Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Brownsville, Tx
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Manual
Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Over the years I have bought good and bad spark plugs. I once bought the Bosch 4+, the ones with the four prongs and they were great on fuel eceonomy but sucked in power. I have used the Split Fires for many years and have gotten good results but I still have that nagging question about the best sparks to use.
Also, I have heard from different mechanics as to which sparks to use and get varying answers. So, I will ask the question here and see what happens:
What are the best/recommeded spark plugs for a 92 Camaro RS (305 TBI)? Hopefully, I can put this question to rest. Thx for any info in this!
Also, I have heard from different mechanics as to which sparks to use and get varying answers. So, I will ask the question here and see what happens:
What are the best/recommeded spark plugs for a 92 Camaro RS (305 TBI)? Hopefully, I can put this question to rest. Thx for any info in this!
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Usually when you ask for an opinion on the best spark plugs, you'll get a hundred different replies. My personal one is I've never had decent results with any of the Bosch platinum style plugs. I experienced the same result as you, lack of power. They seem to work good in 4 cylinders, but tons of people complain about them when they run em in a V8. Sh*tfires are just overpriced gimmickry. I had the same motor as you, 305 TBI. I ran the AC plugs in it for a while, and they worked fairly decent. However, I did notice a slight improvement when I switched to Champion RV17YC's. Car had a little better pickup and power with them. Keep in mind those are just the standard, run-of-the-mill Champion plugs(Copper Plus), no exotic metals, multiple tips, etc. I don't know how well they work in the TPI motors, but they sure kept my lowly TBI happy! I changed them about every 45K or so. If you want plugs that'll go 100K without problems, go with the AC Delco Rapidfires. They're a bit spendy though.
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
used 8 different kinds and best one was accel U-Groove blister pack best ones i ever bought made a .25 difference on time records compared to my second best times using V power spark plugs trust me worth every pennie
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Brownsville, Tx
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Manual
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Thanks for the feedback! Also, anyone ever used the iridium or more "exotic" plugs and if yes, was it worth their price?
So, to recap for those maybe looking into buying sparks for their camaro here are the top choices so far for a 305 TBI
Top Choices:
1. AC Delco (though no explanation given)
2. AC Delco Rapidfire
3. Accel U-Groove
4. Champion RV17YC's
Poor Choices:
1. Bosch Platinum
So, to recap for those maybe looking into buying sparks for their camaro here are the top choices so far for a 305 TBI
Top Choices:
1. AC Delco (though no explanation given)
2. AC Delco Rapidfire
3. Accel U-Groove
4. Champion RV17YC's
Poor Choices:
1. Bosch Platinum
Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: L98 with headers/exhaust
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
I've had nothing but good experience with NGKs. I use them in all of our vehicles when possible...from Z06 and Formula to LeSabre and Sierra.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 38
Likes: 1
From: Brownsville, Tx
Car: 92 Camaro RS
Engine: 305 TBI
Transmission: Manual
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Never heard of NGK but I'll add it to the list. I'll check out NGK. Thanks.
Top Choices:
1. AC Delco (though no explanation given)
2. AC Delco Rapidfire
3. Accel U-Groove
4. Champion RV17YC's
5. NGK
Poor Choices:
1. Bosch Platinum
Top Choices:
1. AC Delco (though no explanation given)
2. AC Delco Rapidfire
3. Accel U-Groove
4. Champion RV17YC's
5. NGK
Poor Choices:
1. Bosch Platinum
Trending Topics
Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
From: Chesapeake, VA
Car: 1991 Formula Firebird
Engine: L98 with headers/exhaust
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 10-bolt
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
The TR-6s worked especially well, but they are a colder plug that I used in a nitroused 382...
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: North Wales,UK
Car: 1985 Z28 in Silver
Engine: 302(4bbl)
Transmission: Stock auto
Axle/Gears: Stock
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
I've got Champion RV19YC's in mine! I have heard that my 85 Z28(305, 4bbl) is supposed to be running RV17YC's. I'm a bit worried that the heat range is wrong with these plugs(RV19YC's). Anyone else used the 19's over the 17's?
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Unless you've got a problem, or a different configuration then stock, your engine is going to perform just as well on the recommended OEM AC Delco plug as any of the gimmick plugs.
Junior Member
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 78
Likes: 0
From: jacksonville, NC/campbellsville Ky
Car: 2014 2SS/RS
Engine: LS3
Transmission: TR6060
Axle/Gears: 3.55
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Which Accel U grooves are you running? I'm about to do my spring tune up on my camaro and I was looking at the accel plugs. I've never heard anything but good stuff out of them.
