C2 1963 SWC engine FI

[Jerry S.]

We have rebuilt, reconditioned or replaced every part on this beautiful car. Now we hear engine noises and have found that, "the previous owner", had used the incorrect spark plugs and did not remove the 6 tips we found on the pistons. So our final effort will be to replace the pistons and rods, do the heads and send everything out to be balanced. Any recommendations on rods and pistons? Your suggestions will be appreciated. The current parts are original GM pistons and stock rods.

[Loren L.]

Did the tips damage the pistons or cylinder

walls - or are they just embedded in the top of the pistons?

[Jerry S.]

Re: Did the tips damage the pistons or cylinder

Only the tops of 6 pistons. The cylinders are clean we will hone them. Nice time to take a picture of by block so if ever judged one could see the hatch on the number pad matches the block. Here we go again. I wonder if the "F" stampings are correct?

[Joe S.]

Which Plugs would be the best!

I too am in the middle of my 63 FI getting an overhaul. It was never pulled apart and the clock shows 80k (cannot validate other than condition and wear).

It currently has AC RC-45 plugs in it but two are cracked and I would replace them all anyway. Should I replace them with these or is there a better suggestion from anyone?

Good luck with your pistons. My walls had a bit two much gap and ridge at the top although the rods and bearings were in great shape. Crank is just getting polished, new bearings, cam bearings and cam, valve job, and the bore and pistons.




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Duke W.]

Re: Which Plugs would be the best!

For a bulletproof bottom end I recommend Crower Sportsman rods. The early small bearing rods are definitely weak and lack durability. Later versions, beginning in '66 or '67, had an additional hump of material adjacent to the bolt seat, which considerably improved their durability, but the Sportsmans are good insurance and are cheaper magnaflux inspecting, polishing, new bolts, resizing, and shootpeening the OE rods.

I also recommend the Federal Mogul Speed Pro forged pistons to replace the originals as they are the original supplier (back before FM bought TRW's automotive operations.

I recommend Denso W14-U or NGK B4 plugs. These are non-resistor plugs equivalent in heat range to the out-of-production AC45.

Duke

[Clem Z.]

Re: C2 1963 SWC engine FI

i always index the ground electrode to 9-12-3 o'clock postion when using extended tip plugs in any small block because i have seen the piston strike the ground electrode if it gets placed at the 6 o'clock position. this was on stock engines not modified ones with large "popup" pistons.