The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Spark plugs....

Hi Guys

Just got my 261 from the "Mawsheen shop"..... the 1958 GM manual calls for AC 44 spark plugs....of course I asked the friendly CTS parts person who gave me a blank look....... can anyone tell me what the current equivalent number would be.....
I was given Champion RC12YC....they do fit and at least will keep the dust out of the bore...but are they the proper plugs???....

For future reference and minimum maintenance I will run a Pertronix set up..... are there any high quality/long life plugs such as platinum that I can use and again what would be the brand..part number....I am not trying to be lazy but the design of my COE is such that maintenance/tune up would require removing the engine cover which is a 6 hour job just to remove....not to mention the assorted cuss words and beers!!!!

Thanks for your help.

Bob C.

AC 44 plugs are still available, by the truckload! We use 43's and 44's on the race engines with the early-type cylinder heads all the time. You need to find a better parts store, preferrably one that caters to professional shops, not do-it-yourself tinkerers. Platinum plugs are just sucker-bait. They don't really do much other than separate you from more money every time you change plugs. The Champion premium plugs with the black insulator might be worthwhile, as they're designed for delivery trucks, and other heavy-duty use. A good parts store should have an interchange chart which will let them choose the correct substitute for the original-equipment AC part.
Jerry

I use readily available NGK XR5 plugs in my old trucks. They are an extended tip resistor type equal to an AC43S. In a big truck, an AC 42 0r 43 type is a better application.Try these guys in Canada lots of plugs at good prices
Email me at [email protected], I can help you out with NGK non resistor plugs equal to AC 42S's

Thanks for your advice Jerry.....

I will keep what I have as dust caps.....and find a better source.....

....will be contacting you "Truckedup"..... and will check that Canadian address...

Bob C.

I agree with Hotrod - You need to find a new parts store! BUT, sometimes a DIY store can help you just as good as a Pro Shop. You just didn't happen to have any luck there. I am a Store Manager for Advance Auto Parts the second largest automotive retailer in the world and I would much rather cater to the old car enthusiast than to the person driving the brand new Lexus. The person with the older vehicle usually has a clue what they are talking about.
You need to find a "PARTS" person not a counter guy. You need someone that knows how to read a parts catalog because the info you are looking for is not readily available. AC44's are still available and if you find a "Parts Guy" you will find what you are looking for.
Thanks
Jay

Speed, I was a loyal Advance customer, to the tune of a couple of thousand dollars' worth of parts per month for my high school auto shop, until an arrogant manager cost me $400.00 in repairs by selling me a wrong part. I took my claim all the way to corporate headquarters, and was basically told "Tough break!" I use a different supplier now!
Jerry

Hotrod,
I am sorry for your inconveince with our company. I know that there are some guys out there that just care about the $$$$. I am all for the customers, you guys are the reason I have a job. They put me in the stores that are hurting so I can turn around team moral and get sales back up where they belong. I came from a tech school, that is were I learned the trade and if ever there was a customer to keep satisfied it is you guys, thats where the future parts pros are, I have a couple employees that have come from McCann tech ( the school I went to ). I know its to late to help you out now and I truley am sorry for the problems you were givin.
Thanks
jay

I'm prety much over the situation now, and I'm not condemning the company in general, but it was a pretty unpleasant experience. When Adv. came to the Nashville area, they made a real attempt to hire parts professionals, not computer operators, and I was very impressed with their performance. I still do a little business there, but my shop account is with a competitor, who gives me similar prices, and even delivers! A good parts man can really make the difference in a professional shop's success, or failure! A jobber I used for my shop in California even put a stock of parts in my shop on consignment, and they would buy a part from their competitior, if necessary, to supply my needs. That kind of support is hard to find now.
Jerry

I here ya, Thats how I am. I have gone as far as to drive over an hour on my own time just to get parts for my accounts. Customer service is the number one priority, making sales just follows suit.