Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

[Chris Burbage]

After searching thru the archives I did not see a recommendation for my particular engine. Can someone recommend a plug for a 65 396 motor? Car will be used primarily around town and , at times, in heavy stop and go situations . Saw some mention of the AC44 and AC45 plugs for big blocks. Is this the way to go? Also, what would be a good book to purchase for tune-up specifications for this motor?

Thanks,

Chris

[Wayne M.]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

Chris --- They came from the factory with "AC 43N"s. Believe you can still find them at swap meets. The resistor AC R43N started (I believe) in '68. Recent posts have discussed the merits of resistor plugs. Think you can still get the R43N or R44N (city driving) from the General. Don't think the small block AC 43 or 44 (no N) will work in the BB heads. I use the AC R43XL (full thread for aluminum heads) which I KNOW are still available from the dealer. Not sure of non-AC recommendations; I'm sure others will fill you in.

[motorman]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

chris i just scanned you a copy of the tune up specs.

[Dennis Trayes]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

Whatever you do don't use Champion plugs. They lasted about 500 miles in my 68 390hp and then they started going intermittent. I got about 4 phone calls from my wife that her car wouldn't start only to get there and it started on the first try. The car finally died in the driveway and I found that 5 of the plugs weren't firing. I replaced them with Autolites and haven't had any problems since. When talking about the problem with other people a few of them said that, "Don't you know you never use Champions in a big block Chevy"

[chris burbage #34073]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

I just spoke with my friendly AC Delco salesman and he said the AC43N was replaced with the ACR43XLS. I know Wayne mentioned this plug in his response as well. Is this the one to get?

Chris

[motorman]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

chris, if i were you i would get 45 for every day driving.this is a hotter plug and it would be best for that. does your 396 have transistor ignition?

[chris burbage #34073]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

I am trying to source some AC45N's now. Chicago Corvetee is out of stock. They do have the AC43N's. The car is equipped with the TI module.

Chris

[motorman]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

chris i would go with the R45XLS as it will act as a colder plug because of the extended tip. the extended tip plugs can be run with a hotter range because of the fuel wash over the plug to keep it cooler. these plugs are better for street driving because they have a better chance of not fouling in slow driving.i always ran extended tip plugs in my BB race engines. i ran champs because they gave them to me free.

[Tim Genovese]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

Chris - I switched from the AC 43N to the AC R45XLS plug in my 396/425 and have been very pleased.

[chris burbage #34073]

Re: Spark Plug Recommendation - 396/425

I picked up a set of ACR45XLS plugs from Pep Boys last night. This weekend I'll put them in and give em a try.

Thanks,

Chris