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| | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 33 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 33 | I'm switching to HEI ignition this weekend and have a question about spark plugs. Do I need to buy different type plugs or go with same and just regap at .045? Any comments welcome. What plugs do you guys recommend (type and number for 283 V8)?
Leon Stallings
Hartsville, SC
1965 Chevy C20 LWB
1965 Chevy C10 LWB
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Regap the original plugs to .045. If it still has the original type heads with the flat seat & gasket I would use AC R-45S or R44S.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,718 Moderator: 60-66 Trucks; North Eastern Bolters | | Moderator: 60-66 Trucks; North Eastern Bolters Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,718 | Dumb question maybe, but what does regapping the plugs do? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 Riding in the Passing Lane | | Riding in the Passing Lane Joined: Jun 2004 Posts: 8,597 | Dumb question maybe, but what does regapping the plugs do? It gives a fatter spark. The HEI puts out more voltage. With the large cap & 8 MM wires there is less chance of crossfire.
They say money can't buy happiness. It can buy old Chevy trucks though. Same thing. 1972 Chevy c10 Cheyenne SuperIn the Gallery Forum | | | | | Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,718 Moderator: 60-66 Trucks; North Eastern Bolters | | Moderator: 60-66 Trucks; North Eastern Bolters Joined: May 2007 Posts: 1,718 | So bigger spark equals better running (more efficient) motor. I did not change the gap on my plugs when I went to HEI, but it sounds like I should. Thanks. | | | | | Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 843 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2010 Posts: 843 | Valk, here's a link to HEI conversion info. http://www.chevytalk.org/fusionbb/showtopic.php?tid/261743/This guy, ignition man, is an expert on every aspect of the GM HEI ignition and has posted numerous times on how to optimize it. There are many simply accomplished tweaks that can be done, for example simple parts to optimize the centrifugal and vacuum advance curves for your particular application. If your advance weights have plastic bushings NAPA has inexpensive replacements.
Ray
| | | | | Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 33 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Jul 2008 Posts: 33 | Thanks for all the advice. Got the HEI installed and regapped plugs the AC stock plugs at .045. It was a very tight fit up against the firewall of the '65 but it made it. Seems to be running fine.
Leon Stallings
Hartsville, SC
1965 Chevy C20 LWB
1965 Chevy C10 LWB
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