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Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

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Old 09-16-2021, 09:32 PM
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Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

I'm replacing plugs with the type that came with the HO, which are AC Delco MR43LTS with a .040 gap (a marine plug if you can believe it). The wires were 8 mm Chevrolet Bowtie Logo wires, but I think I'll try a universal set of some sort that I can cut to size. I'm considering the following:

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/sum-860825r

https://www.jegs.com/i/JEGS/555/40201/10002/-1

https://www.jegs.com/i/Taylor/895/73251/10002/-1

I'm open to suggestions.

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; 09-17-2021 at 07:15 AM.
Old 09-16-2021, 11:13 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

The ACDelco Marine version of the R44LTS, would be Part Number: MR44LTS.

I have not seen the MR44LTS Spark-Plugs in stock anywhere for some time...
However, I do often see the MR43LTS Spark-Plugs available (One Temperature-Range Cooler).
Old 09-17-2021, 12:33 AM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

CR43LTS (Commercial/ extended-life/ intended not to foul from excessive Engine Idling Time) were Stock for many of the 350 Vortec Engines that were built for Vans.
Not too COLD of a plug for a 9.25:1 Compression Vortec 350.
Old 09-17-2021, 07:19 AM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

The plug part # is corrected above (thanks, my bad). I've had the MR43LTS for several years. I note that the newer 350 HO Deluxe manuals indicate the use of R44LTS.

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Last edited by JamesC; 09-17-2021 at 07:36 AM.
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Old 09-17-2021, 08:15 AM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

This is my choice for cut to length.
https://www.summitracing.com/parts/msd-5553
Options for cap terminal. 90 degree plug ends.
​​​​​​Also available in red.
Old 09-17-2021, 03:08 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

For Street Cars that do not require anything fancy for Ignition-Wires...

I like to use the Accel 9000 Ceramic-Boot Wires.
Great for Turbocharged Engines:


Old 09-17-2021, 03:35 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

I've used the Summit 860825r with good success. Notwithstanding the above comment, I've heard that the ceramic boots don't stay on well. I should add I previously used the Taylor Thunder Volt 8.2 wires and couldn't tell the difference. Maybe just me...
Brian

Last edited by brian p; 09-17-2021 at 03:44 PM. Reason: more info
Old 09-17-2021, 11:01 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

I have made hundreds of Ignition-Wires with those Ceramic-Boots by now, and have never had an issue.

Also, it is the Terminal inside of the Boot that holds everything on to the Spark-Plug.
Not the Boot itself.

If you ever have a loose fitting Terminal, you can bend it in order to fit properly...
or just replace it.
Old 09-18-2021, 08:21 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Originally Posted by JamesC
The plug part # is corrected above (thanks, my bad). I've had the MR43LTS for several years. I note that the newer 350 HO Deluxe manuals indicate the use of R44LTS.

JamesC



Well, I just HAVE TO ask....what is it about these plugs that makes them marine plugs (I was thinking in terms of a corrosion reducing coating on the metal parts), and what make them a "Non-Automotive Spark Plug"?
Old 09-18-2021, 10:14 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Looks like a short insulator? Maybe the wire boot covers all the way to the metal base?
Old 09-19-2021, 09:48 AM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Originally Posted by DynoDave43
Well, I just HAVE TO ask....what is it about these plugs that makes them marine plugs (I was thinking in terms of a corrosion reducing coating on the metal parts), and what make them a "Non-Automotive Spark Plug"?
From another website:

Here's the official response from ACDelco.
The only difference is marine and non-marine. ACDelco marine plugs feature
a nickel-plated, rust resistant shell on all applications, and a clipped
side electrode on some applications. These plugs are designed for higher
RPM engines. They also have a larger heat sink, and the porcelain is not
only pressed into the heat sink, it is glued.

Spark plugs must operate within certain limits if they are to provide the
performance and service life expected. Engine manufacturers select a type
of spark plug for the normal or expected service for which the engine was
designed.

The heat range, which is designated by the second numeric digit (second 4)
is the same in both spark plugs.
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Old 09-19-2021, 08:06 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Thanks Skinny Z. So I wasn't nuts in think the exterior was coated against corrosion, but there is more to it than that. Good to know.

Sorry to drag your thread off topic JamesC. This was supposed to be about wires, and not plugs. But my curiosity got the better of me.
Old 09-19-2021, 09:07 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Originally Posted by DynoDave43
Thanks Skinny Z.

Sorry to drag your thread off topic JamesC. But my curiosity got the better of me.
All good. Interesting stuff.

JamesC
Old 09-19-2021, 11:11 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

I was just going to say, the only real difference is...
They wont be totally rusted looking after a few weeks.
Old 09-20-2021, 07:45 AM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Originally Posted by vorteciroc
I was just going to say, the only real difference is...
They wont be totally rusted looking after a few weeks.
But a few years of course....

JamesC



Old 09-20-2021, 11:49 AM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Actually, since those plugs have't been out in some time, a bit of penetrating fluid might be in order. Hopefully, the plugs were put in with some anti-seize.

JamesC

Last edited by JamesC; 09-20-2021 at 09:43 PM.
Old 09-20-2021, 04:52 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Never hurts to give them a blast. It's the tooling that can be real pain. I've an assortment of sockets and wrenches to allow for good access. The 5/8" offset box end wrench gets to all the plugs but I only need it for a few. The rest are plug socket and ratchet accessible.




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Old 09-20-2021, 05:11 PM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Originally Posted by skinny z
It's the tooling that can be real pain. I've an assortment of sockets and wrenches to allow for good access. The 5/8" offset box end wrench gets to all the plugs but I only need it for a few. The rest are plug socket and ratchet accessible.
Yep. Along with the off-set, I have a pass through socket set from Harbor that should do the deal. I'll get the car up on some Race Ramps in case, but it "appears" that I should may be able to access everything from the top.

JamesC
Old 09-21-2021, 08:50 AM
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Re: Plugs Are Sorted, Now Wires

Originally Posted by skinny z
The 5/8" offset box end wrench gets to all the plugs but I only need it for a few. The rest are plug socket and ratchet accessible.




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