGK TR55 copper plugs. Still running a little rough, still has the vibration. Now I am going to order Delco wires and the stock 41-906 Delco double platinum plugs and return the ignition system to stock. Every mechanic that has looked at the car told me to put the stock platinum plugs back in it; that's what the opti spark and computer were designed to operate with.

So after I do that, I'll let you know how the car runs and if it solves my vibration problem.

I'd just stick with OE stuff if it were me, especially if it's running good with the stock setup now.
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 11:22 AM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (dan85vette)

I just replaced my stock AC Delco's for Bosch Platinums... don't know much about long term use but it sure made a difference when I first started the Vette up!!! :smash: :reddevil
I noted that bosch platiums were great for about the first 15K, I checked to see if there was any wear and what i found was a small burns marks into the grd prong.. sure sign of wear, I am using HYFIRE ignition,,replaced with NGK (FR4< L98)and gapped .035".. in my opion, stay with AC delco, or NGK's :yesnod:
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 11:41 AM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (korvette4u)

just a quick question, I have a 1993 LT1 & I was curious as to how hard it is to replace the plugs? Do you have to go thru the wheel wells?
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 01:57 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Red_Vette_93)

People that say changing the battery is PITA, have never changed the plugs!!

I think thats all I'm say about that :lol: Good luck!!!

BTW, I have Bosch plat. +2's in my LT1. Much better idle and a little power gain. Recommended!! :thumbs:


[Modified by CorvetteClug, 6:59 PM 3/18/2004]
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 02:15 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Red_Vette_93)

just a quick question, I have a 1993 LT1 & I was curious as to how hard it is to replace the plugs? Do you have to go thru the wheel wells?
The answer is yes. The right side is fairly easy the drivers side is a little tougher it is best to remove the fender well.

I have the Bosch platium +4's I have had great results with them, better idle and at least 2 mpg. increase. I also changed out my stock wires for Moroso 8mm blues. My car runs great.
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 05:08 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (VAHROOM)

I guess I should have asked whether any one had tried Autolite 106 plugs. I can't care about logevity. I want a good performing plug that works well in a modified LT4. I think I will try them and post results.
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 05:21 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (VAHROOM)

I recomend NGK TR55IX (Iridium) plugs. I wouldn't use the AC Delco Professional Platinum Plugs as the pucks can come off and leave you with a huge gap and a lousy running engine.

Hey Hammer, If your vibration is in the 3000-5500 rpm range, it might not be an ignition problem but a balance problem.
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 05:40 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Strick)

Hey Hammer, If your vibration is in the 3000-5500 rpm range, it might not be an ignition problem but a balance problem.
Yes, definitely.
Read this http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=778380
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 06:02 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (HammerDown)

Hey Hammer, If your vibration is in the 3000-5500 rpm range, it might not be an ignition problem but a balance problem.

Yes, definitely.
Read this http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=778380
Well, what did the tranny shop find? There is a measurement to check on the dual mass flywheel. It's in the Helms Service Manual which all Vette owners should have. If that measurement is excessive, you have to replace the dual mass.

Sorry for the hi jack.
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 06:43 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Strick)

Actually I have NGK's in there right now. Just looking for that extra little bit.




[Modified by VAHROOM, 4:44 PM 3/18/2004]
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 07:11 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (VAHROOM)

[QUOTE]Actually I have NGK's in there right now. Just looking for that extra little bit.QUOTE]

You have the Iridiums and you want more? I don't think you'll get too much more from a plug.
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 07:31 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Strick)

I agree with Strick.

If your engine is running fine, no missing, no vibration LEAVE IT ALONE!

You will not gain any, let me repeat, ANY, horsepower from different spark plugs, unless the ones that are in there are bad.
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 07:36 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Strick)

Hey Hammer, If your vibration is in the 3000-5500 rpm range, it might not be an ignition problem but a balance problem.

Yes, definitely.
Read this http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=778380

Well, what did the tranny shop find? There is a measurement to check on the dual mass flywheel. It's in the Helms Service Manual which all Vette owners should have. If that measurement is excessive, you have to replace the dual mass.

Sorry for the hi jack.
They just used a stethoscope for an initial diagnosis. He said it sounded like a throwout bearing, or something that has broken off (pressure plate spring fingers) that is allowing the bearing to rattle around. I don't know how many ZF transmissions with dual mass flywheels he's worked on, but he may not know what is "normal" vs "abnormal" on LT1 Corvettes.

Today in the parking lot at work, I let the car idle with the clutch out and tranny in neutral. Not a sound. I cycled the clutch pedal several times to see if I could induce a noise. Nothing. Now, if I slowly bring the rpms up, say above 2000, I start getting more racket, but I think this is just normal ZF noise. Anyway, if the throwout bearing is as floppy as he says it is, wouldn't it be making noise all the time, no matter what I do?

I think we just hi-jacked the thread. :leaving:
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 09:25 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (HammerDown)

Hammer, The throw out bearing is different than most throw out bearings in that it pulls on the clutch instead of pushing. There is a spring clip that holds the bearing in place while you install the clutch. Once installed that spring really doesn't do much. Maybe it came loose. I wish you had a Helms Service Manual for your year Vette. It has all the pictures and diagrams that makes this easier to understand. I just replaced my clutch and flywheel, learned a lot about our set up, but it is different from most. Once he takes the clutch off, have him measure the distance the rear plane of the dual mass will rotate without the front plane moving. The max distance is 35mm or 1.378in. If he looks at you kinda funny, he probably needs to learn about this unique flywheel (Helms Service Manual)
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 09:44 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (HammerDown)

I agree with Strick.

If your engine is running fine, no missing, no vibration LEAVE IT ALONE!

You will not gain any, let me repeat, ANY, horsepower from different spark plugs, unless the ones that are in there are bad.
:iagree: People put way to much emphasis on plug brand. As long as you have the proper plug with the right heat range will will never be able to measure the differance. It's mostly personal preference.


[Modified by Gar, 9:47 PM 3/18/2004]
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Old Mar 18, 2004 | 11:46 PM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Strick)

I guess I am "testadura". Italian for hardhead. I had NGK Platinums in a Samurai and my performance and fuel economy dropped by 10% or more. I realize a built LT4 and a 1300cc import engine are a little different to say the least. I still want to try them this weekend. I will report any performance gains (even if it is all in my hard head). Thank you all for the help. I really mean that.




[Modified by VAHROOM, 9:51 PM 3/18/2004]
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 12:40 AM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (HammerDown)

Hammer, have you looked elsewhere for you vibes...That dosent sound ingition relatied to me. A good place to look is the tensioner pulley. They dont last forever. My self destructed and ruined my AC compressor.

I ignored the vibration.
:nonod:
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Old Mar 19, 2004 | 10:31 AM
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Default Re: Spark plug reccomendation please. (Strick)

I've got the Helms manual :thumbs:

I was even going to let them use it why they did the work :D
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