Plug Heat Ranges

Took out old plug # was 952.
The 952 is about a 1/16" longer.
The ones I took out looked new so I put it back in until I can find those that are identical to the ones that are in.
Do the numbers designate heat range?
Want to keep my 33 mpg on the highway and 27 in city. I do know that the higher the heat range the better the milage in town.
Will putting them in affect performance?
Engine is a 383.
Thanks
The pup

