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Old 07-06-2017, 02:01 PM   #1
AJ_Shore
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Optimal Spark Plugs

Hello All:

I am a new owner of a 1972 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special. This is a 3/4 Ton 2dr Fleetside Pickup with a 5.7L V8 350/175hp engine, and an Edelbrock 4bbl carburetor.

The truck was sitting for a while, and I would like to do a full tune up of the vehicle - change spark plugs, rotor, distributor cap, and wires.

Question - What is the optimal spark plugs I should consider? One that might resist fouling? I could be wrong. But, I believe the stock plugs for the engine is an ACDelco - R44T. Not asking for the brand. But more so, the best type of plug to install.

Please let me know if you need more information in order to answer my query.

Thanks in advance.

Last edited by AJ_Shore; 07-07-2017 at 07:01 AM.
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Old 07-06-2017, 02:16 PM   #2
Alex V.
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

I'd go with whatever the stock replacement is, or one range hotter if it burns some oil or it gets putted around at low speed most of the time. I run stock application plugs in all my Chevy V8's and they perform more than satisfactory.
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Old 07-06-2017, 02:26 PM   #3
demian5
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

AC Delco R43 or R44 TS or TSX
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Old 07-06-2017, 03:40 PM   #4
toolboxchev
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

There is no super simple answer to spark plugs. AC Delco brand is worth sticking with.

If you are for sure that is a bone stock engine with no mods the R43 would be the norm.

If you need a hot spark to burn off oil consumption than I choose an R45TS. I am running an HEI with Pertronix ignition module and Accel super coil. I want a hot spark with E10 fuel.

The TS stands for tapered seat and is not stock for my 70 chevy with a 350. I found NGKs in my truck when I first picked it up. I do not think the PO really cared about it. At one point I was up to 12-13 mpgs with clean plugs and a tune!
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Old 07-06-2017, 03:45 PM   #5
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

I would use the extended tip plugs. They run cleaner & resist fouling. R44ts or if you want a hotter plug R45ts. I believe AC is the best plug for these engines.
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Old 07-07-2017, 06:40 AM   #6
AJ_Shore
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

Thank you all for the responses and the recommendations. As far as I can tell, the engine is stock and without any modifications. It was restored about 10 years ago, but has only about 3,600 miles on it.

Since I got this beautiful truck about three weeks ago, I have had to change the fuel pump, battery, accelerator pump, alternator, and voltage regulator to get the truck moving. However starting this past weekend, the truck started showing some signs of slow acceleration, loss of power, poor fuel economy, and engine misfire.

At this point, I am hoping that just a full tune up - new wires, plugs, rotor and cap will fix the issue. I will go with the AC Delco R45TS plugs for the plugs.

Thanks again.
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Old 01-17-2018, 10:20 AM   #7
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

Has anyone tried the AC Delco Rapid Fire Platinum plugs in their C10?
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Old 01-17-2018, 10:28 AM   #8
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

How bout you play nice and show us some pics of your new toy?
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Old 01-17-2018, 12:01 PM   #9
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

Are you still running a points distributor ? or has it been switched over to HEI ?
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Old 01-17-2018, 12:07 PM   #10
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by Grumpy old man View Post
Are you still running a points distributor ? or has it been switched over to HEI ?
I've switched over to HEI but otherwise the motor is stock.
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Old 01-17-2018, 12:18 PM   #11
Grumpy old man
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

Quote:
Originally Posted by crabman View Post
I've switched over to HEI but otherwise the motor is stock.
I wouldn't waste the time or money to use platinum plugs or any type of synthetic oil , I would regap the plugs to at least .045 with HEI some guys go even higher ,060 ?
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Old 01-17-2018, 01:13 PM   #12
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

>> had to change the fuel pump, battery, accelerator pump, alternator, and voltage regulator<<

>>hoping that just a full tune up - new wires, plugs, rotor and cap will fix the issue.<<

Time to stop throwing parts at it.

With a points ignition, the points need replaced or cleaned/adjusted every 10-15,000 miles and timing checked/adjusted. The other parts generally only need visual inspection or cleaning. Good time for oil change and maybe air filter, but throwing parts and money at it doesn't guarantee a good tune-up.
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Old 01-17-2018, 05:25 PM   #13
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Re: Optimal Spark Plugs

I didn’t read the op’s process as all an effort to solve poor acceleration and bad fuel economy (ie throwing parts at that problem), I read it to mean he had to install all those parts just to get it moving at all. Now that it’s actually moving under its own power, he wants to tune it up to address poor accel and bad fuel economy.

Yes, R43 or R44 is a good choice. I prefer AC Delco. If HEI, increase gap as recommended above. But before you do ANY of that... pictures. I’m a Custom Campaholic
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