Received a private message regarding a sparkplug recommendation but the sender wasn’t logged in so I don’t have any idea who it was.

Here’s my response.

 

Autolite 45’s or Autolite 46’s are typically available.  If it’s 8½:1 CR or less, go with the 46’s.  Otherwise use the 45’s.  After you run the engine for awhile, you can read the plugs and see if you need to make an adjustment.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

Hey Ted is there any advantage to using the Autolite Platinum 46 plug if using Flamethrower 1 coil and Ignitor in a stock 312?

are the Platinum 46 and Copper Core 46 the same heat range?

For the carbureted engines, the standard (and less expensive) spark plugs give the same performance attributes as the more expensive units.

Lorena, Texas (South of Waco)

I think yblocks are the same as my Harley. Cheaper the plug the better it runs. Lasts longer too. IMO platinum plugs are a waste of money in anything.

Dan      Kingman Az.      86409

Is one type or brand of plug wires notable better than others? 

My engine is a stock 292 with soon have a rebuilt distributor with Petronics ignition and stock coil.  I have a miss under hard acceleration and suspect, the plugs, wires, or cap.  Regardless, the wires and plugs were on the truck when I purchased it and are of questionable quality and suitability.  I would like replace the ignition with the most reliable parts available and not have to question if I have ignition issues in the near future.  Ram Horn manifolds are planned in the future.  Are there any special plug wires considerations for the Ram Horns? 

I have never had any issues with plug wires + ram horns.  I would recommend using a good quality Belden wire set from NAPA and the stock wire looms.  Re. platinum tip sparkplugs, the experts on this board can point out where I am wrong but I think they are primarily designed for late model low emissions type motors.  Most, if not all the design features of platinums and iridiums are intended to address performance goals which just don't apply to our older generation motors.  The "standard" design spark plug produces a spark kernel which is more effective in the typical "Y-block" combustion chamber.  IMO

Back when the quality of available "concours correct" sets were questioned, I installed a pre-cut set of brown Motocraft brand wires from Larry's T-Birds. Though the cut lengths were not quite as perfect, after nearly 8 yrs./50K miles, they are still performing flawlessly.

6 VOLTS/POS. GRD. NW INDIANA

From what I have been told about platinum spark plugs from my electrical mates is that there is a resistance with them which holds back the spark and allows the voltage to rise. BUT most systems already have resistance. This occurs in the radio suppressed leads you use or resistance plug cap used on some vehicles.  Putting two resistors in line eg 4ohm and 3ohm will not give a resistance of 7ohm but will only use the higher 4ohm resistance. The same can be said for electronic ignition systems they have already been optimized.

The only advantage to fancy spark plugs is to the plug companies bottom line.

regards

Warren

Grizzly (Aussie Mainline)