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
my car burns a lot of oil and the block learn is sitting at 158. injector pulse width is 2.48ms but it misfires, lack of power stumble popping at 4200 rpms. i am running champion plugs now gapped .35. so my question is how can i benefit from running different plugs. would a different heat range or better plug withstand oil fouling and what not. also what heat range.
Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 186
Likes: 1
From: Scottsdale, AZ
Car: 1991 RS L99 1992 Z28 L98 Heritage
Engine: L99 L98
Transmission: 6L80E / 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 LSD disc (both)
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
No disrespect, but you really have never heard of NGK? Its one of the biggest plug companies on Earth. Again, no disrespect but what year were you born in? That might shed some light on it.
Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Car: 1990 IROC-Z 1LE
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 20
From: Boston, MA
Car: 1983 Pontiac Trans Am Daytona 500
Engine: Crossfire 305ci V8
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 4 speed Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23 limited slip/posi
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Bump
Member
iTrader: (4)
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 482
Likes: 2
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
Car: 1990 IROC-Z 1LE
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: G92 3.23
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Why would you revive this thread? Its all subjective. Let the dead horse rest in peace.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 20
From: Boston, MA
Car: 1983 Pontiac Trans Am Daytona 500
Engine: Crossfire 305ci V8
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 4 speed Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23 limited slip/posi
Member
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 305
Likes: 1
From: New Jersey
Car: 1988 Camaro Base model
Engine: 305 LO3 5.0L V8 TBI
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10Bolt Rear, Not sure the gearing
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Use ac delco. Bosch and shitfires are for 4 cylinder hi-revving rpm engines. Chevys use ac delco parts for a reason and if your car runs good (not burning oil or coolant) you'll easily get 100,000 miles out of them
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: San Fernando Valley, California
Car: 1987 O.G. IROC-Z28
Engine: 5.7 350c.i T.P.I
Transmission: T56 6 speed
Axle/Gears: 3.42 I believe ?
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Ok guys here's my question as far as fuel economy? Im only looking into Ac Delco's or NGK. Which one gives better mpg? It might not be such a big difference but I know NGK is strictly for Japanese cars. Which those rice rockets are known for their good mpg's (no offense hehe AMERICAN MUSCLE...U.S.A.)
Last edited by 3rdGen24/7; Feb 27, 2016 at 07:16 PM.
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,942
Likes: 20
From: Boston, MA
Car: 1983 Pontiac Trans Am Daytona 500
Engine: Crossfire 305ci V8
Transmission: Jasper 700R4 4 speed Automatic
Axle/Gears: 3.23 limited slip/posi
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Ok guys here's my question as far as fuel economy? Im only looking into Ac Delco's or NGK. Which one gives better mpg? It might not be such a big difference but I know NGK is strictly for Japanese cars. Which those rice rockets are known for their good mpg's (no offense hehe AMERICAN MUSCLE...U.S.A.��)
ac Delco platinum's or iridium by ngk or ac delco
Supreme Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,390
Likes: 0
From: Bright, IN
Car: '86 Bird, 96 ImpalaSS, 98 C1500XCab
Engine: LG4, LT1, L31
Transmission: 700R4, 4L60E, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.73 Tors, 4.88 spool, 3.73 Eaton
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Ok guys here's my question as far as fuel economy? Im only looking into Ac Delco's or NGK. Which one gives better mpg? It might not be such a big difference but I know NGK is strictly for Japanese cars. Which those rice rockets are known for their good mpg's (no offense hehe AMERICAN MUSCLE...U.S.A.��)
Use the correct plug for the application, correct reach, correct heat range, and there is no difference in performance or mileage between those two or any other quality plug.
Just make your choice based on availiablity/price.
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 949
Likes: 5
From: England
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 350 TPI w/ extras !
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Ive got champion RV17YC plugs in my 87 5.7 TPI engine and it runs great.
ive just got an 84 Trans Am now with a 305 H.O engine and the parts place says i should use RV19YC plugs. Does anyone know if thats right, i thought it would use the same plugs as my 87 ?
ive just got an 84 Trans Am now with a 305 H.O engine and the parts place says i should use RV19YC plugs. Does anyone know if thats right, i thought it would use the same plugs as my 87 ?
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 905
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Hmm..I wonder if the '84, being carbureted, needs a hotter plug (19) to avoid fouling?
Supreme Member
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 4,482
Likes: 9
From: Northern, CA
Car: 1989 Iroc-Z Camaro
Engine: TBI,5.0
Transmission: Automatic 700R4
Axle/Gears: Eaton Posi,3.42,LPW Ultimate Cover
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
So far I like these the best in my car.
