THE BASICS:SPARK PLUGS

[Stewart G Griffin]

Now, i want to get into spark plugs:

I am asking not only for my 2.2L 4 cyl but for the 350 crate engine.

What do you feel about Splitfire, E3 diamondfire, bosch platinum 4's etc. and the like?

Or are stock R45's the way to go?

My needs are more for driveability, gas mileage and reliablilty (means i want them to last as long as possible.) rather than speed.

I rarely rev either motor over 3500 RPM.


83 C-10
stock crate 350 (250hp version)
TH-350C
2.56 rear

90 cavalier
2.2L 4 cyl  239,860 on clock
TH-125C  (3-speed)
3.18?  gear

[VileZambonie]

Yes go with the stock plug. Split fires 4 electrodes 85 electrodes it doesn't matter. The spark goes to the path of least resistance. All a split fire does is give the spark an alternative path to ground it cannot generate higher coil output nor will it allow spark to be maintained any better.

[Blazin]

I agree. I put Split fires in my 55 when i fiirst bought it. I didn't notice any performance gain. Plus after they sat for a winter they were junk had to buy new plugs. I have always been an AC man but a friend of mine races roundy round pro stocks. He told me to get Autolites. I have had great luck with them too.
 I put platnums in my ex's Intrepid, was not impressed with them either.

[Captkaos]

I have had good luck with AC and Autolites myself.

[VileZambonie]

I just re read my post and should clarify - coil output can be increased if the gap is larger but that would pertain to any plug. NOT recommended though if you want higher coil output get a high intensity coil along with a heavy duty carbon button, cap and rotor.

[87GMC1500]

i've used ac delco rapid fire and have liked them

[77c15]

To a certain degree, you get what you pay for. I would not recommend the higher dollar Bosch Platinum, or any plug that has a precious metal in the name simply because the life and "bang for the buck" can NOT be justified. I work part time at AutoZone and I'd rather sell an AutoLite to a found on road dead guy and an AC Delco to a GM owner than fool with making the bigger sale to have them never come back because I recommended a crappy plug. I have heard at least 20 guys say they've gotten a decent improvement in fuel economy and throttle response out of the Rapidfires.

[VileZambonie]

Those 20 guys probably needed new spark plugs and would have seen the same improvements with the conventional plug. Ask yourself this...If they are so great and actually did something why wouldn't they be OE? Manufacturers have to meet strict CAFE standards and it's just a gimmick. It's like shaving with a razor that has 6 blades....

[Blazin]

Yeah I get a kick out of the razors with 6 blades. I canb see 2 maybe 3 but 6? In 20 years they will have 40 blades!

[Stewart G Griffin]

OK, got it.  Stick to stock or close to it (rapidfires).

BTW, 4 blades is better than one or two on my face.

[77c15]

And six blades leaves a baby's butt smooth face! At least, that's what my wife told me!