Engine Swap Everything about swapping an engine into your Third Gen.....be it V6, V8, LTX/LSX, crate engine, etc. Pictures, questions, answers, and work logs.

Simple Vortec question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 06-14-2003, 05:57 PM
  #1  
Member
Thread Starter
 
83TransAm's Avatar
 
Join Date: May 2002
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
Old 06-14-2003, 09:57 PM
  #2  
Member
 
justinhebert's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2001
Posts: 104
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Old 06-14-2003, 11:10 PM
  #3  
Supreme Member

 
F-BIRD'88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,111
Received 52 Likes on 49 Posts
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
Old 06-14-2003, 11:14 PM
  #4  
Member
 
CaddiBird's Avatar
 
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Jacksonville, FL
Posts: 118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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.
Old 06-14-2003, 11:28 PM
  #5  
Supreme Member

 
F-BIRD'88's Avatar
 
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 6,111
Received 52 Likes on 49 Posts
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..
Old 06-16-2003, 08:52 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Pony Killer's Avatar
 
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Atco, NJ, USA
Posts: 726
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like on 1 Post
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.
Old 06-18-2003, 11:30 AM
  #7  
Supreme Member

iTrader: (35)
 
wesilva's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Albuquerque, NM
Posts: 1,229
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes on 2 Posts
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.
Old 06-18-2003, 09:19 PM
  #8  
Member

 
1fastformula's Avatar
 
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Louisiana
Posts: 343
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes on 0 Posts
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
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
MustangBeater20
TBI
11
10-29-2022 09:20 PM
84z96L31vortec
Tech / General Engine
7
08-20-2017 12:16 AM
z28addict8490
Engine Swap
7
09-05-2015 03:56 PM
redmaroz
LTX and LSX
7
08-16-2015 11:40 PM
84z96L31vortec
North East Region
1
08-10-2015 08:27 PM



Quick Reply: Simple Vortec question



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 04:06 PM.