Hello. I've got a spark plug issue here. I am preparing a 1977 chevy big block 454 for installation in my 89 camaro. I was thinking about 4-point spark plugs to increase power (a bit) and improve fuel economy ( a little bit . The dude at the shop said ," are you sure you can put 4-point spark plugs in that engine ? Because engine damage may result ". Obviously I wasnt sure and I told him to hold on while I check with my boys at thirdgen So, does anyone have some knowledgeable advice about putting 4-point spark plugs in Mark IV big blocks ??? (I know this isnt strictly a thirdgen question, but its for the benefit of a thirdgen car
FYI : the standard plugs for the BBC are AC R44TS

 

Fancy plugs are all marketing gimmicks. I run NGK race plugs. They look just like any other spark plug with a single ground strap and cost about the same price as a normal spark plug. Because of the huge dome on my pistons, I need to index my plugs so the ground is at the top, away from the piston, or the piston will hit the plug.

A plug with 4 grounds will shroud the spark plus make it impossible to gap the plug.

If you compare a set of new gimmicks plugs against a set of new normal plugs, the only place you may see a difference is on a dyno and if there is any difference, it won't justify the extra cost.

Buying platinum plugs is worth it if your plugs are very difficult to change. They last longer so you don't have to change them as much. Typical spark plugs should be replaced every 2-3 years. Platinum plugs are good for at least 5 years.

 

He's took the words right out of my mouth.

If your lookin for that extra edge, which we all are, you could round off your ground electrode. There are a couple threads around here that describe how to do it pretty well.

 

I doubt they'd cause any damage, but these guys are right, they are for suckers. Your ignition system is about a gazillion times more important than how many grounds are on your plug. Plain old plugs + an MSD box = all you need.

 

Leave the MSD box out and it's still all you need.

 

454? Yea, I'd leave the gimmicks to guys trying to squeeze an extra 2HP out of their 90HP 4 banger, you barely have to break a sweat to get an extra 30HP out of that BEAST. I wouldn't sweat the small stuff. Enjoy the massive torque!

 

Thanks for the remarks guys
I'll just order a new set of AC R44TS babies , the platinum version if they have them. Because I have a feeling changing spark plugs will be a PITA once the BBC is installed