what spark plugs do you recommend?
 

Hey guys, tomorrow I'm planning on getting new plugs and wires for my 94 Jimmy (4.3 vortec). I just wanted to get a 2nd opinion from you guys as to what I should get. When I was changing the plugs in my Trans Am, my mechanic insisted upon regular AC-Delco plugs. Different car, different engine, but the 4.3 Vortec and 305 TPI LB9 are both chevy engines right? Lemme know what you guys think, something for best efficiency would be great since the Jimmy is my daily runner. Thanks!

EDIT: And what gap should they be set to? I know that plugs are supposed to come already properly adjusted but that is definitely not the case, at least through what I've seen.

Most of what I've seen here has been go with the AC Delcos.

AC Delco Platinum, pre-gapped, 'nuff said.

Sounds like a plan

I'm just gonna go with AC Rapidfires when I change mine. I've heard good things about them.

for the most part I'd say 90%+ of everyone on here goes with or goes back to Delcos. For whatever reason, the 4.3 in these blazers just seem to repond very well to them. i have poked through back posts on this subject and from time to time someone switches over or tries a new style of plug, but generally you cant go wrong with the delco plats.

i am running them now with 0 complaints.

I am running Bosch +4's and they've been absolutely great, they haven't gotten dirty after almost 50K.

Regards,

Thomas

You are one of the fortunate ones then. Bosch = JUNK IMO and that is based off of using them (against my recommendations) in quite a few different vehicles. All came back after less than 10k miles.

The first set my dad got was broke, but that was immediately apparent. This second set has performed well. The guy at napa told us DO NOT USE THE +4 IN CAVALIERS! Because they melt the tops of the pistons.

If they are junk, I will replace them with AC Delco when the time comes, one trick that has saved my a$$ alone on boats before is: If an engine won't start, put AC Delco plugs in it. That has worked several times for me. I also know that AC Delcos will run longer than anything else. I always carry spare AC Delco plugs with me for outdoor power stuff.

Regards,

Thomas

We went with the Bosch Platinum series that were pre-gapped and have driven them for the last 4-5,000 miles with absolutely no problems. Never tried the AC Delcos though but we loved the Bosch ones so far.

Whats the difference between AC Delco Rapidfire plugs and AC Delco platium plugs? can you still buy or get the rapidfires? and also can you use the Platiums in 92-95 CPI motors with getting a misfire?

AC Delco Rapidfire = copper electrode with nickel ground strap
AC Delco Platinum = platinum tip on both electrode and ground strap
AC Delco Iridium = iridium electrode with platinum tip on the ground strap

Platinum does not erode like the copper does which gives the plug longer life and because it is a smaller area, the spark is more controlled.

Iridium does the same basic thing as Platinum, but with an even finer electrode tip, the spark, again, is more controlled.

Hi Kyle
check out this AC Delco link: http://www.acdelco.com/parts/sparkplugs/
i think there is actually 4 type of spark plugs...there's a regular copper, then next is the rapidfire with platium electrode tip and regular ground strap, and then the double platium, and then the Iridium...is this right? also is it true that Autolite makes the spark plugs for AC delco now?

Yeah, I know there is. I would never consider the platinum tip with nickel ground electrode because the only benefit over the regular copper plug is a more controlled spark. They are on the same level in terms of life and I wouldn't consider paying more for that.

Has anyone ever used an NGK plug with the 4.3? I have to get new plugs soon so I've been searching around a bit. I found a lot of Bosch ones (which I will stay away from) but also some NGK ones. I've heard good things about the higher end NGK's, but they also make a pretty cheap one too. I'm thinking the cheap ones are going to be crap? Here they are on autopartsway: http://www.autopartsway.ca/autoparts...or%20LS~240800

well setting aside the cost factor, and that was not an issue at all cause your buddy has all of them, which plug would you pick or recommend in your opinion? which would cause the least amount of misfires? and can i even run platiums in my 95 CPI "W" motor? and is it true Autolite and AC Delco's are made from the same plant and tooling? only asking because some guy i came across says he works in actual the plant and says they are the same plugs just different labels are put on them depending where they are going. so i just wanted to confirm if you heard the same thing?