NGK G-Power Platinum's
= https://www.ngksparkplugs.com/produc...-plugs/g-power
$3.49 each = http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...patibilityTab_
NGK G-Power Platinum's
= https://www.ngksparkplugs.com/produc...-plugs/g-power
$3.49 each = http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/de...patibilityTab_
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 873
Likes: 2
From: Northern part of The Netherlands
Car: '88 Firebird Formula 350
Engine: 350 (5.7 TPI)
Transmission: auto 700R4
Axle/Gears: BW 9-bolt L.S.
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Although I use Bosch parts ( sparkplugs) in about all what I drive, I have to admitt, Bosch sparkplugs and Chevy Small Blocks don't go well together.
I have good results with AC Delco Rapidfire's in my (almost) stock Firebird Formula 5.7 TPI.
I have good results with AC Delco Rapidfire's in my (almost) stock Firebird Formula 5.7 TPI.
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 4,807
Likes: 905
From: MICHIGAN
Car: 1988 Trans Am
Engine: L03
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 10 Bolt 2.73 Open
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
I will admit that I have some Iridium plugs in the L31 in my Suburban right now, and they run fine. No better, but no worse than the original platinum ACs that came out of it.
Member

Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 467
Likes: 8
From: Waldron Arkansas
Car: 1986 IROC Z28
Engine: Carburated small block 454
Transmission: Level 3 Raptor 700R4 2600 stall
Axle/Gears: Strange S60 3:73 S Trac Posi
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Stock engine=stock spark plugs; the engineers spent a lot of time designing the stock engine, including what plugs to use in it. Start running bigger cams and higher compression and then you will have to consider a colder spark plug to prevent preignition.
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 949
Likes: 5
From: England
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 350 TPI w/ extras !
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
I give up on all the compatability things when trying to order plugs, Rock Auto tells me one thing, ebay tells me another, a US parts supplier here in the UK tells me a 3rd thing !!!
I run Champion RV17YC plugs in my 87 GTA, HOWEVER...... i also recently aquired an 84 Trans Am with the stock 305 H.O. engine and cant get a straight answer what plugs to use in that.
Champion RV15YC4 plugs supposedly, but i cant get a straight answer. Anyone ??
I run Champion RV17YC plugs in my 87 GTA, HOWEVER...... i also recently aquired an 84 Trans Am with the stock 305 H.O. engine and cant get a straight answer what plugs to use in that.
Champion RV15YC4 plugs supposedly, but i cant get a straight answer. Anyone ??
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 17
Likes: 0
From: Los Angeles, CA
Car: 1986 Camaro Z28
Engine: TPI 305 CI 5.0L V8 LB9
Transmission: AUTO 4 SPD 700 R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 RATIO
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
I give up on all the compatability things when trying to order plugs, Rock Auto tells me one thing, ebay tells me another, a US parts supplier here in the UK tells me a 3rd thing !!!
I run Champion RV17YC plugs in my 87 GTA, HOWEVER...... i also recently aquired an 84 Trans Am with the stock 305 H.O. engine and cant get a straight answer what plugs to use in that.
Champion RV15YC4 plugs supposedly, but i cant get a straight answer. Anyone ??
I run Champion RV17YC plugs in my 87 GTA, HOWEVER...... i also recently aquired an 84 Trans Am with the stock 305 H.O. engine and cant get a straight answer what plugs to use in that.
Champion RV15YC4 plugs supposedly, but i cant get a straight answer. Anyone ??
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 517
Likes: 4
From: Perth Western Australia
Car: 1987 Z28 Camaro
Engine: 305 LG4 4bbl
Transmission: TH700R4
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
Got headers? i do. i threw some of the shorties in it. love them as its now possible to get a plug socket on them 
this change took about 15 mins as opposed to hours on end
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...5/model/camaro

this change took about 15 mins as opposed to hours on end
https://www.summitracing.com/int/par...5/model/camaro
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 949
Likes: 5
From: England
Car: 1987 GTA
Engine: 350 TPI w/ extras !
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Best/Recommended Spark Plugs
It was the champion RV15YC4 plugs i got for the 84 mate, but if you have a TPI motor you will probably need the RV17YC ones like i run in my 87 TPI
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
90formulaVortec
Interior
1
Sep 8, 2015 12:42 AM
89 formula TPI
Tech / General Engine
10
Sep 7, 2015 11:06 AM








