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Just stopped by Pep Boys to see if they carried NGK TR55 copper plugs (I know - I should be watching the race) and not only had the guy at the counter never heard of the TR55 plug, he said replacing the platinum plug would negatively impact the "late model vette's" computer. I told him I'd never heard of that and he said "check it out". So I am asking the experts. Any merit to this? Thanks.
There are MANY folks running TR55s, seemingly without problem. I think he meant well, and was being helpful; however, he was off base on this one. I am about to switch to them myself. Good luck. :)
I had trouble locating TR55's as well. None of the mainstream auto retailers will sell you a plug that their book does not call out! I finally found them at a little run-down parts store for $1.40 each! But the counter guy was a Corvette racing guy and he knew exactly why I wanted them.
What we need to know is what make/model calls for TR55's in their book! Then we can go in and say "I need a set of plugs for my 74 Pinto" and they won't try to sell you $10 platinum plugs!
I tried TR55 coppers in my '95 and it idled rougher and didn't run as well as expected. Two well regarded local 'Vette mechanics told me to only use either AC Delco 41-906's (the orig equip platinum plug), or AC Delco Rapidfire platinums (Rapidfire #3 is the cross referenced one for my LT1).
I pulled the NGK's and put in a new set of stocker AC delco 41-906's and it ran really well, noticeably better than with the NGK's. But I used copper based anti-seize compound on the AC delco plugs whereas I had used a generic non-metallic based anti seize on the NGK's, don't know if that had anything to do with it but copper based anti-seize is supposed to be best for a good ground connection to the head.
It might be interesting to see if the guys having good results with NGK's are using the stock plug wires or hotter aftermarket wires. Might have to do with how the plugs work in harmony with the particular type/resistance rating of the plug wires...
.055 should work good. I measured mine and the came at .057. so I closed them down a little since I've added roughly 70hp. If you want some help from someone who has done it give me a call. As for the TR55s causing problems I don't have any problems. They have been in for a couple thousand miles and the only thing I've noticed was a smoother idle and maybe a very slight increase in hp but I imagine that is only because I had 36K miles on the stock ones and they needed replaced :cheers: