63 FI Spark Plugs

[Joe S.]

My 63 FI is almost done with the rebuild. There was some discussion in a topic previously regarding plug choice.

I was going to pick up a set of AC-Delco R45S. The engine had R45 in it. It's a stock rebuild except .030 over and a cam recommended by John DeGregory to go with the FI unit. Don't have the specs handy. But not very radical and sufficient vacuum. And this is a Sunday cruiser (hopefully ;-)

Are these ok or should I consider something else.

Again, yet, and always,

Thanks,

Joe..




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Dennis C.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Joe, If you want to stick with the AC brand, I've had good service with the R45S

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Joe,

With the fuel injection and around town use, as opposed to highway or racing use, you may want to consider a "6" heat range AC plug, meaning a 46, R46S or 46S. Its a bit hotter than the "5" heat range.

[William C.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Keep in mind the "S" plug is extended tip and should not be used in an engine with domed pistons without proper care.

[Dave S.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Bill,

Excellent point. By proper care I assume you mean "indexing"

[William C.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Or knowing the engne has flatop pistons. Either will work, like some other old timers here, I've twisted a street corvette hard enough to close up a plug gap when I was a bit younger and the penalties weren't so costly.

[Loren L.]

How much are you planning on actually

driving this car - 1200 miles a year?? Or??
I have owned this car since 1974 - when I did the motor, I did NOT have the foresight to predict S__t gasoline - it did NOT like LEADED PREMIUM when you could still get it..........I resigned myself to buying an extra set of regular plugs every year and changing them - IT WORKS!!

[Dennis C.]

OK: So Loren, what's your point ??? *NM*

[Joe S.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

By indexing are we referring to making sure the spark plug is located in the hole so the electrode is furthest away from the top of the done piston? This sounds easy enough.

I just measured the R45S plugs. From the bottom of the crush washer to the very tip of the plug is right on abut .5". Given the depth of the hole in the heads, this seems like it should cut it.

?




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[William C.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

It is a lot easier and safer to just stick with the AC 44 or 45 or 46 plugs and not bother with the extended tips. The '63 plugs did not use extended tips as OEM on Corvettes.

[Loren L.]

That with a SBC with popup pistons &

a solid lifter cam, there is NO magic solution with spark plugs - if there was, we would all have been using them for the last 40 years.

[Dick W.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Like the days when you could buy a 375 hp 327 short block for under $300.00 and I did not make enough to buy it. Had to overhaul my lowly 283 230. Cost less than $100 for 8 pistons (did not understand that the red line on tach was a point that I needed to change gears, not when it popped back thru the carb), ring set, rod bearings and a gasket set.

[Mike M.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Poppa Smirf: had you been sipping the beast instead of jack daniels, you'd have had the 300 bucks for the 375hp. mikie

[Joe S.]

Re: 63 FI Spark Plugs

Just ran back down to the parts store. THey did not have 44's, 45's or 46's listed in the computer but hte guy was nice enough to go in the back and scrounge around. Came out with a box of R45's. Looks like problem solved. And in comparison, as most stated, the tip is shorter on the R45's compared to the "S"'s.

Thanks again,

Joe..




Joe's 63 FI Convertible

[Dennis C.]

Loren, Thank you... *NM*