Spark Plugs

[AF1Strider]

So This Weekend Im putting in headers and a ORY. im guessing since the Exhaust will be down n everything it will be a hell of alot easier to do the spark plugs. so should i do the spark plugs in my car, and if so what type should i use?

[jwitt2]

Yes you should....

what mods you planning on???? I like the NGK TR6's, but they are more for spray....

if it's a stock application, Go with a set of autolites (sp)

[99blueZ]

ngk tr55's cheap and good.

[AF1Strider]

well it will have pacesetter headers ORY Flowmaster 80 series, SLP lid, 160 thermostat.

[2001NBMZ28]

NGK TR55 V-power (stock no. 3951) will work fine. Don't forget the anti-seize.

[0rion]

Plugs in general will be easier to replace after the headers. Be careful when putting the headers on not to bang up your plugs and crack the ceramic.

[danziger]

Another vote for the NGKs...

[1BADDLS1]

NGK TR55-IX

OE replacment

came orignally w. platniums, but they suck - GM changed over to iriduims which are good for 50-100k (so they say)

pricey but totally worth it

[1BADDLS1]

copy & paste from a recent spark plug/wire thread...

NGK's do come "pre-gapped" however i do highly recommend DOUBLE checking them... i didn't once and the car ran like shit... pulled the plugs and what do ya know... TR55's gapped @ .40 instead of .50 advertised... changed them all out and re-gapped then she purred like a kitten

TR55's are "stock replacements"
i recommend buying the TR55 iridium's (ie TR55-IX) though since stock plugs came with platinum's but then GM realized platinum's suck for our cars... have since changed to iridium & they are awesome


for changing out the pass side spark plugs it will be a challenge... just be patient and buy a 10mm gear wrench to get the coil pack bracket off the valve cover and you shouldn't have a problem... also don't be afraid to bend the ac lines (not too much though!) and the Secondary A.I.R. lines that go to the exhaust manifolds (but make sure they don't touch when you bend them back... the air line will rub through the ac line

don't waste your time going from underneath if you have stock manifolds/cats... especially if your an auto bc there is no room what so ever

don't forget anti-seize & di-electric grease
depending on mileage & condition of the wires I'd consider swapping them out for Taylor's
also Taylor fire sleeves to prevent arcing/melting of any aftermarket wires...

all can be bought from Thunder Racing

plugs...
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...vid=3&pcid=102

wires...
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...vid=3&pcid=104

fire sleeves...
http://www.thunderracing.com/catalog...vid=3&pcid=198

orignal Spark Plug Gap 1.524 mm (0.060 in) (platnuim plugs)....

PERTAINING TO PLATNIUM TO IRIDIUM PLUGS...
Bulletin No.: 03-06-04-060
Date: October 24, 2003
INFORMATION
Subject:
Information on New Spark Plugs and Gapping
Models
2004 Cadillac CTS-V
1997-2004 Chevrolet Corvette
1998-2002 Chevrolet Camaro
1998-2002 Pontiac Firebird
2004 Pontiac GTO
etc etc etc etc
with 4.8L, 5.3L, 5.7L or 6.0L V-8 Engine (VINs V, P, T, Z, G, S, N, U - RPOs LR4, LM4, LM7, L59, LS1, LS6, LQ9, LQ4)

A new spark plug has been released for use in the above vehicles. The new spark plug has an Iridium tip instead of the current Platinum tip. Due to the different tip design, the gap of the spark plug has also changed. The new spark plug, P/N 12571164 with AC Delco P/N 41-985, is gapped to 1.01 mm (0.040 inches) when the spark plug is made. The spark plug gap is set during manufacturing and should not be changed or damage to the spark plug may result. Any new spark plug found to not be properly gapped should not be used.


hope this helps

[Ridinfilthy]

run tr6 or tr55 no need to go iridium waster of money!!!

[AF1Strider]

ok so i bought the NGK Iriduim IX. what shoudl they be gapped to? the sticker on my car says .060 and the plugs were supposed to come gapped at .050 but most of them are at .060 which should i go? i thinking put them all at .055?

[JonD99]

stick with .050, just make sure they are at .050. And use anti sieze.

[1BADDLS1]

anti sieze & di-electric greese

run tr6 or tr55 no need to go iridium waster of money!!!

[Anthracis]

You update the wires too? might as well. MSD makes a nice set. Not too expensive.

[Wheeler99WS6]

run tr6 or tr55 no need to go iridium waster of money!!!

not a waste if your AFR is good. tr55 is copper and would eventually need replaced20-30kmi. iridium is good for at least 100k. need good AFR or you will foul them out like any other plug though.

[ATCharming]

doesnt making the gap a little bigger advance the spark timing and slightly increase performance?

[Ridinfilthy]

i change plugs often that is why i say waste of money and who is going to keep their car a another 100k not me!!!!!

[1BADDLS1]

i change plugs often that is why i say waste of money and who is going to keep their car a another 100k not me!!!!!

oh ok - diff story then lol... how often you swap them out?

[rbob93]

NGK's are $2 each
The iridiums are $6 each

Change 'em out three times and you've paid for the iridiums.....I don't see how they waste money

[Wesman]

I have AC Delco Iridiums (made by NGK, same as Iridium IX's) in my car and they are great. I highly reccommend them for N/A applications.

Why anyone would bother putting copper plugs in a newer car is beyond me. Unless you go through plugs like crazy, they are a waste of time and money. They are a bitch to change in our cars, doing plugs every 20K is just plain stupid IMO. Go with Iridiums, they are very resistant to gap erosion and will last you a damn long time.