You should be able to use the double platinum or the premium iridium plugs with good success. I have used the AC Delco & NGK premium iridium plugs in a few different GM vehicles with good results.

And the plugs are very different. I like Autolite's copper plugs and run them in my 350's, but those ignition systems are not as hot as the more modern vehicles. For the newer GM's, stick to AC Delco.

.060 gap if i remember right

thanks for the advice. i have a brand new set of AC Delco CR43TS plugs that my truck actually calls for however im gonna wait to install them until i replace my spider,fuel nut, and lower intake gaskets when the weather gets better. this way they dont get all fouled up. but for now, temporarily, im gonna try the Autolite double platium single ground strap plugs since they wont cost anything and this way i can get out those Bosch +2 plugs out of my truck....

+2 heat range?

No, not +2 heat range... The Bosch +2 is their gimic plug with 2 ground contacts. +4 has 4.

I used to use AC Delco plugs but i just did a tune up and used E3 plugs and deffinitally noticed a difference in power and a little bit better gas mileage but the power was more noticeable!

Just a hint, but you will always notice a difference between old, worn out, plugs and new plugs. I still stick to the motto that if those plugs actually did what they say that they do, they would already be in these vehicles and not have to have infomercials to promote them.

i would not run e3 is any type of vehicle. i put them in a lawnmower once on a bet and had to replace them at the end of the season. they were shot, couldn't even start but different plugs in and it fired up. if they cant stand up in a lawnmower how are they gonna stand up in a vehicle

i recommend putting in what the factory emission sticker says it recomends. im only putting in Autolites now temeporarily until i fix my spider/intake and to take out the bosch plugs that are in it now. then after i will put the AC Delco's that i have for it. unless it runs fine with the Autolites afterward i may leave them in a little longer....

Wow, I put one in the my lawnmower and it was the best possibly that it ever ran after putting it in

this is such a debated topic.

i used to run the Champion Copper Truck plugs in my other "S" series trucks & gas powered 'Burb, and would put 50 to 60,000k on them with minor rounding of the electrode. never had any issues with them-ever.

but i've had waaaay too many people (on & off this forum) tell me these newer 4.3's run much better with the Delco's. this time around i went OE, since i got a complete tune up of AC stuff (originally bought @ the dealer) for $100 cash. can't beat that.

I installed Autolite double platinums for 4 months and they were bad. Bought AC Delco rapidfire's and it was like night and day...

Taught me a lesson....:icon_hyper:

I've always replaced them with what the book says. Be sure to gap them properly (the guy at the A/P store can tell you what is recommended and the gap). A little anti-seize on the threads isn't a bad idea either. It is a debatable topic like Oldskool says but I figure if GM installed them they must ne OK. I think mine are AC CTS 45, but check with the A/P guys. About the gap, they're almost never right straight out of the box. I've always had to open them up a little bit.

Sorry for bringing an old thread back to the top but I replaced the plugs with the standard factory Delcos and my 4.3 loves em. I noticed a decent difference, but that's probably because a couple of my old plugs had crud built up on them from age and possibly some light oil burning.

just curious, what part# are the AC Delcos that you put in?

AC Delco CR43TS
http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._1100214257___

10 year old pluggs
 

My 2001 has original plugs at 165K miles. Will I have problems getting them out?

Probably not.

When i search for AC delco plugs to my 1997 Blazer 4.3 Vortec, 41-913 platinum plugs are recommended. Could i still use CR43TS to save a little money?

If i search for plugs for the same car but 1995 model CR43TS are recommended. Is there something changed in the engine configuration between 95 & 97?

Thanks,

/qsec

ive got bousch platinum iridium with the 4 point.ive never had a problem with them a bit pricie but worth it.gor wires i got me some taylor performance wires also

i got me some bousch platinum with 4 point no problems and got some taylor performance wires too awesome.

open your hood, look at the emission sticker, and use what it says on the emission sticker....

Thanks, but on my sticker it just says the gap should be 0.60.
I have bought AC delco 41-993. I will try to change them tomorrow, should be interesting this number 3 spark plug.

/qsec

yes enjoy the pain in the butt #3. best way is through the tire well. at least it is on my 91.