Spark plugs and wires

[TonyS]

What are the opinions on plugs to use for a 1969 302? Also, American Autowire factory fit plug wires were recommended for me to buy, but I can’t seem to find them on their website. Any other ideas on where to find these plug wires?

Thanks.

[x66 714]

I just bought a set for my 396 from American Autowire. Call them. They were very helpful to me...Joe

[rszmjt]

I’ve used lectric limited for ign wires, very correct. As for plugs I use 1 heat range hotter , R44S AC delco. If you want the green rings plugs you will have to search on eBay.

[Mike S]

 I used Lectric Limited  for my recent 67 396 restore and am very happy with the fit and finish.

Mike

[bertfam]

Tony, are you restoring the car and need "correct date coded" wires? If yes, then Lectric Limited, American Autowire, etc... can set you up. If no, then go down to your local FLAPS (Friendly Auto Parts Store) and get a set of wires. My local Auto Zone has them for less than $20 and they come with a lifetime warranty!

As for spark plugs, like Mike stated, if you're restoring the car, you need the AC Delco "Green Ring" plugs (NOT cheap IF you can even find them), but if it's a driver and not being restored for "show", I like either Delco or (heaven forbid) Autolite! (I know guys, Autolite is Furd, but I still like them.) I HATE Champion. They last about 100 miles before they're worn out.

Ed

[BH69Z/28]

I use current production AC R43 spark plugs and spark plug wires from HBC that are date coded for my car. The R43 plugs haven't fouled on me, and the wires look great as they're all the proper length.

[TonyS]

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. This car is basically restored/refurbished already, but I may eventually have it in a small local show just for the experience of it. So, I will probably go for the original style wires from either American Autowire or Lectric Limited. I think the standard plugs without the green rings will work fine.

Thanks again.

[rszmjt]

As Ed posted I like AC plugs too, heck I even use AC plugs in my small block Top Sportsman car. I don't care for Champions either, but have used Autolite and NGK with good results too.
The only reason I use R44S in my own Z, is I find the R43 tend to foul up a bit because the car has 3.73 diff.

[TonyS]

Mine has a 4.10 rear, so do you think the hotter plug would be the best choice?

[rszmjt]

Tony, It kinda depends how much idle and off idle time your car sees, those little motors don't run clean till about 3500 rpm, lets face it, they are pretty long winded with the stock cam and ex manifolds etc. Unless you do a lot of highway type constant rpm driving I would use the R44, it may be hard to find them, I think they have been discontinued. Distributor curve has a lot to do with it also, as the stock Z28 distributor curve is very messed up.
R43 - GM 19355203.
You may have to have your local parts store convert the R44S number into another brand.

[firstgenaddict]

The corvette guys get tired of the repro wires breaking down - SO a number of guys on the forums buy PACKARD 440 solid core and then stamp their own wires with the dates and logo...

The hotter plug is only needed if it is needed...
If the 43's appear to be black or are fouling out and don't have a nice light brown - tan appearance then go with 44's -
If I am not mistaken my understanding of plug heat ranges is: Hotter plugs take longer to transfer the heat produced by the electrode to the plug seat - (keeping more heat in the plug to burn off deposits)

Sometimes the steeper gear keeps the revs up so you are not in the area of plug fouling like when you run around in 4th with 3.55's.