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Simple Vortec question

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Old Jun 14, 2003 | 05:57 PM
  #1  
83TransAm's Avatar
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Car: 1983 Trans Am
Engine: 355 SBC
Transmission: 700R-4
Simple Vortec question

I have built an engine with Vortec cylinder heads and I was wondering if I have to use some different plug or something? What kind of plug should I use? So for all you vortec guys, what do you tell the parts counter guy when you need a new set of plugs???

Thanks!

Steve
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Old Jun 14, 2003 | 09:57 PM
  #2  
justinhebert's Avatar
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Vortec head sparkplugs have a longer thread than normal small block heads. When I got mine I asked for sparkplugs for a 1996 chevy half ton with a 350.
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Old Jun 14, 2003 | 11:10 PM
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F-BIRD'88's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 Firebird S/E
Engine: 406Ci Vortec SBC
Transmission: TH-350/3500stall
Axle/Gears: 7.5" Auburn 4.10 Posi-Traction
I used Champion RS12YC
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Old Jun 14, 2003 | 11:14 PM
  #4  
CaddiBird's Avatar
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From: Jacksonville, FL
Car: 89 base 'Bird
Engine: 507ci Caddy
Transmission: BOP TH400
Just for the record I belive Vortecs use a .750" thread lenght plug while a regular SBC used a .5" reach. Yeah like 83TransAm said just tell em' for a late model Chevy pick up. If you luck out you might find a half way smart guy at the counter, but I used to work at a major auto parts counter and only two other guys outta the 8 or so that worked the counter knew what they were doing.
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Old Jun 14, 2003 | 11:28 PM
  #5  
F-BIRD'88's Avatar
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From: Ontario, Canada
Car: 1988 Firebird S/E
Engine: 406Ci Vortec SBC
Transmission: TH-350/3500stall
Axle/Gears: 7.5" Auburn 4.10 Posi-Traction
Originally posted by CaddiBird
Just for the record I belive Vortecs use a .750" thread lenght plug while a regular SBC used a .5" reach. Yeah like 83TransAm said just tell em' for a late model Chevy pick up. If you luck out you might find a half way smart guy at the counter, but I used to work at a major auto parts counter and only two other guys outta the 8 or so that worked the counter knew what they were doing.
Actually Vortecs use a .708" reach plug.
Some Ford motors use this plug too.

Champion RS12YC is the right plug. If Champion is not your brand, just crossreference it to what ever is yours..
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Old Jun 16, 2003 | 08:52 PM
  #6  
Pony Killer's Avatar
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From: Atco, NJ, USA
Car: 1986 Z28
Engine: 355
Transmission: th400
in AC delco plugs

you want somethign between an R42LTS and an R45lts

the LTS is the imporrtant part.. it's delco-ese for long reach, taperseat, with extended tip.

if rapid fires are your poison it's the #8 rapid fires.
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 11:30 AM
  #7  
wesilva's Avatar
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From: Albuquerque, NM
Car: 1966 El Camino Custom
Engine: 350
Transmission: 200R4
Axle/Gears: 3:73 12 bolt with Brute Strength
Warning! Some parts guys will try to sell you the platinum plug for 96 - 2000 trucks which retails for $8.00 each!! Use the part number that the others have listed.
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Old Jun 18, 2003 | 09:19 PM
  #8  
1fastformula's Avatar
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From: Louisiana
Car: 1989 Formula 350 / 2000 Lightning
Engine: GM HO 350 Crate (Vortec headed w/TPI) / SC 5.4 330
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 (Raptor Rebuild Kit)
Originally posted by Pony Killer
in AC delco plugs

you want somethign between an R42LTS and an R45lts

the LTS is the imporrtant part.. it's delco-ese for long reach, taperseat, with extended tip.

if rapid fires are your poison it's the #8 rapid fires.

I run R42LTS Delcos on my GM 350 HO crate.....That is what GM calls for also.

Later
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